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Mental Health (Expert Forum)
wellbutrin and seroquel withdrawal?
Answered by
Roger Gould, M.D. - Mental Health, Wellness
Questions posted in the Mental Health forum are being answered by Dr. Roger L. Gould, author of the Mastering Stress and Depression program and affiliated with the UCLA. Department of Psychiatry. Topics covered include anger, attention deficit disorder (ADD), bipolar disorder, dementia, electroconvulsive therapy (ECT), learning disabilities, memory, obsessive compulsive disorder (OCD), panic, personality disorders, phobias, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), schizophrenia, stress, transitions, and work problems.
wellbutrin and seroquel withdrawal?
by mixed up, Aug 28, 2004 12:00AM
I, 56-year-old female was on wellbutrin and seroquel for the last 2.5 years for GAD and depression, following a psychotic 5 days in an acute care hospital. i also take provigil as needed for daytime sleepiness. The wellbutrin was 100sr generic, and seroquel 75, of which I take 1/3 of seroquel as needed for anxiety. i recently went off the wellbutrin (not tapered)--about a month ago, because i have been transitioning to a new job in a new town and while on wellbutrin I am a happy robot, unable to initiate anything. however, for 9 years i still have at least one panic attack between 3 and 6 am.Nothing will fix it. i have a CPAP for non-obstructive apnea and had a recent sleep study which recorded a confused panic episode with negative brain and oxygen results. The seroquel is sedating but confusing. BUT:I have had no bad effects from the wellbutrin withdrawal since ending the wellbutrin except this week--is it wellbutrin withdrawal? I have just moved and will start my new job next week. i have had several severe nocturnal episodes this week, so started taking the seroquel more regularly--~25mg/day. the other nite I had to go to the ER with delusions, shaking,repeating the same word over and over, pulling my hair, High BP, snaky limbs, and inability to move my back and neck muscles--all from a sudden wake-up from sleep. this delusional reaction hasn't happened before. After hearing all my info,and doing blood work, the only question the ER Dr asked was about the seroquel--how long I had been taking it--and then gave me some shot and a Rx for Xanax, dropped me off at home the same nite. Needless to say, i have not taken the Xanax but continue with the seroquel. i have yet to get a Dr here, but am trying to remain sane enough to plan some appointments.It has been 3 days and every nite i have several attacks starting in sleep.The seroquel confuses me and every day i am agitated, panicky--but the worst is--not really "at home" in my body. I live alone.VERY SCARY. Is this the seroquel, late wellbutrin withdrawal,or what? I start work in 2 days and have no Drs appts yet. HELP!
Doctor's Answer
by Roger Gould, M.D., Aug 30, 2004 12:00AM
, Aug 30, 2004 12:00AM
I would like to help but can't really help too much from this distance. I would think that the newness of your situation is much more of a factor in stirring up your sensitive anxiety system than the medications, but only a good session can sort that out properly. I urge you to talk to old friends about your anxiety about starting new like this, get sleep through medications, and get a new doctor as soon as possible.
Anyway, sorry for my personal ranting, my main point is suddenly stopping wellbutrin can feel worse than being burned alive...SLOWLY. So, I am saying that could be the culprit, and hopefully it will work out of your system.
Good Luck to all, and Happy Thanksgiving!
Liz.