Combination of Wellbutrin and Klonopin

I've been diagnosed bipolar for the past 8 1/2 yrs now and my meds have changed over the years.  Currently I'm on 500mg of Depakote twice a day; 100mg of Wellbutrin twice a day; 50mg of Wellbutrin once a day; 1mg of Klonopin once a day; 5mg of Visken once a day to control side effects of shakes from Wellbutrin; and 5mg of Zyprxa once a day.  Since Thanksgiving I've been having alot of anxiety.  Can anxiety attacks bring on IBS?  My primary doctor once told me I was getting IBS from the combo of wellbutrin and klonopin because one causes diarhea (diarrhea) and other causes constipation.  Is he right or do you think I should insist on seeing a stomach doctor?  Also, will taking more klonopin stop these anxiety attacks?

[HFHS MD-JM]

Diane,

     Wellbutrin can cause constipation and klonopin is generally not associated with diarrhea or constipation.  IBS is commonly exacerbated by anxiety and stress.  Additional klonopin may in fact be helpful to decrease anxiety.  Depakote commonly cause gastrointestinal distress which can improve over time and is better if taken with food.  Depakote sprinkle formulation also has less GI distress associated with it.  Please discuss these issues further with your psychiatrist.

Sincerely,

HFHS MD-JM

Keywords: Depakote, Klonopin, Irritable Bowel Syndrome