wellbutrin + anxiety

[nyprof]

hi,
i went off antidepressants (effexor) in december (after 15 yrs on), have stayed on xanax (1 to 3 .5mgs a day as needed) and have been fine, got my energy back. BUT i  just had major depressive episode (zombie/like paralysis, constant sobbing and deep sadness, difficulty sleeping) coupled with my normal anxiety (external factors involved such as surgery recuperation, serious family and relationship problems. but who knows how internal and external issues fuse?). wanted to stay off effexor due to low libido side effects (am in a relationship which is suffering) . had taken 150 mgs wellbutrin in the past along with effexor and was fine. now  went back on wellbutrin 8 days ago (first 2-4 days of 75 mgs, then went up to 150). also take 5-10 mgs ambien for sleep. shrink out of town. depression is subsiding, but am extremely scarily anxious & xanax calms it down. don't know what to do, could the wellbutrin be making anxiety worse? might it be temporary early side effect? ....read posts and everyone is different and they make me a little more nuts! NOT being on meds is no longer an option.

[Roger Gould, M.D.]

Yes, the wellbutrin could be making it worse because it has a slight stimulant effect, and if anxiety is the issue until your doctor comes back, then you might want to stick with the xanax and not try to self medicate yourself.

[nyprof]

thank you for your quick response. i agree, since the type of anxiety i am experiencing is not familiar to or normal for me at all. since i have only been on the wellbutrin for a week (few days at 75, few at 150mgs), would it be wise to just not take it anymore or better to taper off. i realize that you are not my doctor, but right now i have no one else to turn to (mine comes back the 25th and have appt) and you may be able to provide guidelines re getting off wellbutrin.
with ,much appreciation,
nyprof