Antidepressants- Antidepressants - Antidepressants -Wellbutrin and Others

[jmjm530]

Antidepressants. Talked to my therapist about them today. I'm not  depressed in the sense that I'm "depressed" but feeling mentally sluggish, hard to get out there and get going. Little motivation. Besides going to the gym, not being very productive. Been down so long with tx, thought I may need a little "jump start" in the form of an AD to get back up.

Hopefully your collective experience will give me some insight. I never took antidepressants (AD's) so this is all very new to me.

Therapist recommended Wellbutrin. This is an SSNI as opposed to the slightly newer SSRI's but he still likes it. Therapist thought Wellbutrin was the more "energizing" of the different alternatives.

Anyone try Wellbutrin (active ingredient bupropion)? He also mentioned Efflexor as another option.

The ADs I'm familiar with are the SSRI's like Prosac, Zoloft, Lexipro, etc. They seem to be more popular here.want. Therapist is very open in terms of what I can take.

Has anyone tried both SSRI's and SSNI's like Wellbutrin? What is the difference?

Any info is appreciated regarding any ADs you may be familiar with. What to expect? How long they take to kick in? Any side effects? Were they energizing or the opposite? Did they help motivate and give you focus? Did you take them during treatment or when not treating,as I imagine there may be a diffence.  Currently, I'm 19 weeks post treatment.

-- Jim  

[kellylynnmc]

I am currently on 20mg of paxil, and my therapist is now trying to wein me from...
20mg of paxil with 10mg of celexa first week
10mg of paxil with 20mg of celexa second week
20mg of celexa alone the third week with no paxil.
Has anyone else done this? I am very nervous an need support, I have been on paxil for about 8 years an it seems to be taking a toll on my body now that im not liking. I feel so lost an alone...

[jmjm530]

Just wanted to thank everyone for their experiences and insights. This kind of input is very helpful.

-- Jim

[jmjm530]

Thanks man for reminding me! That used to the first thing I'd check out with any drug during treatment. Because of the "flow" I stayed away from any decongestants and some other stuff can't seem to remember. Even took Flomax for a while although not crazy about its side effects. Anyway, the "flow" has been much better lately and the last thing I want is more problems. Hopefully Wellbutrin won't affect it. I'll definitely ask my doc and will do some research now. I forgot -- do you have any prostate issues and are you on any meds such as Flomax or Proscar? Actually I was supposed to start Proscar a few months ago but like I said, things have been getting better and I'm kinda a watch and wait guy anyway :)

-- Jim

[Morgaina]

Hi, I found one of the links for dhea. Its worked well for me, but any more than 25mg. at once will make me feel speedy. I can use 2 doses am and pm if I'm going to some function but I really dont know what I'll use or need if I've cleared this virus. Good chance this is too buried for you to ever see, let me know if you do, OK...........Diane

Oh yeah, the link (still needing some brain repairs)
http://www.life-enhancement.com/article_template.asp?ID=264

[beamishboy]

one more matter to consider in regards to some AD's-they can enlarge prostate and reduce "the flow"...i understand this may be a concern for you-Do we know TOO much about forum members? (-:

[beamishboy]

i can't rem dosage of wellbutrin-probably was just the standard,but my doc always cautious..the xanax does stimulate in a v mild&friendly way-maybe just me? but i use it v sparingly ,at most 4 times aweek..it is fast acting and can save the day and reduce stress..i won't take it in the evening cause insomnia  ensues..that's a problem that needs no encouragemnt ...Heck you have alot of options & i'm sure you will solve this ...Before trx i used samE as  livertonic-but it also improved my mood & energy,esp when taken w/ good cupa strong java....that might help?

[beamishboy]

i can't rem dosage of wellbutrin-probably was just the standard,but my doc always cautious..the xanax does stimulate in a v mild&friendly way-maybe just me? but i use it v sparingly ,at most 4 times aweek..it is fast acting and can save the day and reduce stress..i won't take it in the evening cause insomnia  ensues..that's a problem that needs no encouragemnt ...Heck you have alot of options & i'm sure you will solve this ...Before trx i used samE as  livertonic-but it also improved my mood & energy,esp when taken w/ good cupa strong java....that might help?

[jmjm530]

Thanks for sharing your experience. Yeah, a double-expresso would be nice about now :) Do you remember your dose? I thought Wellbutrin only came in one dose that was taken 2X a day with the newer XL formulation dosed once a day. Are you sure you're talking about Xanax for energy? I thought it was a sedative?

[NYgirl]

Honestly it's hard to nkow what ANY specific medication is doing any more because we're (I'm) on so many of them.  Honestly since I take it every NIGHT with my Ambien CR but I don't really sleep well maybe it IS  keeping me up and I don't know it?

You know?  It's just gotten to the point where it's impossible to tell unless one more is added at a time (but I started all these at the same time or so).

I think talking to a shrink would be best - they should know how people react to one compared to another without any riba or ambien or anything affecting the way it's PERCEIVED to be acting.

You know what I am trying to say?

[jmjm530]

I hear you. When I was on treatment didn't know what was causing what, just so much going on. My shrink is quite knowlegeable about the pharmokenetics (sp?) of these drugs but it's always useful to get the "field" experience for such a diverse group as this. I'm definitely somewhat filtering comments from those that have taken ADs solely on treatment from those who have taken ADs off of treatment, although I'm interested in all coments.

Hope sides are treating you as well as can be expected and all the best luck with DR. J. I know you expect him to say 72 weeks but I wouldn't be surprised if he lets you off the hook with 60. Just a wild guess but he and Dr. D. are "the man" in the NY area, so you will be well served whatever he advises. BTW you might mention you fudgicle addition to him and ask if it's a permanent side or not :)

-- Jim

[NYgirl]

Dr. J day is ten days away........I wont mind doing 72 if it will really help me improve the odds that much you know?  I don't EVER want to do this again if I can help it. Not even if they come out with a painfree/sidefree drug - I'd rather try and get rid of it now.

I can't wait to see what he says but I still need to come up with the CASH to pay him.  Hoping my parents will lend it until I can submit to insurance. $600 for a new patient visit. WOW. I just dont have extra cash like that laying around...no way!

(I have such a list for Dr. J he's gonna throw me OUT I have so many questions to throw at him lol)

[jmjm530]

It's worth the cash to get pointed in the right direction. If you think you might want to treat with him, you can always ask if he will accept an assignment from your insurance company. Sometimes they do that after the first visit.

A little advice I learned the hard way. A list of questions is great, but at times in the past I so peppered the doctor with questions that I lost out on a real opportunity to get all of his thoughts which may have gone beyond my concerns. And with someone like Dr. J. you really want to hear what HE has to say first without rushing his thoughts to get in your questions.

Regarding the questions, definitely prioritize the list and weed out the stuff maybe his NP could answer, as you'll probably meet with both.

All the best with your consult.

-- Jim

[jmjm530]

Yeah, sure could use more "smiles". LOL. Sounds like you're taking Wellbutrin and not Wellbutrin XL which I believe is a newer formulation. Wellbutrin XL is once a day dosing while reg Wellbutrin I think is 2X a day. I guess you don't know how these things will hit you until you take them. How long was it before you felt the effects after you started. Thanks.

-- Jim

[sailinlady]

I started taking ad's about a year prior to treatment.  It had nothing to due with the Hep C rather several personal crises that all happened within a few months.

Zoloft made me tired and seemed to do nothing at all.  My dr. then put me on Paxil which helped me maintain my emotions and function at first.  After a few months on the Paxil I lost all energy and just wanted to cry.  Again, this was prior to tx.

Just before I started tx I was put on Effexor.  I believe it helped me considerably thru some of the real rough days in tx.  I'm still taking it and don't know that I ever want to stop.  I am much more rational emotionally and feel like I have more energy.

Just me experience.  Hope it helps with your decision.

[MissMiss]

I think I noticed within a week or two.  Sort of a gradual Wow, I feel better! I was still pretty fatigued from the HCV but had a much better attitude about everything.  I laughed with the kids a lot more, even had a higher libido!  That's another side effect I hear.

Yes, mine is the SR.  I don't feel the need to update to the new one.  Initially I could tell when I would forget to take it but now, especially with all these drugs, I take it for a few weeks when I feel the need.  Hoping not to need it at all soon.  

Good luck with your choice and I sure hope it helps you.

miss

[beamishboy]

i used wellbutrin for awhile & i did indeed gain a double expresso effect-i did not mind at all as depression can be physically tiring...i used v low dose & it worked well for me....Lexapro can mess w/ libido-Now that's depressing!!...Xanax might fit your bill-take when needed only;gives ya an energy boost and will help you to see the beauty that is life...i never used AD's before trx,but if you need them,don't hesitate-GOOD LUCK,hey what about an "illegal smile;it don't cost very much,but lasts along while.."??

[jmjm530]

Got it. In my case I don't want to be "chilled out" but heated a bit :) On the other hand, from my limited knowledge of these drugs they can often have multiple effects -- in other words, while the drug may chill one person out, they may also give another more energy, or so I think. More to discuss with the shrink.

[GrandOak]

Just so happens I have a 15 yr old son who particpated in an anti-psycotic drug study last winter because of the very topic for which you posted the article link for as more research is being done to determine why teens on AD's have a higher rate of suicide.

He was initially diagnosed as being depressed and put on AD's.  After being on AD's he expressed having more suicidal thoughts, which landed him a weeks stay in the adolescent observation ward at the University of Minnesota.  But as a result of that visit, he also was selected to participate in the study in which he was given Seroquel, which fortuantely also looked like the most promising drug in the study.

Bottom line is that the study found many teens are being mis-diagnosed with depression when they may actually be suffering from varying forms of schizophrenia or psychosis.  Also, that giving person suffering from either of these AD's results in them being more violent with suicidal tendencies.

Sorry I do not have a link for the study he was involved in at my finger tips, but for those interested, this one explains the issue a bit more:

http://www.schizophrenia.com/sznews/archives/003697.html

[Dale_Ray]

My doctor forced me into Welbutron (?) and I went in with a negative attitude. Results were no sleep (nice side while on riba) and made me very snappy (wife will attest to this). I stopped taking them and I felt better. I haven't taken any of them since week 7 or 8 and had to start them one month prior to treatment beginning. My doctor did tell me one day that if you aren't experiencing a chemical imbalance that taking these uptake drugs can have some weird sides. I really just wanted you to know about the sleep problem I had though. Dale

[MissMiss]

Hello Jim,

I'll just add my experience with AD's-Wellbutrin.

About ten years ago I saw a doc for an unrelated thing and the first thing he wanted to talk about was my depression.  I had been depressed for a lot of years (I suspect because of HCV) but without ins or $, treating it was not an option.  I took extra B, etc but to no avail.  I was truly suffering from depression.  

He tried me on something, maybe Paxil, don't remember, but it didn't work.  Then Wellbutrin, and it was night and day.  My script is for two a day but I generally only take one in the morning. Taken too late at night does keep you up.  Then I get two months for the price of one!  lol

At first it was "energizing" in that it really took the depression away.  After all these years I don't take it regularly, only during certain spells of depression.  They say it must build to a certain level in your blood.  Another strange thing is I still couldn't quit smoking while on it but it is often rx'd for that.

A friend tried it and couldn't quit smiling, even on a low dose.  We're all different but if it works, then it works.  I hate taking it but hate feeling bad too.  

Good luck with your decision, it can't be easy for you.  

miss

[Morgaina]

I have always battled extremely low energy and depression (hepc?) Before treatment I used DHEA for about a year and really found it effective. It is not legal in Canada as FDA still has not approved it. (I get it from the states). I tried Effexor when I started treatment but HATED it and switched to Prozac which I dont notice any altered feelings, just a little energy and not having to think about standing up for 10 min before doing it. My doc also tried me on seroquel at night to deal with insomnia and help with anxiety. I couldn't sleep, it gave me "restless leg syndrome" which is crazy-making. Now I use prozac in am and remeron in pm to help with sleep. It's a good combo, Prozac is a SSRI and remeron actually supplies more seratonin for the Prozac to use. And both doses are low so it should be easier to stop them when its time. I never took DHEA while on treatment but I'm starting to again and cut back the prozac. Sorry I never have links like you guys but google it in relation to antidepressant use, there is some good info and it really does help with energy.Hard to believe I'm not only talking about these drugs with first hand knowledge but am taking them. Used to be such a wienie about anything altering or stabalizing. Saw it as a reflexion of me.

[Pdilly]

Antidepressants.... they can be a good thing.  Sometimes one does not know they are depressed.  I didn't..just knew I had a hard time wanting to do anything (even those things that I and everyone knew I loved to do).  Also I found I was sleeping less and less.  When it got to where I was sleeping 20 hours a week I finially went to the doctor.  He put me on  Citalopram which is a generic for something not sure.  Anyway, I was on it for six months and then pulled myself off.  I tell you I feel like a new person.  Maybe they could perscribe something on the mild side that would do the trick.  Its worth a try for six months and see if it lands you in a different place.  I think alot of people (me included originally) think you have to be loony to take them but I found out that no you don't.

[Paris47]

I do hope your son is ok from this study,
my son was misdiagnosed when young & resulted in
long term affects to this day and he is 23.
One drug they think (forget the name)
but I know it started with an "R", the drs.
think he became diabetic due to being on that
drug for just a short period of time.

It's hard to live with being misdiagnosed
but the family history is so strong that the
drs I think, were doing there best, at least
that's what I say so I can live with the results
of his ealier prescribed drugs.

He takes wellburtrin now, (and actually many other drugs
along with his insulin (two types-humolog & lantus)
the wellburtrin he says does help him, but I
don't think he would need it, if he was properly diagnosed
when first symptons appeared, and I don't think its a drug
for just random giving out, the big deal about this drug
is somehow they linked it to assisting people with quiting smoking, my son uses it as an aid for concentration, and then other drugs for seizures, which are not controllable & affects concentration, long term and short term memory..
anyway enough of my son's story

I just hope your son is ok.

[jennkPA]

Hi Jim-
Years before treatment I was on Zoloft after beginning my road
to recovery from drug addiction. At the time I was not ready
to deal with myself through therapy so they put me on Zoloft,
after 3 weeks when nothing happened, they increased my dose. I was on it for quite a few months, though personally I don't think it did much good. It did sort of chill me out, but that really wasn't too much help, and like you said earlier, this could be different w/ different people.

Anyway, I went through a few months of therapy last year and it helped much more--not that the therapist was any help (I stopped seeing her after she fell asleep while I was talking) but the talking through things did. 4 years ago when I began my "successful" recovery I found that going back to school which forced me to engage w/ others was the best help out of anything. I still get depressed in the summer, right about this time, when my summer class is over and fall semester hasn't begun. Anyway, hope this helps, I don't know, it's a bit rambling...wow