Wellbutrin and Irritability

[GG4362]

Hi, I was wondering if you could help...  I am taking Wellbutrin (after being on Zoloft with good results but extreme fatigue and weight gain).  My doctor bumped me up from 150mg to 300mg of Wellbutrin after I complained of extreme irritability... just very quick to get angry and can't control it, feeling very "up and down".  I have been on the 300mg for almost one month and haven't noticed any resolution to the anger.  I've heard (and a doctor recommended to a friend) to take 5-HTP to stabilize mood swings.

My questions:
1.  Is it possible that another increase in Wellbutrin would help or would it possibly increase my anger problem?
2.  How long are you supposed to give Wellbutrin to get the full effects?  Maybe I haven't waited long enough?  It's been about 2 months total to be on Wellbutrin.
3. Can you take 5-HTP with Wellbutrin?
4. Does it sound as if I should wean off Wellbutrin and try something else?

I'm sure you wonder why I don't just ask my doc these questions... well, it is because I don't have a "regular" doctor and never have.  I only see my OB-GYN. I know that Mental Health should not be of her concern (although she has never complained).  I feel I am asking too many questions and having to bother her too much for any more of all this.

I appreciate any help you can offer.  Thanks so much...

[Roger Gould, M.D.]

The problem is that you are basically treating yourself, and you are relying on medications to resolve a life problem, your anger. You are angry about something, and you should be working on that, and if you can't do it alone, ask for a referal to a good therapist.  I would not recommend adding 5-htp to wellbutrin.  Also, you should have an effect by now, but wellbutrin is not a particularly strong medication, and if you are going to ask for a change, ask about Lexapro,or Celexa.

[GG4362]

Thank you. I am beginning to realize the anger-issue....  I will talk to my doctor again when my annual exam is due because I don't know what to do about meds, stop altogether or get on something else.

If you can, could you tell me from your experience if most people have weight gain and exhaustion issues with Lexapro or Celexa?  

I forgot to mention earlier that every single morning I awake to completely numb and tingling fingers.  I am concerned this is a serious problem with Wellbutrin... If so, I'll call me doc immediately or otherwise I will just deal with it.

[AlishaEL]

I also take Wellbutrin and am concerned about numb and tingling fingers.  I have been on the drug for about a week and I just started experiencing this sensation.  I want to know if this is serious or not because Wellbutrin greatly helps my severe depression.  My prescription increases by 100 mg every week until I reach 400 mg a day.

Is the tingling or numb sensation in my fingertips dangerous or normal?

Should I speak to my doctor about taking something else?

What should I expect with increased dosages?

[kristink908]

I took zoloft for a year afgter having baby, gained 30 pounds and was tired all the time.
they did the wellbutrin thing too, yuck i was mean as hell to everyone and I am not normally a mean person so it could be a chemical thing with you.
best thing i did was "GET OUT" get out with people, socialize, exercise, be alive again
NO drug can replace real life and real living,  take an occassional xanax for anxiety if needed but try to get off all drugs@!