wellbutrin and seroquel withdrawal?

[mixed up]

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!

[Roger Gould, M.D.]

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.

[Dokar]

I am suffering from severe wellbutrin withdrawl.  I was taking 300mg Xl for about 8 months, then I would forget to take it one day, take it the next, forget 5 days, etc.  I went do the Dr. which was very hard, I almost passed out trying to make an appointment.  We thought it was my thyroid or hypothaimus causing me to sweat, feel weak, nausiease, sweat when it's 60 degrees, etc.  We found everythign was normal, then he asked me about my Wellbutrin, I told him, and he said that he was suprised I wasn't in the hospital under intensive care.  It may not be as bad for you since you were just taking 100mg, but I can tell you abrubtly stopping wellbutrin can be fatal in some cases, it's very very scary.  You have to ween off of it, I am trying this approach now, I still can't even change my babies diaper without almost passing out, it's so scary, I have never felt so bad in my entire life, I was given valium, but I took 5mg, nothing, 10mg, nothing, 20mg, nothinh...and this is WITH a muscle relaxant.  It was supposed to make me sleep but it does nothing and I suffer all day every day wanting to die from the constant pain, nausia, hyperthermia, etc.  Sad thing is I am afraid to tell my DR. the Valium isn't working, since it's a controlled addictive substance and even higher doses have no effect I don't think he would believe me, and think I just wanted stronger narcotics.



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.

[Faith101]

I can definately relate to Dokar.  I was on 150 mg of Wellbutrin for two weeks then upped to 300 mg for approx 2 weeks.  I started getting severe stomach pains, overall feeling of not being well. severe constipation.  Was in bed for days, went to the ER in the middle of the night with severe stomach pains and yellowing of my skin and eyes. I was so frightened! Didn't know then what was wrong with me.  They took blood tests and ct scan, only to find that I was severely constipated  Gave me laxatives and sent me home.  That was 3 weeks ago, only today can I say that I'm starting to feel better.  Very weak, taking a shower and going to the grocery store was a chore.I'm so grateful for the people that have written into this site.  It's comforting to know that this is REAL. My doctor claims that I should be over these symptoms by now, I think he's just covering because I was giving Wellbutrin immediately after being abruptly taken off of Strattera.  Both were given for mild depression.  Right now I'm not on anything and if possible do not plan on taking anything for depression , most of these drugs do not agree with me and cause major side effects and withdrawal. But that's just for me, I know these drugs can be life saving. I was on Prozac for years, but came off because of the sexual side effects.  What a mistake, that was the least of my side effects compared to this!!

Good Luck to all, and Happy Thanksgiving!

[nile]

I too was on serequol for about two months and it made me feel not at home in my body....I up to 200 and not down to 25 I feel horrible....my anxiety is worst and my panic attacks are forever present causing me to take ativan...(just in case)....my psch says take benedryll for the shakes and bad attitude slepplesness.blurry vision.....I feel like i can not live like this.....

[Liz Serequol]

My heart goes out to you.  I have only been on Serequol for 3 weeks and I feel like you are describing.  I started on 50 mg and after a week the doctor put me on 25 mg AND I HATE THE WAY I FEEL.  I actually think it is ADDING to my stress levels!!!  I am in Australia.  I have just rung our Lifeline who put me onto an Anxiety Disorders group.  I have placed a call requesting a GP in my area who MAY recognize anxiety when he sees it and doesn't freak when he hears there is bipolar in my family.  And IF this Serequol has been prescribed just for the anxiety, I would like to believe there is SOMETHING BETTER than this.  I do not like my life at the moment either - but I AM going to persevere - coz I know it will get better.  Hang in there.
Liz.