Anxiety? Withdrawal? Something else?

[Miranda529]

I stopped taking Wellbutrin, rather abruptly, at Thanksgiving. Spent 4 weeks off of a regular dose of 150mg with no unusual symptoms.  Started taking 150mg again Day after Christmas - had first attack and continued feelings of anxiety and panic.  Recurring panic attacks lead me back to the psychiatrist, where I was told to discontinue the Wellbutrin.  Discontinued Wellbutrin XL 150 over two weeks, tapered dosage.  One week after dosage taper onset of debilitating symptoms, of which many are difficult to describe:  headaches, facial pain, difficulty reading, sensitivity to light and sound, head "pressure" feeling, unable to concentrate/feeling cloudy, jumpy vision, dizziness, balance problems, and fatigue.  

What particularly bothers me is that I am practically unable to comprehend words on a page, like my eyes are in pain or strained.  Headaches are relentless.  Sense that body is moving/rocking slightly at all times - especially head, like after you've run on a treadmill and stopped suddenly.  Dizziness.  

I don't believe I quite know what to make of this, nor has the physician treating me.  Could this be withdrawal?  Could this be effects of long periods of stress?

Please help!

[cj29]

I am sorry you are having a difficult time with this.  With me, anxiety can sometimes tend to ebb and flow a little bit.  Sometimes you can be on top of a mountain then the next thing you know you can be in the valley below.  Through all of this, have you been able to have access to a therapist?  I know it is sometimes hard to find the right one or even have access to one, but I find it can help out tremendously.  Just keep working through this and keep those questions and concerns coming!

[Miranda529]

I'd been on it (this time around) about 3 months, before I stopped it suddenly around Thanksgiving.  No problems for 4 weeks.

Then, after going back on it, the symptoms began so the doctor weaned me off in about two weeks.

Uncertain whether the cause is stress, although it pays a factor I'm certain.  I have a hard time driving, like I can't visually comprehend what I am seeing.  My head just feels very heavy and I have a lot of pressure behind my ears.  Noise certainly exacerbates.  I don't physically feel anxious, but it is obvious to me that something is affecting how I react to the outside world.  Seems to be better when I am in my house, at home.  Worse when I drive, or when I am out and about.  

I started taking Lorazepam today, although I don't notice any difference in how I feel physically.  

[cj29]

Stopping medications like these quickly can really cause many unwanted side effects in my opinion.  How long were you on it?  When I came off of an AD, I initially got unwanted side effects and went back to the doctor and suggested a slower taper which did WONDERS for me.  Coming off of these can really be a challenge, but it can be done!  Stress can also cause many symptoms....it can definitely wear on us both physically and mentally!  You will get through it! Keep us posted!