New medication

[Amber98]

I posted this on Depression side too, I don't know which one to stick too since i have both anxiety & depression.

I'm 21 and i've been depressed since I was about 8 or 9.

I wrote on this forum months ago about my trial with effexor. I recently stopped taking it because after having my dose increased more and more, my psychiatrist realized it wasn't doing anything for me.

Now i'm taking Wellbutrin XL 150 mg for one week, then I have to take 2 tables totalling 300mg. Has anyone had good results with this? So far i've been taking it for a week and it's made my anxiety 1000 times worse. My eyes are twitching, I feel so stressed, I can't sleep for even 10 minutes and I cry several times throughout the day.
I feel trapped inside of my self right now, the psych gave me sleeping pills and even with that I can't fall asleep. I just end up feeling like crap for the whole day. I've only recently started recalling events from my past that I never used to remember. Everytime I think about it (I cant stop thinking), I start crying.


Also, my friend's birthday is this saturday and there's going to be so much alcohol at her event. If people ask me why im not drinking, I don't want to tell them I'm on medication. I've also used alcohol a lot to ease my stress so I am afraid I might start drinking. Do you think I can have one drink or no?

[Amber98]

Thanks a lot for your response! I will not be drinking that night, I refuse to put myself at risk :)

& my doctor has referred me to group counseling/therapy at a local hospital. Still waiting on the appointment.

[mammo]

Have you discussed how you are feeling with your doctor?  This would be best to determine if this is just your body adjusting to the Wellbutrin or it may be too stimulationg for you, it does have stimulating qualities. It sounds like your anxiety may have a root cause from your past and this needs to be addressed with a therapist.  Tell your doctor about these painful thoughts that are now coming to you so he can refer you to the proper therapist.  Many people have good results with Wellbutrin, but it's an individual thing as to how we as individuals respond to these types of medications.  While one may have  excellent results, another may not.  Unfortunately, with these types of medications it is often trial and error which is very frustrating, but once you find the right one, it's well worth it!  Always work closely with your doctor regarding your medications, they know you will have questions and want to know how you are doing.  As to why you won't be drinking at the party, why not be the leader and just say you don't feel like drinking alcohol.  It takes more to stand up to your peers than to follow them, and they can only respect you for this!  It is not recommended that you mix alcohol with these medications, it can have deadly results.  You don't owe anyone an explanation, what's important it getting yourself better!  Don't put all this pressure on yourself to explain anything to anyone, you're merely exercising your right to choose.  I wish you all the best and take care!