After 6 months wellbutrin seems to not be working

[kstone320]

I have successfully been on wellbutrin (300mg/day) for 6 months.  For 4 of those months I was also on effexor but my doctor and I tapered myself off of the effexor because I disliked the side effects.  For the last 10 days I have noticed myself getting more and more depressed.  Is this normal for wellbutrin or any other drug to stop working?  I am worried about this as the last time I sank it was pretty bad.

[Rainbow_Ike]

At a certain point, my psychiatrist told me that there is a limit to what medications can use (I'm also on wellbutin, and klonopin for anxiety) He suggested psychotherapy, and getting involved in something other than my problems - like socializing.

That MAY be why those things are making you feel better, too.

I've been on Wellbutirn since 1998 or 1999, and I have not noticed it getting 'weaker", except when my life is getting more difficult. No amount of medication will help that, according to my doctor.

I've found recently that hobbies, like writing, distract me from my symptoms.

Ike
New York City

[kstone320]

Thanks for the advice.  I have called my doctor but can't get in until next week.  My lows have gotten lower but I also experience some good times, too.  This confuses me, sometimes my lows are so low I feel helpless but then after some time spent with friends or my children
(18 and 20) I feel much better.  If my depression is biochemical then why does it help so much to spend time with friends?

[M4Y0U]

Yes, both medication was taking care of all you monoamies (serotonin, norepinephrine and dopamine). Now you only have a dopamine and norepinephrine reuptake inhibition. Wellbutrin is most effective when combined with a SSRI like Prozac or Lexapro/Celexa etc. or as an aid to stop smoking.

M4