1. < Prostate Cancer

ADT, depression and Wellbutrin

Posted by robertmizek @robertmizek, Jan 31 6:49pm

It’s not often that I get a chance to be on the forum anymore, but I thought my experience might be worthwhile to fellow prostate cancer warriors that are dealing with depression as a result of ADT.

Wellbutrin has been a game changer for me. After being on ADT for 6 months I started to develop moderate/serious depression. At 69 years of age, I had never dealt with depression, so I was an unfamiliar territory. I asked for pharmaceutical help from my oncologist and tried a number of things that did not work out. Finally, based on a family members experience with Wellbutrin, I asked for and received a prescription from my PCP. Not only am I no longer depressed, but I feel like I’ve got more energy, no brain fog and finally a desire and the focus needed again to get stuff done.

Please realize that I’m not giving medical advice; only sharing my experience. I hope that everyone that reads good luck on their journey with PCa.

Interested in more discussions like this? Go to the Prostate Cancer Support Group.

rparsons | @rparsons | Feb 1 7:44am

Thanks Robert. I do have had some depression & mostly anxiety since being on Elagard.
I have been off it since July.
However anxiety is still there especially in the morning. I have tried several ssri’s however they haven’t worked. I will ask my doctor about Wellbutrin. I have read it can take up to a year for adt to clear your system. However I don’t know if that is 100% accurate. Thanks for the post.

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1 reply
robertmizek | @robertmizek | Feb 1 8:27am

Thank you sharing your experience. I recall reading a study about the time that it takes for testosterone to return to normal levels after being on Elgard and or Lupron. My recollection, (which might be flawed) is that the recovery time for testosterone when on Lupron/Eligard
is typically double the length of time that you were on it. That’s why I opted for ORGOVYX. Studies indicate that testosterone levels typically recover in three months give or take a little regardless of the length you’ve been on it.

Wellbutrin acts differently than an SSRI, which is a selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor. Wellbutrin is a different class of drugs, which is a dopamine agonist which means basically it elevates the amount of dopamine you have in your brain, helping you to feel better and acts more as a mood stabilizer. At least that’s my layman’s understanding of what my doctor told me.

Anxiety and depression are a bitch. I’ve been there and I feel your pain. I hope that you can get relief whether it’s through Wellbutrin or some other pharmaceutical.

Best luck to you on your journey.

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stevecando54 | @stevecando54 | Feb 1 10:31am

I never use the "depression" term, I just say I put my foot in a hole and need to get it out of there. It's such a hard journey for all of us. I try not to look at the long term, just focus on day by day. Robert, I wish you the best and hope all gets better. I hope you can again start posting again, I enjoy reading them. Best to all

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scottbeammeup | @scottbeammeup | Feb 1 12:10pm

My experience on Wellbutrin has been positive as well. The first few weeks my concentration came back and after about a month I noticed my mood steadily improving. The only side effect I've had is dry mouth when I wake up in the morning or, if I take it too late in the day, I have trouble sleeping.

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retireddoc | @retireddoc | Feb 2 6:54am

My story is very similar to yours. Diagnosed with PC at 69 with RP. Developed oligo metastatic disease a year later and underwent triple therapy. Six months on Lupron I developed depression and anxiety (among the other usual side effects). My MO at JH said they see this in about one third of their patients on ADT and he referred me to a Psychiatrist who put me on Wellbutrin. Definitely helped and I'm still on it several years later.

Several months ago my MO decided to put me on TRT as my T had not recovered 18 months after cessation of Lupron and my PSA remained undetectable. The T has been a game changer as well. Mood improved even more (feel like I did years ago) with general improved sense of well being. Libido back. Fortunately, PSA remains undetectable.

I know that people that get treatment for other types of cancers go through their own particular difficulties but protate cancer and treatment side effects can be devastating.

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2 replies
robertmizek | @robertmizek | Feb 2 9:27pm
In reply to @retireddoc "My story is very similar to yours. Diagnosed with PC at 69 with RP. Developed oligo..." + (show)
@retireddoc

My story is very similar to yours. Diagnosed with PC at 69 with RP. Developed oligo metastatic disease a year later and underwent triple therapy. Six months on Lupron I developed depression and anxiety (among the other usual side effects). My MO at JH said they see this in about one third of their patients on ADT and he referred me to a Psychiatrist who put me on Wellbutrin. Definitely helped and I'm still on it several years later.

Several months ago my MO decided to put me on TRT as my T had not recovered 18 months after cessation of Lupron and my PSA remained undetectable. The T has been a game changer as well. Mood improved even more (feel like I did years ago) with general improved sense of well being. Libido back. Fortunately, PSA remains undetectable.

I know that people that get treatment for other types of cancers go through their own particular difficulties but protate cancer and treatment side effects can be devastating.

Jump to this post

Thanks for your helpful and encouraging post!

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retireddoc | @retireddoc | Feb 3 5:45am
In reply to @rparsons "Thanks Robert. I do have had some depression & mostly anxiety since being on Elagard. I..." + (show)
@rparsons

Thanks Robert. I do have had some depression & mostly anxiety since being on Elagard.
I have been off it since July.
However anxiety is still there especially in the morning. I have tried several ssri’s however they haven’t worked. I will ask my doctor about Wellbutrin. I have read it can take up to a year for adt to clear your system. However I don’t know if that is 100% accurate. Thanks for the post.

Jump to this post

I am on Wellbutrin. I asked both my Internist (who has many patients on it) and my psychiatrist (who initially prescribed it for me) and they said the effects of Wellbutrin on your body should clear in around 1-2 months following stoppage of the medication. That is, if the depression is going to return following cessation of the drug, It is normally seen within 2 months. Both also said there is no tapering period like some drugs; you just stop it.

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stevecando54 | @stevecando54 | Feb 3 5:45am

Robert, thank you for posting this, we all go through so much on our journey. On this site we can share with others our concerns and the effects of our meds. I'm glad I found this site and have connected with so many wonderful people who are so willing to help us all on our journey. Best to all.

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namrac | @namrac | Feb 3 10:02am
In reply to @retireddoc "My story is very similar to yours. Diagnosed with PC at 69 with RP. Developed oligo..." + (show)
@retireddoc

My story is very similar to yours. Diagnosed with PC at 69 with RP. Developed oligo metastatic disease a year later and underwent triple therapy. Six months on Lupron I developed depression and anxiety (among the other usual side effects). My MO at JH said they see this in about one third of their patients on ADT and he referred me to a Psychiatrist who put me on Wellbutrin. Definitely helped and I'm still on it several years later.

Several months ago my MO decided to put me on TRT as my T had not recovered 18 months after cessation of Lupron and my PSA remained undetectable. The T has been a game changer as well. Mood improved even more (feel like I did years ago) with general improved sense of well being. Libido back. Fortunately, PSA remains undetectable.

I know that people that get treatment for other types of cancers go through their own particular difficulties but protate cancer and treatment side effects can be devastating.

Jump to this post

I am on the same journey just curious what your triple therapy was. I would like to compare notes on this. We all are in this together wish you the best.

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retireddoc | @retireddoc | Feb 3 12:22pm

I had 3 months of Darolutamide , every 3 month injections of Lupron for one year and 4 cycles of Taxotere. My PSA became undetectable after the second cycle. I'll be glad to talk or answer additional questions.

Best of luck.

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