@allisonlee65 First, may I welcome you to Mayo Clinic Connect where I hope you can find some information to assist you and perhaps you can share some background to assist others as well.
As far as Wellbutrin, or bupropion as it's known by it's generic name, although rare it has been associated with the potential for seizures, particularly in individuals with a history of epilepsy, those with an eating disorder or those on medications with known interactions. This is one reason why it's always important to provide a thorough medical history and list all medications -- and never take other people's prescriptions - due to these possible side effects. Focal aware seizures are those that cause changes in one or more of the senses, such as smell, taste, touch, vision or hearing and can result in unusual sensations, muscle or eye disturbances. If this occurs, or if there is any concern about an underlying factor that can predispose to this, it is vital to discuss with the prescribing provider.
Have you or someone you know experienced any symptoms similar to these or is there a reason you may be concerned about this?
@allisonlee65 First, may I welcome you to Mayo Clinic Connect where I hope you can find some information to assist you and perhaps you can share some background to assist others as well.
As far as Wellbutrin, or bupropion as it's known by it's generic name, although rare it has been associated with the potential for seizures, particularly in individuals with a history of epilepsy, those with an eating disorder or those on medications with known interactions. This is one reason why it's always important to provide a thorough medical history and list all medications -- and never take other people's prescriptions - due to these possible side effects. Focal aware seizures are those that cause changes in one or more of the senses, such as smell, taste, touch, vision or hearing and can result in unusual sensations, muscle or eye disturbances. If this occurs, or if there is any concern about an underlying factor that can predispose to this, it is vital to discuss with the prescribing provider.
Have you or someone you know experienced any symptoms similar to these or is there a reason you may be concerned about this?
I was put on the medication and started and today is my 2nd day. I stopped taking Cymbalta two days prior to starting. In the past I had what was termed a pseudo epileptic fit - but that was 44 years ago so my provider didn't think it would be a problem with the Wellbutrin -- When I looked up my symptoms, dizziness, extreme emotions (crying, laughing) out side the norm, electric current noise - The focal aware seizures is what I found. I will be talking to my therapist who is in the same office - and will have her let my provider know what is going on - I don't think this med is the right fit for me.
@allisonlee65: I'm wondering about something you wrote - you stopped Cymbalta two days ago. I need to ask: Did you discontinue Cymbalta abruptly or did you gradually taper off?
It is advised that any SSRI (selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor) or SNRI (selective norepinephrine reuptake inhibitor, such as Cymbalta) be gradually weaned by slowly cutting down the dose over a period of several weeks to prevent what's known as discontinuation syndrome. That can cause side effects including headaches, dizziness, "brain zaps" like electric shock-like sensations in the head, tingling skin sensations, insomnia, labile emotions - meaning those that rapidly shift, vivid dreams, flu-like symptoms, shaking, sweating, heart palpitations, nausea, vomiting - in short, some of the very symptoms you've reported.
Do you recall the instructions for specific instructions provided for switching to the Wellbutrin? Would you be able to call the provider who prescribed the Wellbutrin to discuss directly with them what you've been experiencing?
@allisonlee65: I'm wondering about something you wrote - you stopped Cymbalta two days ago. I need to ask: Did you discontinue Cymbalta abruptly or did you gradually taper off?
It is advised that any SSRI (selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor) or SNRI (selective norepinephrine reuptake inhibitor, such as Cymbalta) be gradually weaned by slowly cutting down the dose over a period of several weeks to prevent what's known as discontinuation syndrome. That can cause side effects including headaches, dizziness, "brain zaps" like electric shock-like sensations in the head, tingling skin sensations, insomnia, labile emotions - meaning those that rapidly shift, vivid dreams, flu-like symptoms, shaking, sweating, heart palpitations, nausea, vomiting - in short, some of the very symptoms you've reported.
Do you recall the instructions for specific instructions provided for switching to the Wellbutrin? Would you be able to call the provider who prescribed the Wellbutrin to discuss directly with them what you've been experiencing?
I find that Wellbutrin which is not even a stand alone drug for depression would cause seizures.
This drug has been used by many people who are trying to quit smoking which if they have been heavy smokers for many years could cause some adverse effects. Some have even said nicotine is more addictive than heroin. This might explain the seizures.
On the other hand it can be an excellent drug to pair with certain antidepressants like Zoloft. Thee was a time psychiatrists actually used the term “welloft” to describe it effectiveness with Zoloft.
Every body reacts differently to different drugs. My son said it increased his anxiety and stopped taking it. That is why psychiatrists continue trying to find the right antidepressant for each one of their patients along with the right dosage.
Especially with SSRI’s sexual side effects can be debilitating. Taking the minimum dosage of an SSRI can help with the sexual side effects but if your depression is severe you might have to live with this side effect. Wellbutrin is said by some to be a good drug to help counter the problem of sexual side effects but the most important thing is for getting relief from their depression.
Taking 5mg daily Cialis can also be an effective tool. It certainly helped me. I am sure some people will complain about the side effects of taking Cialis but that is why taking only 5mg daily can be a nice compromise.
Good luck to everyone.
@allisonlee65
I take Wellbutrin 300 mg daily and do not have seizures or neurological impact. I have been on this for almost a year (I am a 56 year old female). I had severe depression and tried many things but Wellbutrin is the only drug that helps some and doesn’t have too many side effects. Zoloft no longer works for me and Prozac caused brain zaps for me.
I was on Cymbalta in the past for nerve and arthritis/spine pain and depression due to chronic pain and recall difficulties coming off of it. It is a hard medication to taper off and need to do it gradually with the help of a doctor/psychiatrist.
@daveshaw: Thank you for sharing some points about Wellbutrin - it is frequently prescribed for smoking cessation; SSRIs can potentially cause sexual side effects including erectile dysfunction for which some men may elect to take prescriptions such as Cialis or Viagra. Wellbutrin can potentially counter sexual dysfunction and, in fact, may help to increase libido - keeping in mind, as you stated, everyone reacts differently to medications and often a trial of meds are attempted before finding the "right fit", which also may require changes after a period of time.
I'm uncertain if you were told or perhaps read that Wellbutrin is not a stand-alone drug for depression; while it is true that it is not as strong as other antidepressants and is frequently co-prescribed with other types of meds to treat depression and/or anxiety, it can be prescribed as a stand-alone treatment for MDD (major depressive disorder) or SAD (seasonal affective disorder).
Let's be sure we differentiate between saying Wellbutrin "would" cause seizures vs. "could" cause seizures under certain circumstances. For instance, it is advised not to pair Wellbutrin with certain other antidepressants, antipsychotics, stimulants, and other drugs that lower the seizure threshold. Another reason to always discuss other medications you're on with your prescribing provider.
Do these points help add some clarity to those you provided as well?
Yes it did and I have a great primary care physician.
From my freshman year of college in to early adulthood I cycled in and out of what I now know was depression.
I can still remember reading an issue of Time magazine with Prozac filling the entire cover. On my train ride back to Milwaukee after doing business in Chicago I finally had a name for what I had been suffering from all those years.
I called my PCP the next day and set up an appointment to meet with her. The first words out of my mouth were about the article and Prozac. I said the article was talking about me. Long story short she prescribed Prozac and it was not a good fit. Then she tried Zoloft and I had found the SSRI that was best for me.
Over the years I tried other SSRI’s always hoping they would reduce my sexual side effects. Some had terrible side effects for me and I always ended up back with Zoloft. Today I am taking 50mg of Zoloft along with Wellbutrin and Buspar. That combined with Klonopin and adding 5mg of daily Cialis has been my sweet spot for many years.
My point is everyone has to find their sweet spot.
It enabled me to have a very successful commission sales career and raise two special children. Ironically one inherited my depression and the other developed severe anxiety. Because I was always open about my struggles they both found their sweet spot. My daughter is a very successful salesperson and my son after getting his law degree is now a diplomat stationed overseas.
They have given me three precious granddaughters and two precious grandsons.
I hope you all find your sweet spot.
Yes it did and I have a great primary care physician.
From my freshman year of college in to early adulthood I cycled in and out of what I now know was depression.
I can still remember reading an issue of Time magazine with Prozac filling the entire cover. On my train ride back to Milwaukee after doing business in Chicago I finally had a name for what I had been suffering from all those years.
I called my PCP the next day and set up an appointment to meet with her. The first words out of my mouth were about the article and Prozac. I said the article was talking about me. Long story short she prescribed Prozac and it was not a good fit. Then she tried Zoloft and I had found the SSRI that was best for me.
Over the years I tried other SSRI’s always hoping they would reduce my sexual side effects. Some had terrible side effects for me and I always ended up back with Zoloft. Today I am taking 50mg of Zoloft along with Wellbutrin and Buspar. That combined with Klonopin and adding 5mg of daily Cialis has been my sweet spot for many years.
My point is everyone has to find their sweet spot.
It enabled me to have a very successful commission sales career and raise two special children. Ironically one inherited my depression and the other developed severe anxiety. Because I was always open about my struggles they both found their sweet spot. My daughter is a very successful salesperson and my son after getting his law degree is now a diplomat stationed overseas.
They have given me three precious granddaughters and two precious grandsons.
I hope you all find your sweet spot.
Thank you for sharing your story. I was taking Celexa for the longest time and it seemed to help with little ore no side effects. I was encouraged to try something different after almost having a nervous breakdown at work for the anxiety they were putting me through. I am currently on medical leave trying to figure out what will help. I definitely don’t think the time released Wellbutrin is right for me. Immediate bad reactions. I will continue to look for the sweet spot.
@allisonlee65: I'm wondering about something you wrote - you stopped Cymbalta two days ago. I need to ask: Did you discontinue Cymbalta abruptly or did you gradually taper off?
It is advised that any SSRI (selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor) or SNRI (selective norepinephrine reuptake inhibitor, such as Cymbalta) be gradually weaned by slowly cutting down the dose over a period of several weeks to prevent what's known as discontinuation syndrome. That can cause side effects including headaches, dizziness, "brain zaps" like electric shock-like sensations in the head, tingling skin sensations, insomnia, labile emotions - meaning those that rapidly shift, vivid dreams, flu-like symptoms, shaking, sweating, heart palpitations, nausea, vomiting - in short, some of the very symptoms you've reported.
Do you recall the instructions for specific instructions provided for switching to the Wellbutrin? Would you be able to call the provider who prescribed the Wellbutrin to discuss directly with them what you've been experiencing?
I was only on the cymbalta for a short time, maybe 6 weeks and only 60 mg- they tried to raised to 90 and my feet started swelling. I have tried both Cymbalta and Wellbutrin in the past and didn’t like them but was convinced to give them a try. My provide told me it was ok to stop the Cymbalta and go right on the Wellbutrin- the only think that I have ever had success with was Celexa but do to my severe anxiety from my job in combination with ADHD it was thought that Celexa had worn out its welcome.
Thank you for sharing your story. I was taking Celexa for the longest time and it seemed to help with little ore no side effects. I was encouraged to try something different after almost having a nervous breakdown at work for the anxiety they were putting me through. I am currently on medical leave trying to figure out what will help. I definitely don’t think the time released Wellbutrin is right for me. Immediate bad reactions. I will continue to look for the sweet spot.
I am so sorry you had such a bad reaction that you are on leave.
Maybe try Zoloft, Wellbutrin, Buspar and Clonazepam. Yes I know Clonazepam is addictive as are so many things in life. My daughter has been taking Wellbutrin for her anxiety and it has worked for her. As an added side effect she is wearing clothes she wore in college because for some people you actually lose weight.
Regarding Clonazepam you will hear all sorts of horror stories as someone on this post is telling me about. If you have crippling anxiety maybe you should talk to your PCP about it. My PCP is in her 50’s and prescribed it to people that she feels might benefit from it. She also closely monitors all her patients.
Good luck to you and I hope you find your sweet spot. As an aside exercise is also great in conjunction with the proper medication.
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@allisonlee65 First, may I welcome you to Mayo Clinic Connect where I hope you can find some information to assist you and perhaps you can share some background to assist others as well.
As far as Wellbutrin, or bupropion as it's known by it's generic name, although rare it has been associated with the potential for seizures, particularly in individuals with a history of epilepsy, those with an eating disorder or those on medications with known interactions. This is one reason why it's always important to provide a thorough medical history and list all medications -- and never take other people's prescriptions - due to these possible side effects. Focal aware seizures are those that cause changes in one or more of the senses, such as smell, taste, touch, vision or hearing and can result in unusual sensations, muscle or eye disturbances. If this occurs, or if there is any concern about an underlying factor that can predispose to this, it is vital to discuss with the prescribing provider.
Have you or someone you know experienced any symptoms similar to these or is there a reason you may be concerned about this?
I was put on the medication and started and today is my 2nd day. I stopped taking Cymbalta two days prior to starting. In the past I had what was termed a pseudo epileptic fit - but that was 44 years ago so my provider didn't think it would be a problem with the Wellbutrin -- When I looked up my symptoms, dizziness, extreme emotions (crying, laughing) out side the norm, electric current noise - The focal aware seizures is what I found. I will be talking to my therapist who is in the same office - and will have her let my provider know what is going on - I don't think this med is the right fit for me.
@allisonlee65: I'm wondering about something you wrote - you stopped Cymbalta two days ago. I need to ask: Did you discontinue Cymbalta abruptly or did you gradually taper off?
It is advised that any SSRI (selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor) or SNRI (selective norepinephrine reuptake inhibitor, such as Cymbalta) be gradually weaned by slowly cutting down the dose over a period of several weeks to prevent what's known as discontinuation syndrome. That can cause side effects including headaches, dizziness, "brain zaps" like electric shock-like sensations in the head, tingling skin sensations, insomnia, labile emotions - meaning those that rapidly shift, vivid dreams, flu-like symptoms, shaking, sweating, heart palpitations, nausea, vomiting - in short, some of the very symptoms you've reported.
Do you recall the instructions for specific instructions provided for switching to the Wellbutrin? Would you be able to call the provider who prescribed the Wellbutrin to discuss directly with them what you've been experiencing?
-
Like -
Helpful -
Hug
2 ReactionsI find that Wellbutrin which is not even a stand alone drug for depression would cause seizures.
This drug has been used by many people who are trying to quit smoking which if they have been heavy smokers for many years could cause some adverse effects. Some have even said nicotine is more addictive than heroin. This might explain the seizures.
On the other hand it can be an excellent drug to pair with certain antidepressants like Zoloft. Thee was a time psychiatrists actually used the term “welloft” to describe it effectiveness with Zoloft.
Every body reacts differently to different drugs. My son said it increased his anxiety and stopped taking it. That is why psychiatrists continue trying to find the right antidepressant for each one of their patients along with the right dosage.
Especially with SSRI’s sexual side effects can be debilitating. Taking the minimum dosage of an SSRI can help with the sexual side effects but if your depression is severe you might have to live with this side effect. Wellbutrin is said by some to be a good drug to help counter the problem of sexual side effects but the most important thing is for getting relief from their depression.
Taking 5mg daily Cialis can also be an effective tool. It certainly helped me. I am sure some people will complain about the side effects of taking Cialis but that is why taking only 5mg daily can be a nice compromise.
Good luck to everyone.
-
Like -
Helpful -
Hug
1 Reaction@allisonlee65
I take Wellbutrin 300 mg daily and do not have seizures or neurological impact. I have been on this for almost a year (I am a 56 year old female). I had severe depression and tried many things but Wellbutrin is the only drug that helps some and doesn’t have too many side effects. Zoloft no longer works for me and Prozac caused brain zaps for me.
I was on Cymbalta in the past for nerve and arthritis/spine pain and depression due to chronic pain and recall difficulties coming off of it. It is a hard medication to taper off and need to do it gradually with the help of a doctor/psychiatrist.
-
Like -
Helpful -
Hug
1 Reaction@daveshaw: Thank you for sharing some points about Wellbutrin - it is frequently prescribed for smoking cessation; SSRIs can potentially cause sexual side effects including erectile dysfunction for which some men may elect to take prescriptions such as Cialis or Viagra. Wellbutrin can potentially counter sexual dysfunction and, in fact, may help to increase libido - keeping in mind, as you stated, everyone reacts differently to medications and often a trial of meds are attempted before finding the "right fit", which also may require changes after a period of time.
I'm uncertain if you were told or perhaps read that Wellbutrin is not a stand-alone drug for depression; while it is true that it is not as strong as other antidepressants and is frequently co-prescribed with other types of meds to treat depression and/or anxiety, it can be prescribed as a stand-alone treatment for MDD (major depressive disorder) or SAD (seasonal affective disorder).
Let's be sure we differentiate between saying Wellbutrin "would" cause seizures vs. "could" cause seizures under certain circumstances. For instance, it is advised not to pair Wellbutrin with certain other antidepressants, antipsychotics, stimulants, and other drugs that lower the seizure threshold. Another reason to always discuss other medications you're on with your prescribing provider.
Do these points help add some clarity to those you provided as well?
-
Like -
Helpful -
Hug
1 ReactionYes it did and I have a great primary care physician.
From my freshman year of college in to early adulthood I cycled in and out of what I now know was depression.
I can still remember reading an issue of Time magazine with Prozac filling the entire cover. On my train ride back to Milwaukee after doing business in Chicago I finally had a name for what I had been suffering from all those years.
I called my PCP the next day and set up an appointment to meet with her. The first words out of my mouth were about the article and Prozac. I said the article was talking about me. Long story short she prescribed Prozac and it was not a good fit. Then she tried Zoloft and I had found the SSRI that was best for me.
Over the years I tried other SSRI’s always hoping they would reduce my sexual side effects. Some had terrible side effects for me and I always ended up back with Zoloft. Today I am taking 50mg of Zoloft along with Wellbutrin and Buspar. That combined with Klonopin and adding 5mg of daily Cialis has been my sweet spot for many years.
My point is everyone has to find their sweet spot.
It enabled me to have a very successful commission sales career and raise two special children. Ironically one inherited my depression and the other developed severe anxiety. Because I was always open about my struggles they both found their sweet spot. My daughter is a very successful salesperson and my son after getting his law degree is now a diplomat stationed overseas.
They have given me three precious granddaughters and two precious grandsons.
I hope you all find your sweet spot.
-
Like -
Helpful -
Hug
1 ReactionThank you for sharing your story. I was taking Celexa for the longest time and it seemed to help with little ore no side effects. I was encouraged to try something different after almost having a nervous breakdown at work for the anxiety they were putting me through. I am currently on medical leave trying to figure out what will help. I definitely don’t think the time released Wellbutrin is right for me. Immediate bad reactions. I will continue to look for the sweet spot.
-
Like -
Helpful -
Hug
1 ReactionI was only on the cymbalta for a short time, maybe 6 weeks and only 60 mg- they tried to raised to 90 and my feet started swelling. I have tried both Cymbalta and Wellbutrin in the past and didn’t like them but was convinced to give them a try. My provide told me it was ok to stop the Cymbalta and go right on the Wellbutrin- the only think that I have ever had success with was Celexa but do to my severe anxiety from my job in combination with ADHD it was thought that Celexa had worn out its welcome.
I am so sorry you had such a bad reaction that you are on leave.
Maybe try Zoloft, Wellbutrin, Buspar and Clonazepam. Yes I know Clonazepam is addictive as are so many things in life. My daughter has been taking Wellbutrin for her anxiety and it has worked for her. As an added side effect she is wearing clothes she wore in college because for some people you actually lose weight.
Regarding Clonazepam you will hear all sorts of horror stories as someone on this post is telling me about. If you have crippling anxiety maybe you should talk to your PCP about it. My PCP is in her 50’s and prescribed it to people that she feels might benefit from it. She also closely monitors all her patients.
Good luck to you and I hope you find your sweet spot. As an aside exercise is also great in conjunction with the proper medication.