[*Beth*]

Those diagnosed with bipolar - opinion on Welbutrin. Has anyone had it cause anxiety?

[Werewoman]

Nope. Been on for almost 20 years.

[*Beth*]

Thanks, Ww - that's so good to know. I really have high hopes for the Wellbutrin.

[Soupe du jour]

I never really derived positive benefits from any antidepressant, I'm afraid. Most made me manic, gave me mixed features (which could include anxiety), or rapid cycle. As for Wellbutrin, specifically, the first time I was put on it was the sustained release "SR" version. At that time, I had experienced a long severe depression. I was also on Depakote ER and Invega. The Wellbutrin SR did nothing for that depression (the worst depression of my life). I was eventually taken off and received ECT treatments.

Later down the line, my doctor reluctantly gave me Wellbutrin XR (extended release) on top of Lithium and Geodon (and maybe one other bipolar med). That made me rapid cycle, wildly. Such ultra rapid cycling was never an issue for me before that. I was quickly taken off the Wellbutrin XR. I have not taken an antidepressant since. That was about 10 years ago.

[TunedOut]

Originally Posted by BethRags

Those diagnosed with bipolar - opinion on Welbutrin. Has anyone had it cause anxiety?

When I was put on a dose of 300 mg a day, it caused me anxiety and made it harder to sleep but it also made my depression better. When the dose was lowered to 100 mg per day--the anxiety and sleep issues seemed to subside. I have been on some sort of dose (300, 150 or 100 mg) for so long that I do not know how much it is helping with depression anymore. I still have some days where I wake up a little depressed or bad news can push me into a bit of depression later in the day--but it is the type of depression that I can ease myself out of it with a little self care and by practicing gratitude for all my blessings. I know that some types of depression can put you in a black whole where everything looks negative and impossible which is the worst case scenario. Anxiety is better than in a black hole. And I read somewhere, one time, quite a while ago that Welbutrin acts a bit like cocaine in some ways (prisoners have actually sniffed the stuff which is beyond dangersous).

[*Beth*]

Originally Posted by TunedOut

When I was put on a dose of 300 mg a day, it caused me anxiety and made it harder to sleep but it also made my depression better. When the dose was lowered to 100 mg per day--the anxiety and sleep issues seemed to subside. I have been on some sort of dose (300, 150 or 100 mg) for so long that I do not know how much it is helping with depression anymore. I still have some days where I wake up a little depressed or bad news can push me into a bit of depression later in the day--but it is the type of depression that I can ease myself out of it with a little self care and by practicing gratitude for all my blessings. I know that some types of depression can put you in a black whole where everything looks negative and impossible which is the worst case scenario. Anxiety is better than in a black hole. And I read somewhere, one time, quite a while ago that Welbutrin acts a bit like cocaine in some ways (prisoners have actually sniffed the stuff which is beyond dangersous).

Thank you, TunedOut. Your information is very helpful.

[*Beth*]

Originally Posted by Soupe du jour

I never really derived positive benefits from any antidepressant, I'm afraid. Most made me manic, gave me mixed features (which could include anxiety), or rapid cycle. As for Wellbutrin, specifically, the first time I was put on it was the sustained release "SR" version. At that time, I had experienced a long severe depression. I was also on Depakote ER and Invega. The Wellbutrin SR did nothing for that depression (the worst depression of my life). I was eventually taken off and received ECT treatments.

Later down the line, my doctor reluctantly gave me Wellbutrin XR (extended release) on top of Lithium and Geodon (and maybe one other bipolar med). That made me rapid cycle, wildly. Such ultra rapid cycling was never an issue for me before that. I was quickly taken off the Wellbutrin XR. I have not taken an antidepressant since. That was about 10 years ago.

Thanks, Soupe.

[swimmingly]

My new carers are increasing my wellbutrin doses. They are giving me a bump in the afternoon. I've noticed a slight anxiety buildup, but have so far been able to get through it with mindfulness. Right now, the bipolar has been pretty heavily impacted by depression so they are focusing on trying to even me out. I hope your experience is positive Beth Rags.

[*Beth*]

Thank you for your input, swimmingly. My hope, if I feel a slight anxiety from the Wellbutrin, is also to use mindfulness to cope.

[Werewoman]

Originally Posted by BethRags

Thank you for your input, swimmingly. My hope, if I feel a slight anxiety from the Wellbutrin, is also to use mindfulness to cope.

It's funny. I just recently learned how to use mindfulness as a coping mechanism when I was last IP, which to me begs the question to all of my various health care providers both past and present. Is there some reason why not a one of you ever told me about it?

Frankly, my anxiety is very extreme. I doubt the Wellbutrin could make it worse. Actually, I take it to counteract the sexual side effects of SSRI's mostly, and I did quit smoking. There isn't an antidepressant out there that works for me. The only way to control my bipolar is monthly ketamine infusions and daily lithium.

[*Beth*]

Wow, I'm really surprised that no provider has mentioned mindfulness to you. It's such a "thing" now, and an excellent coping skill. And spiritually relevant, if you want to take it that far.