[sunshine2009]

Hello all. I was diagnosed with Bipolar last fall, along with a few other things. They have tried me on several different medications, but I can't seem to find something I like. Part of the problem is that I don't like taking medicine of any kind, period. Also, I don't like the side effects. Now, I'm attempting to take Wellbutrin again, but am not sure if medicine is the right thing or that I even need it. I'm still new to dealing with all of this stuff and just need some support and advice. Of course the psychiatrist is going to tell me I need them, but I wanted to ask some of you that have actually dealt with it and let me know your opinions.

[thinker22]

I hate meds too, but I believe I would be in much worse shape without the ones that actually work. Wellbutrin is the only antidepressant so far that doesn't have impossible to stand side effects for me. Apparently I have plenty of serotonin, but not enough dopamine and norephinephrine or however you spell that. In the beginning, it may make you irritable, aggressive, and/or impulsive, but that wears off after a couple weeks. Then it's just pure energy and coming off of it is terrible if you've been on it for months. Only reason I can get out of bed at all, but it's not for everyone. Your chemistry is unique. You have to communicate when a medication is not working for you or making you feel worse. If it seems to be doing nothing, they may make you stay on it for 4-6 weeks just to see if it doesn't build up to an improvement. If it's making you feel depressed/suicidal, they will take you off of it and try something else.

Stay in touch and tell us how your meds are working out for you. It's apparently a long road for some of us to get the right mix.