[Martina]

I fell into a depression about a month ago, and my pnurse took a risk and prescribed me some Wellbutrin on top of my Lithium, Lamictal, and Invega.

She said it would give me more energy. She wasn't kidding.

I felt SO GOOD for about a week, maybe two. I was generally happy, not dwelling on the negative, I was getting things accomplished, doing enough exercise, cleaning the house, getting more work done at my job, and I felt like a better mother. I had one really amazing weekend with my little girl that I will cherish.

But now.....I'm going manic!

Racing thoughts....no sleep (didn't sleep even one minute last night, and got about 3-4 hours on both Friday and Saturday nights)...binging...talking really fast...unable to focus...forgetting things...

The only one of my hallmark symptoms that I don't have this time is spending money. In my worst manic episode in 2008, I racked up a $7,500 credit card without my husband's knowledge in a matter of days, with nothing to show for it. But now, I did spend my entire weekly budget in one day - but that was a whopping $10 bucks. And I haven't gone to the bank to get more money that I'm not allowed to, nor broken into my husband's money stashes.

I'm so upset. I was finally feeling good and now this!

Am I not allowed to be happy?

[missbelle]

wow, rough time..did you call the pnurse? She needs to know what is going on!
Yes, you are so allowed to be happy! I guess you have to take it in small increments!
Feel better!!!!!

[codeWeasel]

Wow Martina, hang in there. I had the identical reaction to Wellbutrin. Its a very activating med. Sent me into full blown mania (and I had never experienced that before). This was before I was dx BP, so no other meds to muddle the cause.

I spent the last year trying to get some kind of stability and now my pdoc is starting me on Trazodone. As missbelle says, take any anti-depressant very slowly. I actually started at 1/2 my pdocs prescribed dose for the first week just to see how it went. I am now on the lowest dose, and can feel the effects. I have energy and interests, but in the back of my mind I remember those 3 weeks of mania.

Yes you will be happy for more than a week, it just might not be next week.

[sugahorse1]

I'm on Wellbutrin too-with a mood stabiliser- and I've really needed its activating properties. Luckily I haven't gone manic yet, I'm much happier-even doing ok with MAJOR stressors- and don't sleep as much. I went slightly hypomanic at first

[Kymaro]

It's not uncommon for antidepression drugs to cause manic episodes with BP. It's kinda like a "teeter - tooder".

The mood stabilizers sit in the middle keeping a balance then if you add a drug to either end it can send the other side flying! Talk to the pdoc (or the pnurse) and let them know- it was good for a bit, but then out of control. Maybe a smaller dose is in store, or maybe sometimes just another drug to keep you from going to high. There are so many options to balance that "teeter-tooder" back out.