The Beginning Of Mania?

Hi everyone,

I began taking Wellbutrin XL - 150mg - 14 days ago. The past few days I have noticed some changes, especially today. I had to leave both of my classes early because I couldn't focus on my schoolwork, instead I walked through the school halls repeatedly to blow off some steam, because I felt unusually energetic. When I hear others talk...their voices sound louder and more significant. I feel unusually happier...it was not too long ago where my depression was almost at rock bottom.

Should I consider this a wonderful improvement, a miracle? Maybe this medication is working, and I'm just not used to feeling happy. But I can't help but feeling that I'm too happy...too worked up. My next psych appointment is in about a month.

To be honest, if I had to choose between this and extreme depression...I'd take this.

Hey,

I feel ya. Just reading your post made me want those awesome feelings. How is your day progressing? Do you still feel amped or just happy?

Hi
I think it might be good to check in with loved ones or your support friends, for out of the ordinary behavioral changes. I don't know if you have Bipolar I or II

It is a great feeling, I understand there is concern for making rational decisions on your high and not going manic to the point you might need to go to the hospital.
Can you email your doctor?
I think it is good that you are noticing changes and mentioning them here.

Ele
I have bi-polar I
I haven't tried wellbutrin but I'm on a coctail and it's going to change soon so I am a bit afraid with it.

Hey there Melissa - I think after being so depressed, it's almost hard to take to feel so good. Enjoy it - you deserve to feel great!!!
I take Wellbutrin XL as well, and it does give me that "peppy" feeling...it's the only antidepressant that has worked well for me.
If you feel uncomfortable you should definitely tell your dr...just to make sure everything is ok.
Keep feeling happy!

What are your other normal symptoms of mania, for you? Do you spend a lot, eat a lot, drink a lot, sleep around? Are you doing any of that?

I started on Wellbutrin in Feburary and I felt GREAT!! But then I drank a little too much coffee and my therapist noticed I was talking fast and I couldn't even explain to her and my pnurse that I was NOT MANIC I was just happy. They upped the dose of my antipsychotic and I felt like ***** again.

I'm not saying you're not manic, maybe you are. But try to look for all your clues, not just a few. It's okay to be happy.

Thanks for your replies everyone.

To elaborate a bit more, I have Bipolar 1 Disorder.

My symptoms of mania...well, I've only had 2 manic episodes...and one was quite severe. There was the paranoia, delusions, and hallucinations (both visual and hearing things) At my worst, I thought I was God's "chosen one" and planned to kill myself to join him in heaven. I definitely don't want to go back to that place again. Other symptoms include a REALLY big self-esteem, to the point where it's unrealistic, racing thoughts, more energy, and increase in activities. Oddly, my sleep and eating usually remain about the same.

Today I feel less energetic. I think I realize why I was so hyped up yesterday. It's because the night before, I forgot to take my 500mg dose of Seroquel XR, hardly slept, and felt super energetic yesterday!

I hate to admit this (because I shouldn't be tampering with my meds) but I want to stop taking my 500mg of Seroquel XR so I can feel that energy again...I want to be happy all the time!

There is nothing wrong with being happy, as long as you are in the "normal" range of happy. Checking in with loved ones is a great idea. Simply asking if they think you're happy or manic is really good feedback, especially since you say you've been depressed lately. Its hard to remember what "normal" behavior is.

I can't possible know what your going through so I won't even guess at what is causing your situation, but I feel compelled to share my experience with Wellbutrin since its a common one. I was diagnosed with depression for about 20 years until I tried Wellbutrin. About 2 weeks after I started it I had my first and only full blown manic episode (I'm BP II). Once everyone was looking at it from that perspective, lots of things started making sense and my treatment regime changed. Because things are going better now, I am glad for the experience, but Wellbutrin does indeed cause mania in some people.

Having said that, there are lots and lots of people that take Wellbutrin and it works wonders for them, so don't give up on it. Since your feeling better today, just ride it out for a while longer. Some of these meds take a month or more to reach full effectiveness. But remember to contact your doc if your feelings are uncomfortable.