BPD Meds - Wellbutrin, Zoloft, Abilify, Remeron

Hello Everyone;

I'm currently taking a Lexapro / Wellbutrin combination for depression and anxiety, plus Remeron to help me sleep.

My Dx is pretty new, and my doc (I don't have a psychiatrist) and I are only beginning to understand my condition better. Lexapro and Wellbutrin are fine for some symptoms, but impulsivity and substance abuse haven't been tackled.

After my research, it appears Symbyax (Prozac plus Zyprexa) appears to be quite effective. However, it seems to me that these two drugs are quite strong and conducive to weight gain.

I'd like to suggest to my doc to put me on Zoloft and Abilify, given that both appear to have a higher tolerability profile and less adverse effects.

However, I'd also like to keep the Wellbutrin, since it works really well for me; and I'm afraid that the Zoloft / Abilify combo will make me too sleepy and prevent me to function normally at work and at home.

The Remeron is also fine for me; it's a very low dose, and I sleep well with it.

Would a 4-drug combination may just too much? Any thoughts?

Hi there! I'm sure more people will chime in. I don't have BPD, I have bipolar but I can share my experience with those meds.

I like Lexapro and Wellbutrin, too. Zyprexa is a massive weight gainer. My pdoc won't prescribe it to any patient because it's a massive side effect.

I've taken Zoloft and Abilify before and they helped me. Granted we have different diagnosis but I can share my experience on side effects. Zoloft I took for twenty years! No weight gain or other side effects. Slight drowsiness initially that went away. A small number of people become suicidal on it almost immediately after taking it, but that is not the norm. Just be mindful. Great drug for my bipolar, OCD, and anxiety disorders. I recently switched to Lexapro because Zoloft quit working. I take Wellbutrin too. Like both drugs.

Abilify I took for bipolar mania and occasional psychosis. I felt fatigued in the beginning. That went away. I experienced akathesia which is a bad side effect of constant restlessness. My doctor gave me Cogentin which wiped out the side effect immediately. After initial adjustment, it worked well for me and no weight gain.

I've not taken Remeron but that may help you in case Abilify keeps you up. That happens to some people. Good luck!

Thanks for the info, rainyday. Even though we don't have the same condition, it's comforting to know that cocktails aren't so uncommon in this forum. That helps me be more confident, and perhaps even persuasive, when talking to my doc.

I will say this about Wellbutrin. It has helped me, but it can cause mild 'seizures' or what feels like shocks. I stopped taking it because I also have to take Coumadin right now.
Remeron was prescribed for depression, but really just seems to make me sleepy. I take Trazodone for sleep. Both are anti-depressants. The one good thing about Wellbutrin is it is the only anti depressant that does not interfere with sexual response. It feels like I'm still walking in a major depression and have to fight it every day. Maybe it's time to consult another Dr.

I'm on Lexapro for the depression, Lamictal for mood swings, and Latuda for SI and SUI thoughts. I also take Ambien PRN for sleep and Ativan PRN for anxiety. Cocktails are a norm.

I would not suggest Zyprexa! I gained 50lbs on that drug. Horrible!

So, I met my doc today and she prescribed 100 mg Zoloft, 100 mg Wellbutrin SR, and 2 mg Abilify. She didn't change the low dose Remeron, which I use primarily for sleeping.

Will keep this post updated as I continue with this combo.

Abilify made me extremely depressed. I didn't even wanna get up to use the bathroom or eat I felt like I was nothing.

Abilify is a nice med. I've gained 0 weight on it and it's very activating (at least for me). Most antipsychotics are actually quite sedating... so that says something about Abilify.

Abilify helps me wake up in the morning. lol!

I'm bipolar, though.. so I'm on a higher dose of Abilify.

I'm surprised you're on so many antidepressants? I mean, I understand remeron for sleeping, but you're also on Zoloft and Wellbutrin as well. Seems a bit weird. I know that they're all different categories of antidepressants, but doesn't that seem a bit overkill? IDK. Just my opinion.

I'm taking Zoloft and Abilify...they are working well for me.

Zoloft and Lexapro both worked great for me until the pooped out. Prozac was alright I guess. I took it for about a year in high school so I don't remember too much about it, other than it gave me headaches.

Abilify made me more depressed than I had ever been up to that point in my life.

Zyprexa is a weight gainer, but it is by far the most effective drug for my treatment of BP.

Also, I'm on a 6 med cocktail, and while yes, it seems like a lot, if it works, why mess with it?

Thanks everyone for your posts and experiences.

My doc's reasoning for this combo:

1) Zoloft for depression, anxiety and stress, PTSD

2) Abilify to help with impulsivity and anger

3) Wellbutrin to help me function at work (better concentration, more energy)

4) Remeron for sleep

So far, it's been 3 days since I started this combo. It's working well, judging by the fact that I haven't suffered any serious side effects. I did have a bit of a headache and constipation, but I just increased my water and vegetables intake, and it's been better.

I do feel more calm, although this might be a placebo effect. But it seems as if I have more time to control my emotions before I "react."

Will keep updating my post.

All the very best to everyone.