[Shadix]

I have been taking Wellbutrin for about two weeks now. My doctor prescribed it for my anxiety and depression. So far I have noticed I am more focused at work, which is great because attention problems is another thing I struggle with. However, I have also noticed something else. I have recently started having thoughts about what it is to die. I am not thinking about suicide and I do not want to do or anything. Actually, quite the opposite, it is really hitting me how scary the thought of not existing anymore actually is. I don't know why, but I have never really thought of death in this way before. I have always thought more about the moment of death, but never about the idea of my consciousness and everything I am just ceasing to exist or interact with the world. The thought actually gives me chills. Has anyone else experienced something like this?

[still_crazy]

psych drugs in general can contribute to stuff like this. could be worse. some 'experts' say that most psych drugs increase the risk of suicide, attempted suicide, and other forms of violence, across the board. special, huh?

I read a shrink's theory on why suicide rates often go up during the early period of antidepressant treatment. something about providing enough energy and such to "unmask" so-called "latent suicidality," before the psych drugs have started getting to the core of the depression. something like that, anyway...

im glad the wellbutrin has provided a bit of energy and focus. chemically, its more closely related to the stimulants than the other available options, which makes it a good choice for some people. i guess my only advice would be, of course, that if your thoughts keep turning towards death and such, you might want to get in touch with your doctor and see about trying a different treatment.

[Travelinglady]

Hi, Shadix. I think you need to tell your doctor.

[*Laurie*]

I also think you need to discuss this with your doctor.

[Tkm1234]

Originally Posted by Shadix

I have been taking Wellbutrin for about two weeks now. My doctor prescribed it for my anxiety and depression. So far I have noticed I am more focused at work, which is great because attention problems is another thing I struggle with. However, I have also noticed something else. I have recently started having thoughts about what it is to die. I am not thinking about suicide and I do not want to do or anything. Actually, quite the opposite, it is really hitting me how scary the thought of not existing anymore actually is. I don't know why, but I have never really thought of death in this way before. I have always thought more about the moment of death, but never about the idea of my consciousness and everything I am just ceasing to exist or interact with the world. The thought actually gives me chills. Has anyone else experienced something like this?

Shadix!
This happened to me as well and I was only on the medication for 8 days. I called the doctor and he told me to stop taking the medication. It is most likely a sign that you are not responding to it correctly. Let me know what happened if you're still on here !

[stanislavski]

This is interesting: I've been on Wellbutrin for about two years. Excellent for energy, weight loss (not that I needed it) and libido. I have not felt sexually this energized since I was in my early 40's (I'm 64) That said, it's a bad drug for anxiety because while you may feel more energy to do stuff, you might also experience an increase in anxiety. I've been having similar thoughts to yours and my fear of death has definitely been more at the surface of my thought process. I do not think it's entirely the Wellbutrin because these thoughts have been with me all my life but they do seem more at the forefront now

[Guiness187055]

Let your Dr. know but that is a common side effect of wellbutrin.

[Shadix]

Originally Posted by Tkm1234

Shadix!
This happened to me as well and I was only on the medication for 8 days. I called the doctor and he told me to stop taking the medication. It is most likely a sign that you are not responding to it correctly. Let me know what happened if you're still on here !

Hi! I am still on the medication and have increased the dose to 300 mg about a month ago. I still have the same thoughts. I wouldn't say it is recurring thoughts or anything, it is just that the way I look at death has changed. I am not having suicidal thoughts at all, if anything this outlook makes me much less likely to resort to suicide I think. Did the doctor say why these thoughts mean you have to stop taking it? What could happen because of it?

[Shadix]

Originally Posted by stanislavski

This is interesting: I've been on Wellbutrin for about two years. Excellent for energy, weight loss (not that I needed it) and libido. I have not felt sexually this energized since I was in my early 40's (I'm 64) That said, it's a bad drug for anxiety because while you may feel more energy to do stuff, you might also experience an increase in anxiety. I've been having similar thoughts to yours and my fear of death has definitely been more at the surface of my thought process. I do not think it's entirely the Wellbutrin because these thoughts have been with me all my life but they do seem more at the forefront now

I have also found that it gave me an increase in energy, but it seems to be only the case sometimes. Yes it has caused me to lose a bit of weight. I haven't noticed any change in libido. In terms of anxiety, you're right I have not felt any difference. I have considered the possibility of trying a different medication instead, but I don't the side of effects of SSRIs so I am averse to going on any of those. I have thought about stimulants since I think some of my issues may be related to ADHD.