? on Wellbutrin

iVillage Member
Registered: 03-26-2003
? on Wellbutrin
2
Thu, 08-19-2004 - 12:04pm
My Dr just gave me wellbutrin to help with a mild case of depression. I did some itnernet research & it doesn't look like it has terrible side effects like some others can. I couldn't find any info about how long to take it & how to stop taking it. I don't think my depression is bad enough for lifetime drugs. I'm not even sure its "true" depression - maybe just a combo of crappy job, in debt & other life stuff.

My crappy insurance doesn't cover any counseling & I have no $ so that's out. The DR that prescribed it is just a general MD. She's my only option with my insurance unless I pay out of pocket- which I can't afford.

I guess I'm just concerned about getting hooked on a drug that will end up making me feel worse. Thoughts, ideas, anythign you think I should know/do? Thanks.

mom2minnie

Avatar for all_girls4me
iVillage Member
Registered: 03-26-2003
Thu, 08-19-2004 - 12:53pm
Hi, I've been on Wellbutring now for almost a month. I went to a psychiatrist to switch me from another medication to Wellbutrin because I didn't want all the side effects.

With any antidepressant, you have to get off it really slow, and reduce the dose weekly to let your body get used to it. Then it shouldn't be a problem at all. If you just stop it, you will have some nasty side effects for about 2 weeks. So make sure when you feel it's time to get off it, to talk to your dr. and reduce your dose a little bit week by week.

Good luck, Ilka



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Avatar for markshay
iVillage Member
Registered: 06-04-2003
Thu, 08-19-2004 - 4:36pm
It takes a couple of weeks to start noticing a difference once you start, can take up to 6 weeks to notice the full affect. Once you start to feel better, you will probably want to stay on it for just a while longer, then talk to your doctor about going off of it. I have gone off mine several times in the past 15 years that I've been on it without any problems. Reducing the dosage a few days at a time will help with any side effects of going off of it. To be honest tho, I've gone cold turkey a few times without noticing anything (other than my depression getting worse), but to be safe, work with your doctor about it.

Sandra.