Hi,

I started Wellbutrin 3 days ago (100mg SR). I really am amazingly depressed at the moment. Exhausted too.

I haven't experienced the initial rush many people talk about? Does this mean it's not going to work?

Would welcome any thoughts.

Bud

Hi Bud,
I just took my 18th day dose so what I know about it is not much, but I'll tell you what it is. I had the honeymoon that people speak of. About 5 days then a fade to tired. But I also took it about 14 yrs ago, the very first AD that I tried. That experience was not so good. Blinding headaches and insomnia. When I could sleep, nightmares of the first, VIncent Price, order. So I quit, although had I toughed it out, it may have worked. When I read around the web I am finding that it is a mixed bag, with the drug working for folks who simply had the side effects but no honeymoon as well as the honeymoon types.
Bud, although I know it may be meaningless, I feel for you. I hate depression and, if I could wave my hand and end it I would. I have had it off and on for forty years and without my loved ones I'd be long gone, so I, like you, am really counting on this drug to do its thing. Somehow, I have confidence that it will.
Hang in there, pal, could be the cavalry is on its way.
Kirby

Thanks Kirby. I like the sound of the cavalry coming cos at the moment I'm surrounded by Injuns and they've all got their arrows aimed at me!

Seriously I'm just beyond anything I thought I could feel depression wise. I'm actually laughing at times, not because I'm happy or amused but just because I'm shocked at the nightmare I'm living. I couldn't in my wildest thoughts imagine this is how my life would turn out.

Forty years - it's a long time. I've been fighting for 10 and I'm not sure how much longer I can hang in there.

Bud,
yes, 40 yrs is a long time, but I think that you will agree that when we are in it it feels like eternity so time is relative. If it will help at all I can tell you that three weeks ago I sat and considered finishing the fight once and for all. Today I actually worked in my garden. I think that that may be pointing to success with the drug. You and I are probably alike in this...10 yrs like 40 yrs is forever but we may well be too damned stubborn to give in. Bud, I don't like being told what to do especially by my depression and that laughter you tell of is most likely defiance and rage. Use any weapon but depend on your loved ones if you can. This is a battle that we can win. I'm rambling as you can tell, but I'm trying to stress, keep the defiance, Bud.
At times I am positively amazed at the raw courage that I see in people that have depression. i can say that....I know the enemy well.
Kirby

Hi,

I also take Wellbutrin, but I take XL. I did not have that honeymoon period. In fact, I felt terrible and was told to just stick it out. It took about 8 weeks before I stabilised, and I have never looked back. I have been stable for more than six months now.

But apart from stability, I just feel... normal? The first few weeks can be tough, but it is worth it!

SpaceKadet, you have no idea how comforting it is to hear you make such an open and honest statement.
Thank you for sharing that. Normal is all I need.
Kirby

SpaceKadet,

Many thanks. I can't tell you how much hope your post gives me. That's what I need at the moment, just some hope that this will get better!

Kirby,

The people on this board are some of the toughest, bravest people I know (I'm going to post on this topic in the main forum later). You are right, it's a war we're in and I don't want to let this D*** thing get the better of me. I'm glad that you are now feeling able to do some work in your garden. It may well be the beginning of your recovery.

Bud

Oh, both of you!!!

Budfox and Bluespicker!

I am really glad that you are more hopeful now! As you know, I can not guarantee that it will work like this for you as well because we are all different, but there are many others who will confirm that Wellbutrin is not the instant feel good meds at all. Rather the slow stability that sort of creeps up on you, creeps at you from being the trees and the bushes!

Yes, I can honestly say that I am just boringly NORMAL!

I do remember that I begged my doctor to take me off it, and he said NO, you STAY. I started on 150 mg, and later went up to 300 mg.

I also take mood stabilisers, (I have Bipolar), i.e. 200 mg Lamictal, and 50 mg Topomax.

Yes , Hang on in there guys, it took 3 months for my SSRIs to make a difference and really kick in.

Time takes care of everything - so they say.

Best Wishes to you all , we are all in the same boat trying to beat the beast.

Jim Bow

hi budfox. I am glad you got started on a new medication.it does send you wacko for a while when you start new meds. I also take wellbutrin,have done for 2 years, I am taking 300mg.I think your doctor will probably increase the dose each week .I didn't get that rush you were talking about not sure what that means. wellbutrin is a excellent antideppresant with hardly any side effect except dry mouth.it also increases libido for some people. I would say in about 3 to 6 weeks of taking wellbutrin you will start to pickup up and you will slowly start to feel better.i will check in with you soon to see how your doing.xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx

You're an absolute sweetheart Alice. Many thanks.

Yes I saw my doc today and the plan is to get up to 300mg so you're absolutely right. I hope it helps I really do.

Bud