No one should be alone in this. We can help. View New Content

[tamtay]

Hi, my name is Tamtay. I'm a 40 year old mother of two. I've been divorced for about 4 years now. It's been a battle in and of itself. I never had depression and only had a few anxiety attacks many many years ago.

After suffering a small stroke about 3 years ago for no apparent reason (Dr's think it might have been from birth control so I've sinced stopped), I started having some anxiety over the possibility of having another. Mr Dr. prescribed me Xanax. I was concerned about addiction so I rarely took them. After some time I went back to him and asked that I be put on something because I just felt anxious all the time. He prescribed me Celexa .5 M. I took it for about a year and while I did feel good, I didn't like the weight gain I was experiecing from it and feeling as though I was able to manage on my own, weaned myself off of it.

For about a month I started feeling really down, anxious and felt like crying at the drop of a hat. So I went back to the Dr. and asked to be put on Wellbutrin after reading that it didn't cause the undesirable affects Celexa did.

So I decided to start journaling how I'm doing on it. So here is how it is going so far:



Wellbutrin XL (sample from Dr)– Started 5/15/12 @ 150 dose

Day 1 5/15/12 - – In the morning I felt a little out of it on the drive in to work. But than I perked up. It’s now 3:00 pm and I’m a bit tired.

Day 2 5/16/12 - – Had a little bit of chest tightness. Other than that, all seems fine. Last night I seemed to have more energy at night time (even put away laundry). Slept fine. Weight as of this morning 152.6

Day 3 5/17/12 – Have some pain in my legs. Felt infuriated last night due to Taylor’s badgering at the counseling session and wanted to just end it, but not unlike before. Slept great. Weight as of this morning 150.6. Some tightness in chest. Tired.

Day 4 – 5/18/12 - Slight agitation that subsides quicker than it ever has and didn’t have the prolonged sense of agitation. Vivid dreams. Woke up at 4:30 am this morning to use the bathroom, and than had a hard time falling back asleep. But did. Weird feeling – cross between dizzy and floating at night time when I woke up. Skin feels hot and sensitive and it comes and goes in waves. Vision gets blurry at times and I feel a tightening (like a contraction) in the bridge of my nose. Headache. Weight as of this morning 150.4. Appetite seems to be decreasing a bit. Last night I did have some heartburn.

Day 5 – 5/19/12 – No change. Although I do find myself laughing more and having moments of clarity. Still some agitation. Constipation. Weighed myself and I was down to 148 which was a huge change in weight.

Day 6 – 5/20/12 – Upped to 300 dose - Bupropion XL. Only side affect was slight insomnia. Back up to 150. Increased hunger.

Day 7 – 5/21/12 – A little more insomnia last night. Hair seems to be falling out some. I do feel happier though. I feel like my old self. Not dwelling on things. Some mood swings however. Nothing drastic. Feel more outspoken. Back up to 151. Vivid dreams. Increased hunger last night. Slight stomach pain. Heart palpitations last night as well when I woke up. 80 bpm.

Day 8 – Was a bit tired early (around 9:00). Slept very well. Some minor agitation. No other side affects to report.

Day 9 – Starting to feel what I believe to be the affects of the medication. I feel happy, energetic and social. Had some slight anxiety for a brief amount of time yesterday, but also had a cup of coffee. No coffee for me today. Slept like a baby. Minor agitation. Kinda snapped at co-workers – oops. Weight as of this morning 151. Boo! Some blurry vision. Seem to be more hungry. Boo!

Edited by tamtay, 23 May 2012 - 09:11 AM.

[tamtay]

Already an update!

Yesterday I had a small anxiety attack. I worked through it. Today, just now, I had another - more strong, and in fact, still quite evident. So I just called my Dr. to put me back on 150 of the namebrand Wellbutrin XL. I will keep you posted!

[resetchica]

Thanks for your journal! I am on day 3 of Wellbutrin XL.

[tamtay]

Thanks for your journal! I am on day 3 of Wellbutrin XL.

Cool! Keep us posted too!

I just called my Dr. again, lol, and asked for Xanax as needed to help with the anxiety I've been having off and on.

Edited by tamtay, 23 May 2012 - 02:21 PM.

[resetchica]

I have noticed that I do feel better. I was depressed and couldn't stay out of bed. Today I went to my classes and when I got home I didn't get back in bed. So for day 3 I think it is pretty good! The only odd thing I have noticed is teeth grinding. I grind at times when I feel stressed and last night I woke up and had to find my night guard because I was grinding so bad. I hope that passes because my jaw is already sore.

[tamtay]

Day 10 – Well, now I know why I’ve been “agitated” and my appetite had increased. Some. “Aunt Flo” decided to pay me an unexpected early visit. I’m wondering if that’s what sparked the anxiety I was also feeling. Anyway, I dropped back down to the name brand Wellbutrin at 150. Slept like a baby last night. You know, the kind of sleep when you wake up and have indentation on your body from the mattress kind? No symptoms to report, but as of this morning, weight is down to 148.2! Hooray!! And that’s with “Aunt Flo’s” visit! Can’t really report on my mood considering she is here either.

[resetchica]

Yay for sleep! I slept good too. And woke up nice too. I didn't have that feeling of dragging myself around this morning which was nice. Day 4 is good. It is nice not to feel like I am glued to the floor. The teeth clinching is still there but not so bad today. I still haven't checked my weight. Since I gained 50 pounds from the depression.. I still don't want to look at the scale. I did go out and exercise yesterday evening and will do so this evening as well. I noticed that the desire to binge eat has not hit since I have been on wb so that should help the weight issue. I will step on the scale this weekend and see what it says.

[tamtay]

Day 11 – Since switching back to the 150 name brand, I haven’t experienced anymore anxiety attacks. Thank God! But I did go to my Dr. this morning for a low dose of Xanax to take should that ever happen again. I also talked to him about the difference, if any, between the name brand versus the generic. He said that generic forms, depending on who puts them out, tend to give more of a release and that the name brand is more smoother in that respect. Now that makes me wonder if it was in fact the generic that gave me the attack. He told me that we will try out the 150 name brand for a while and then try and up it to the 350 name brand later. He said, however, that if I find myself coming back for refills of the Xanax too soon, than we know the medication is not for me and will need to try something else. I sure hope not because all of my side affects have seemed to diminish at this point. AND his scale also reflected 148 lbs. And again, that’s with “Aunt Flo”. I use to always think about food. Was a binge eater at times too. So I’m hopeful that this medication will **** two birds with one stone. Or actually, 3 – mild depression, some anxiety and appetite. So far so good…oh and blood pressure is fine.

Just a sidenote: I work out 4 - 5 times a week and have also been watching my calories (1200) for about 5 months now. Lost 2 lbs. during that time. Since starting the medication on the 15th, I've lost 3 more.

[tamtay]

Yay for sleep! I slept good too. And woke up nice too. I didn't have that feeling of dragging myself around this morning which was nice. Day 4 is good. It is nice not to feel like I am glued to the floor. The teeth clinching is still there but not so bad today. I still haven't checked my weight. Since I gained 50 pounds from the depression.. I still don't want to look at the scale. I did go out and exercise yesterday evening and will do so this evening as well. I noticed that the desire to binge eat has not hit since I have been on wb so that should help the weight issue. I will step on the scale this weekend and see what it says.

That's great. Now don't forget, if you have read the "honeymoon" section of the forum, that sometimes we will have some positive feelings that may diminish again until we get the full affect which may not be until after 7 weeks.

[resetchica]

Yeah I read about the honeymoon part. I am just glad that I'm feeling better now. In a couple weeks I will have family here for the summer and that will help keep me up. I got on the scale today so I can mark a start weight. I wasn't happy about it but at least I will have a starter to begin tracking with.

Last night I went to bed very early.. like at 8pm. I slept very very deep. Apparently a friend was calling me at 9:30 and I didn't even hear my phone. I slept all the way through till 5:30 (my normal time to wake). Today I feel much better. Before I was only sleeping 5-6 hours at night. But then again I was sleeping during the day. Now I'm not.

I am taking the name brand wb 150mg x2 in the am along with name brand topomax 50mg am and 50mg night time. I live in Mexico and we don't have insurance that covers prescriptions so it is very expensive.. The generics for these are not available down here so I hope this stuff works!!

[katiebee]

I started Wellbutrin xl 150 on May 22d.

Previously I was on Lexapro 15mg and xanax 5mg for anxiety. I did this for 2 years. The Lex and Xanax helped immensely since I was surprised by my hubby that he had been having a 3 yr affair with a woman who lives out of the country and they were planning on starting a new life together! Lovely news right?!! So, I lost a ton of weight (40lbs) in 8 weeks and had major anxiety trying to figure out what my plans were for my 12 yr old and I.

Fast forward 2 yrs and 20 lbs gained and depression overtaking my days. I started school again to get a nursing degree and found that I was so unmotivated, unfocused , eating all the time and shying away from all socialization.

Dr. prescribed Adderall 20mg and I stopped compulsive eating, started to socialize, felt energized and lost 5 lbs in 2 weeks. I had started to come down on my Lex to 5 mg myself over a period of 2 months and cut the xanax to .25mg only every so often. But...started to feel depressed and just not right......

Dr. prescribed Wellbutrin XL 150 4 days ago and I've been dizzy, insanely tired, hungry and constipated! I've gained 2 lbs and have had to lay down for the last 2 days due to the dizziness. Now, I had not taken the Adderall during these four days because I was not studying. Ugh.....felt horrible this morning. Mostly because of the weight gain and constipation. How many prunes can I eat and how much water can I drink to get this fixed!!! Obviously not enough!!!

This morning I took the Wellbutrin 150 and the Adderall to see if they would help with the dizziness....it has so far and the constipation has abated a bit......the 2 made me nauseous but green tea with jasmine and a breakfast bar has helped. My food cravings have settled down so we will see.

Question....is anyone else on Wellbutrin and Adderall? My dr does not want to increase my Well dose to 300 (typical dose) while I am on Adderall since they both work on same brain area......would love some feedback.

Sorry for the long post!

[resetchica]

Well I am coming up on one week now. I feel a lot better. I have a lot more energy. Don't have the urge to binge eat at all and I no longer feel like old blackened gum stuck to a sidewalk. I eat normal amounts of healthier food and drink a lot of water, but so far my weight has gone up. That part I haven't liked. I am going to start an exercise routine tomorrow with a friend who has also been depressed and has been gaining weight recently. We have an exercise appt tomorrow. Figure doing it together will help.

I have noticed the tendency to get irritated with people more easy. Have to keep that in check.

[muppetgas]

Hi guys, sounds like I started around the same time as you all (Started Bupropion 150mg XL on May 15th) I was on Zoloft 100mg-taking it at night and it stopped working as well. I have had to wean off the Zoloft at the same time as starting the Wellbutrin so it's hard to say if my problems have been side effects of new drug or withdrawal.

I cut the Zoloft in half for about 7 days then just stopped taking it. I was dizzy for 3 days after that (it's my third time in my life quitting Zoloft so I expected that) On May 24 I started taking two of the 150mg Bupropion (doc wanted me on 300 and told me to start it after 10 days).

I don't know if this is the right drug for me :( I was really hoping it would be. Zoloft worked at first but then made me foggy and apathetic, with a ton of trouble concentrating. I also put on 15#, which isn't too bad since I'm still an ok BMI but none of my clothes fit so I was hoping the Bupropion would get me back to my usual weight :)

Side effects since starting:
Dizziness
Agitation
Ravenous! hunger
And that head feeling? So hard to explain. Don't think it's the brain zaps that I've read about on here, but it's like a rush to my brain like being very drunk, and I feel like I need to sit down and close my eyes, I hate it. It is way worse after 6 PM (I take the Bupropion XL at 6 AM)
I don't know if the awful head feeling is from Zoloft withdrawal or Bupropion...anyone else feel insanely dizzy or "drunk/drugged" feeling? Is that a "Brain Zap"?

I'm going to use this as a journal too, so I'm going to log my weight and other random bits about my day.

UBW: 125#
Weight on Zoloft: Got up to 146# two months ago, have been 138-140 the last month (Lost the 6-8# from exercising more, I'm assuming)
Weight today: 136#

I drank a alcohol today at my Aunts house. I don't drink a lot, drinking on Zoloft always made me dizzy and of course that one alcohol today did too. I'm also a social smoker. Not wanting to smoke because of Bupropion would also be a "wanted" side effect, but so far I haven't felt it. When I was agitated last week at work, I just wanted a cigarette.

Oh, yeah-on this med for "chronic mild depression". Never really had much anxiety, just chronic sadness and some OCD-type behaviors.

[muppetgas]

Felt much better today!

Got agitated but kept it under control.
136# still, and pretty hungry still.
Slept kinda weird last night (woke up a lot and had odd dreams and some weird eye floaters or something this AM.
But still felt pretty "up" and alert today.
Dizziness set in around 6PM but it's not nearly as bad as it has been.

[tamtay]

Welcome everyone! I'm glad to have others who started around me, so we can compare notes!!

Day 12, 13, 14, 15 – It’s now been a little over two weeks on the medication. Other than a little hand shaking, no side affects to report. I sleep like a baby. I had a great Memorial Day weekend. Laughed a lot. And I also wanted to add that while I don’t condone it, I did indulge in some alcoholic beverages and didn’t have any weird affects from it. I ate a lot so I’m sure I gained. Will check at the gym this afternoon. But other than that, appetite seems to be in check. Oh and lots more energy. I use to crash at 10:00 PM but had to force myself to go to sleep around 1:00 am this morning!

I also wanted to add, that I am still waiting for this huge increase in labido that I've heard about. I've always had an overactive one and I got to tell ya, I could take it or leave it lately. Weird.

Edited by tamtay, 29 May 2012 - 09:52 AM.

[tamtay]

And that head feeling? So hard to explain. Don't think it's the brain zaps that I've read about on here, but it's like a rush to my brain like being very drunk, and I feel like I need to sit down and close my eyes, I hate it. It is way worse after 6 PM (I take the Bupropion XL at 6 AM)
I don't know if the awful head feeling is from Zoloft withdrawal or Bupropion...anyone else feel insanely dizzy or "drunk/drugged" feeling? Is that a "Brain Zap"? ((end quote))

I would get head rushes. Like the medication, which I take the XL which is a time release, would release. I felt kind of high. I was so busy this weekend that I didn't notice. Today, back at work, will be the real test on that.

Edited by tamtay, 29 May 2012 - 09:39 AM.

[tamtay]

Well I checked my weight at the gym and am up to 151. But I ate a lot over the weekend and didn't work out so...

[resetchica]

I totally don't get it. I am up 5 pounds since starting wellbutrin. I have been eating a lot healthier and drinking a ton of water. Haven't binged once. I don't feel hungry. Cut out sugar. Sweating like mad.

Before I was eating fast food constantly and I wasn't gaining weight like I am now. I don't get it.

[resetchica]

I think it is not mixing well with my thyroid problem. I'm going to go to my dr and check. 5 pounds in a week is too much. I have watched my scale creep up daily and have eaten better each day. So this isn't working.

[muppetgas]

"I would get head rushes. Like the medication, which I take the XL which is a time release, would release. I felt kind of high. I was so busy this weekend that I didn't notice. Today, back at work, will be the real test on that."


Ok, that totally makes sense. That sounds like what it is. But today was even better so I must be adjusting to it.

My weight is up two pounds, so I too am not losing any weight despite eating less/better. I know how you feel about that. Way too dizzy to exercise just yet though.

Had a phone appt with my doc today and she said "everything you are feeling so far is normal and should get better" the only thing she was worried about was the agitation. She said if that doesn't get better for me in 4 weeks then I may have to add a small does of something else-Cymbalta? Celexa? Some med with a C name can't remember. And I told her how hungry I was and she said "this drug will not make you gain weight" so I'm gonna wait it out 4 more weeks. I'll see how the agitation, dizziness, and hunger stuff plays out.

She also told me not to worry when I asked hypothetically, if I have two take multiple meds for the rest of my life how bad is it for my liver. And I got cavities while on Zoloft 7 years ago, but she said the dry mouth from Wellbutrin will go away and just to use flouride toothpaste.

[tamtay]

Day 16 – 5/30/12 – I take my Welly (like the nickname lol) around 6:00 am every morning. Yesterday around 3:00 PM, I got incredibly tired at work. The typical 3:00 PM sluggies. But I haven’t had that in quite sometime. On my drive home from work around 6:00 PM, I almost fell asleep!! I was sooo tired!! So I took another 150 mg hoping it would perk me up. Well it did enable me to get through a shopping trip with my 12 y/o daughter but when we got home around 9:00, I was exhausted! I went to bed at 9:00 PM! Even after taking that other dose!! What’s up with that? I though it was suppose to give you energy? I thought I’d have insomnia considering how late I took that second dose, but nadda. Like I said, this is the first time I experienced that since taking the wellys.

This morning I freaked out on my daughter who always has a hard time catching the bus, which picks her up in front of our house! I had to drive her in which makes me late. She just has no regard for anybody but herself and I blew. That’s not that uncommon, but I did curse using the F word a lot! That I don’t like doing. I felt like I lost control…not good.

Other than that, lol, I feel a renewed sense of social ability. I feel less inhibited when it comes to talking to strangers. I’m a pretty shy person until I get to know someone. But I’ve definitely notices a difference in that respect. Also, I’m the type, or use to be the type rather, that would divert my eyes when someone was staring at me. Now, I stare back until THEY divert THEIR eyes. Which is all well and good until you do it to that HOT construction worker who is doing work at your son’s daycare! Lol. I thought he was going to come over and start talking to me. Can’t have that! I’m engaged! But it sure was nice knowing I must still “have it”. Lol.

Bad news now..Scale reflected 152.6! Boooooo!!!! “Aunt Flo” is still here, so hopefully that has something to do with it. OR, it could very well be due to all of the BBQs I attended over the Memorial Day weekend. I worked out hard yesterday at the gym (I belong to Curves) and burnt 430 calories in 35 minutes.

Resetchica - I totally understand how you feel about the weight gain. I decided to try Welly because I read that it curbed your appetite and could contribute to weight loss. It seems like it did in the very beginning, but now the scale is creeping up. HOWEVER, like I said, I attended two BBQs over the weekend (well hosted one) and so I ate a lot of things I haven't touched in a while. So I have to get back on track with that and see if it's affective. You said how you've been watching what you eat and still gaining? Yeah, that would pi** me off. lol. Talk to your Dr.

Muppet - Glad your hanging in there!

Edited by tamtay, 30 May 2012 - 09:00 AM.

[tamtay]

I also wanted to add, that I feel like I'm on steroids lately. My endurance at the gym is getting better and better every day. I've burnt more calories each day and I don't even feel like I'm pushing myself that hard. Guess that's a good thing.

I workd out at Curves doing a 30 minute circuit. I burnt 435 calories today.

[resetchica]

I spoke with my dr and he said to stop.. great but I just bought a new packet the other day.. I went over all my symptoms and I cursed 8 times in 5 minutes. He has known me for 7 years and that is not normal for me. My teeth clinching is really bad. As is the ringing in my ears. He said these were all bad things as is the weight gain. I was very strict with my diet. I had cut out all sugar and processed carbs and was gaining at a rate of 1-1.5 per day. I had only started checking my weight since thursday and was up 5 pounds. According to his scale since he weighed me I am up 9 pounds from what he had in the charts. I don't know what the weight is from because I don't feel swollen and I have eaten a lot less than I was before. He wants me to come back on Friday. My stomach feels horrible though. He thinks it is constipation and gave me some other pills to clean me out. I didn't think so because I have been pooping.. but he is the expert.. we will see.. He said he will wait to see me on Friday to give me something else.

[resetchica]

I still can't believe gaining 9 pounds in 7 days with pills that most people lose weight on and where I have been ultra strict on what I have eaten. I mean I thought I was feeling better.. but I guess it has to do with the mix of my thyroid issue. But you would think there would be more information about that available.

[tamtay]

I still can't believe gaining 9 pounds in 7 days with pills that most people lose weight on and where I have been ultra strict on what I have eaten. I mean I thought I was feeling better.. but I guess it has to do with the mix of my thyroid issue. But you would think there would be more information about that available.

Sorry it didn't work out for you. I have read that some people gain on it. I hope I'm not one of them too. As mentioned, I'm going up in weight as well. Hoping it's a fluke or just from over-eating over the weekend coupled with "aunt flo". Because let me tell ya, if it continues, I'm off.

Edited by tamtay, 30 May 2012 - 03:09 PM.

[muppetgas]

Hi Everyone,

Sorry to hear the stressful stories with weight and other side effects. It is annoying because they say it can help you lose. My weight was 1# down but I wouldn't be surprised if it fluctuates for awhile. I'm not really trying to lose weight for health, just for my clothes to fit again! But if I stay at this weight for a month I may just give up and buy new clothes. I'm sick of staring at a closet of things I cannot wear.

Today I felt really "up" again. I feel so, so alert and jumpy. So far it's welcome energy. You know how it goes when depression makes you sit and stare off into space and not think at all, so this energy and focus is nice. But I have other emotions that I didn't have while on Zoloft, like feeling sort of self-concious or paranoid. Zoloft took that all away and today I felt it a bit. It's interesting to hear, Tamtay, how you feel more able to socialize because I'm starting to feel more awkward! But I think I'm PMSing right now, LOL. Who knows. Oh to be a female. LOL.

Barely any dizziness today :) Just from an elevator ride but I always get dizzy on elevators (and avoid them!) due to some inner ear thing.

I have constipation too, had it since day 1. Just trying to drink water, eat some prunes every AM and up the veggies and limit dairy etc. But it is an annoying feeling. My 4 year old has it too (chronic) so I got him having a tiny bit of miralax in his juice recently and its working for him so I took a tiny bit too today (just a tiny bit, like a half tsp-I don't want either of our bodies to need it or either of us to have diarrhea!)

Good luck everyone, it's great to have people going through the same trials here...

[resetchica]

What is odd is today I didn't take it. I went straight to my doctor first thing in the morning and when I stepped on his scale he agreed with me that I should not take it. Well today I have had non-stop BMs. He had told me that he thought I had extreme constipation from it but I told him I had had bms(so I didn't agree).. not as regular.. but that I was having them.. but since I didn't take the pill this morning.. my dear god.. it is like the flood gates opened and I haven't stopped all day. Also from not taking the pill today my jaw isn't so tight. I go back to my dr on Friday but it is looking like the good didn't outweigh the bad for me on this one.

I was eating veggies and fruits and like I mentioned before, being very strict with diet. I figured if I was taking a pill that helped me to lose weight I would work it for what it was worth. So I think that it was indeed causing extreme constipation like my dr had mentioned and that is what was causing my weight to go up so fast.

[tamtay]

Day 17 – 5/31/12 – Definetly a noticeable spike in intensity of agitation. Similar to PMS. I don’t like that at all. I am going to give it a little more time to see if anything changes and if it doesn’t in that respect, I’m going off. That is one of the things I have been trying to alleviate, so I can’t be on something that’s going to make it even worse. But it’s only been a little over two weeks on the meds, so I’m hoping it will subside soon, because as of right now, I’m having more bad days than good.

Weight as of this morning – 150.8. Down almost two lbs. from yesterday. Also, don’t know if it’s related or not, but “aunt flo” seems to have extended her visit to 8 days so far…

With respect to constipation, I've always had trouble in that area. Even more so since taking Welly. I had to resort to, and this may be TMI, performing an etema (sp?). Then I drank my laxative tea and it seemed to do the trick. I've had to do that twice so far (the etema). But every other day, I drink my tea. But I've always had to drink the tea.

[tamtay]

I'm an *****!!! I just now looked at the bottle of medicine. Guess what? It's still generic! My Dr. specifically told the pharmacy to give me name brand. I just called the pharmacy and they admitted their mistake. Told me to come back in to swap them out. Good Lord!

[tamtay]

I'll tell you one thing. My endurance is through the roof on this med! I burnt 514 calories at the gym today! An all time record. And we are talking a 30 minute circuit at Curves.

[muppetgas]

What's the tea? The miralax isn't working enough. I feel bloated :(

But I think the energy is great too!

Is anyone else acting different or saying weird things? Despite feeling "hyper focused" I said two funny things today: when telling a story about going camping with my cousin I said, "when I was camping with my sister, blah blah blah" (I have no sisters!) Then out to dinner I asked for a bottle of alcohol instead of a glass, LOL. And I really only wanted a glass!!

My weight is at 134# and that's after dinner+feeling super awfully bloated. So I'm guessing I may be starting to lose weight. My hunger is finally going away, and I want to smoke less and less! Today was good.

Awesome burning 514 calories in 30 min, Tamtay, that's impressive :) I'm still too dizzy to exercise.

Oh, I starting sweating a lot today, I heard others mention that side effect and I just noticed it today. I kept re-filling my water bottle and fanning myself at work. But it's nice to crave water. I never drink enough so I was so happy to crave it.

[tamtay]

Day 18 – 6/1/12 – Feeling pretty good today. I’m hoping it’s the medication kicking in and not a fluke. Was singing and dancing in the car with my little guy (5 y/o son) this morning on the way to daycare. Aunt Flo is still here and with vegence! Which sucks. My fiance’ said she’s ******* his s e x life. Lol. Speaking of that, holy cow, don’t know if it’s because it’s been over a week or if it’s the meds, but boy ooh boy is my fiance’s wait going to be worth it!

Weight hasn’t changed since yesterday. Appetite has decreased over the past couple of days however.

I have a hard time waking up in the morning, which isn’t unusual, but I was hoping to have that sprint in the morning some people have talked about. I slept great again. Went to sleep at 11:30 with no problems.

Oh and when I went to pick up the name brand of the med., it cost over $200! So generic it shall remain.

No side affects at all anymore besides a little dry mouth. But I too have been drinking lots of water which is good.

[tamtay]

What's the tea? The miralax isn't working enough. I feel bloated :(

But I think the energy is great too!

Is anyone else acting different or saying weird things? Despite feeling "hyper focused" I said two funny things today: when telling a story about going camping with my cousin I said, "when I was camping with my sister, blah blah blah" (I have no sisters!) Then out to dinner I asked for a bottle of alcohol instead of a glass, LOL. And I really only wanted a glass!!

My weight is at 134# and that's after dinner+feeling super awfully bloated. So I'm guessing I may be starting to lose weight. My hunger is finally going away, and I want to smoke less and less! Today was good.

Awesome burning 514 calories in 30 min, Tamtay, that's impressive :) I'm still too dizzy to exercise.

Oh, I starting sweating a lot today, I heard others mention that side effect and I just noticed it today. I kept re-filling my water bottle and fanning myself at work. But it's nice to crave water. I never drink enough so I was so happy to crave it.

I drink Smooth Move Organic Laxative Tea. It's very mild but do drink it at night time because in the morning it usually kicks in. So be near a restroom! You can find it near the laxatives at the pharmacy.

http://www.tealand.com/SmoothMove.asp

I haven't noticed my saying weird things, but my memory has been a little worse than normal.

Oh and I get hot and cold flashes sometimes. I do sweat more at the gym, which I never had before. But than again, I didn't burn as many calories as I've been either.

Edited by tamtay, 01 June 2012 - 09:02 AM.

[kaliforniakitty]

Thanks Tamtay for the journal. Some of your symptoms I cannot relate to Wellburtrin but everyone is different.
I have been onn 300mg per day for years. No problems no side effects that I can remember. But it did change my life for the better and gave be BACK my libido at age 64. So I am reluctant to give it up.
I recently (this week) asked for an increase in dose or another anti depressant. I really dont want to go thru the weaning and starting a new one and then another, what a drag. My PDr wanted to increase from 300 to 450 and I thought that was too agressive. He also wanted to switch from SR to XL, which is fine. He wanted me to take THREE (3) 150mg XL all at once in the morning. That scared the bejessus out of me. So as an alternitive I sugggested a 150mg + a 100mg in the Am to start and work up to at least 400 a day not at once, then switch to XL which is once a day, kinda nice.
So my terror about new dose or new drug is always there. But this morning I said "ah the hell with it Im doing it"
so I popped the 150 and the 100 and prayed. :) I took my BP it was 120/72 pulse 67

I know for most of the people here the dose is so minimal to them and I dont take any anxiety meds, but I do have them for Atrial Fib attacks. I actually felt good befoe the meds because I am excited about getting better and I slept well. The reason I visited the prospect of an increase is, I have been lethargic, un motivated, like I will sit on my butt all day and play video games or surf the web which can get expensive. I have a shopping habit that is getting worse. But that could be me fighting my new standard of living single, Poor.
I am anti social (but no one would guess having met me), and don't want to go any where or do anything. I just moved here and do not know any one and will never meet any one if I dont leave the house. Last year I lived in a different city and went to school for a year and graduated as a Pharmacy Tech at age 69. I dont know how I did it but I got an A. That takes motivation, sooo this problem is very new I'm thinking, some of it.
I am retired , just turned 70, and going thru a divorce, any questions? LOL
I moved to be closer to my kids and that part had been super.
Thanks again for your journal and the opportunity to voice my concerns. You sound like a pretty level headed and nice person
Kitty

[kaliforniakitty]

OH WHAT IS THE "HONEYMOON" EFFECT I HEAR ABOUT?

KITTY

[muppetgas]

I think the honeymoon effect may just be how some people feel really good in the beginning and then it wears off a bit? I'm not sure. I'm just now almost 3 weeks on it.

Happy to say that the last 2 days I had no dizziness, it finally did go away! Amazing. Still a bit irritable, impatient with my kids, basically.

Weight is up and down, down to 132# on Friday and today at 134#. Appetite is stranger than ever. Wasn't hungry at all on Thursday, woke up starving on Fri, then couldn't finish my breakfast, then not hungry the rest of the day until 8pm. I think I need to pay attention to the clock and eat regular meals since my body isn't telling me anymore. At least I can eat a bit less and not feel hungry still, I used to hate that!

Still adjusting to actually having emotions again. I guess that is a good thing, to have feelings like everyone else :)

[tamtay]

6/2 - 6/4 - Can't really say if I'm feeling anything positive on the medication. I did have bouts of aggitation Friday and Saturday. I don't like that at all. But than yesterday, I had a blast with my kids at the pool and even my 12 y/o's constant badgering about leaving didn't throw me over the edge. Definetly more energy.

Oh, I increased to 300 yesterday. I still had a bottle of the 300 m. pills and figured I'd see how it went and if I notice any changes. I did wake up a couple of times last night. But than I jumped right out of bed when it was time to get up this morning. Before, I had a hard time waking up.

Very thirsty today.

Weight is down to 148. And that's with not exactly watching what I ate over the weekend.

Aunt Flo is FINALLY gone (9 days).

[tamtay]

Day 22 – 6/5/12 – I feel like the dark cloud has moved away. I’m hoping that it’s the effects of Welly and not just another fluke. All side affects have dimished aside from dry mouth. I have had very mild anxiety but it lasted only a short duration. I haven’t had to take Xanax (only had to take one weeks ago), so that’s good. I do have a lot more energy during the day but crash early and hard at night (around 10:00). Weight is holding steady at 147 which I’m happy about. It IS pretty funny how it seems like (according to what I’ve read from others) that the Welly seems to take off what you put on if you took SSIs previously. I was on Celexa for about a year and gained about 10 lbs. I’ve lost some prior to Welly because I’ve been reducing my calories, but could not seem to shed the rest. Welly did help with those last few lbs.

Oh and the quarter is in! Labido is very high.

[muppetgas]

Weird, it's my Day 22 as well!

Well I feel pretty good in the "not-depressed" department. And worked out a good system with my husband for the crazy AM rush with the kids getting ready for school and me getting ready for work (the only time of day I was getting agitated and screaming, so we split up some responsibilities and now he was the one yelling, LOL. No, we don't really want to yell at them, they just don't get along well at this age so we split them up as they get ready in the AM)....So, yeah, that's my agitation prevention plan. Haven't had to deal with anything super stressful at work these last 3 weeks, hopefully when that kind of thing comes up I can maintain my cool.....

Biggest problem right now is constipation. It's never been a problem for me so it seems really terrible right now (Or is it always this bad? I can't believe people have to live like this, it's terrible). I have taken SO many kinds of softeners and laxatives, done two enemas, and doing nothing but fiber-y foods and lots of water. Haven't tried that Smooth Move Tea yet, also haven't tried Milk of Magnesia, I'm buying those two products tonight and if they don't work I need to go to the doc. After all these meds/interventions you would think something would budge (sorry, gross, LOL) but nothing eventful happens.

Wt is steady every other day 132# then 134#. I know I still need at least 5 more gone to fit in most of my pants, so that's my goal for now.

Happy to hear it's working well for others. I'd say it's pretty great too, once I get my tummy feeling normal again.

[tamtay]

Yeah, the constipation is a major drag. I've always had trouble in that department. Even the tea hasn't helped lately. Do you know if it's suppose to get better?