Need some help please I've been on numerous ADs over the last few years to no avail am literally at the end of my tether getting no relief... looking online I think I may ask my gp for bupropion to hopefully help with the depression... does it also help with anxiety? It may be good for me as I am hoping to stop smoking aswell... any help or positive feedback would be appreciated... also there seems to be so many different types what is the best ones to ask for? I.e. Hcl or xl makes no sense to me
Anyone in the UK on bupropion?
Question posted by Ethan84 on 29 Dec 2016
Last updated on 2 August 2017 by jojostar72
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3 Answers
jojostar72
2 Aug 2017
Hi i wanted to try this as id heard it worked but my consultant said it wasnt available in the uk,iv been on that many AD's i cant even remember how many & iv been taking them for 28 years :-( im now on vortioxetine but theyre not helping at all, just feel like giving up
janiebme
30 Dec 2016
Hi Ethan-
I am not from the UK but no matter we are all in the same boat, trying to figure out how to manage our meds.
Bupropion also know as Wellbutrin is a good antidepressant but may not be so good for anxiety. It can be an activating med. It can pull you out of a depression and give a boost of energy which may trigger anxiety, but not always.
There are 3 different versions of Bupropion. The HCL which is the instant release, SR is the sustained release and XL the extended release. Most prefer the SR or the XL because it delivers a steady dose over a 24 hour period and they only have to take it once a day.If you can get the Brand name XL without it costing you too much that is the better way to go. But if not you will have a generic.
You may want to talk to your doctor about starting low and build up. I took this med for years but had to change due to it not working anymore. But really liked it when I was on it. If you can see a psychiatrist, that may be helpful as they specialize in prescription meds.
It would help if you posted what antidepressants you have tried, how long you were on it and at what dosages.
Let us know how it works out.
Ethan84
30 Dec 2016
Hi Janie
I've been on so many different ADs over the years including sertraline, escitalopram, citalopram and more recently venlafaxine and mirtazapine 15mg then went upto 30mg I'm currently getting of this tho as making me absolutely exhausted and groggy.. the doses of the other one I can't really remember but think quite low I suffer memory loss aswell think it's the mirt cannot wait for this to be out my system. I have a telephone app to speak to a psychiatrist the 3rd Jan but then got to go on a waiting list but I need help NOW it's so frustrating... got my doc appointment later today so will ask to start small on bupropion my main problem is depression think the anxiety just comes with it... thanks for your response
janiebme
30 Dec 2016
Hi Ethan-
I can understand your frustration. I tried all the meds you have tried with the exception of the Mirtazapine (Remeron). I had horrible side effects from them and or they did not work. I also tried Effexor but again horrible side effects. It is unnerving to have memory loss with meds. It is hard to tell if the anxiety brings on the depression or the depression brings on the anxiety. I used to only have depression but now I have anxiety too. It makes it harder to treat. Some of the meds for depression aggravate the anxiety.
I really hope the Wellbutrin helps you. You can private post me if you would like. I will add you as a friend. I would like to know how you are doing.
Ethan84
30 Dec 2016
Hi Janie
Yes that would be great to add as a friend... I have just come from my doc app and felt like screaming he said no to the bupropion and prescribed me pregabalin which I've previously taken before and I told him they do no do anything for me he said give them time... your spot on what comes first the depression or anxiety... I will now have to wait for psychotherapy and get the help I actually need it's so frustrating having to wait I would like to get back to work soon as can't really afford to be off much longer... how are you these days? What med are you currently taking? Depression/anxiety is the absolute devil and it's so annoying having a gp who just does not listen arghhhh !!!
WildcatVet
29 Dec 2016
Hi, Ethan! Unfortunately, it's not uncommon to have to try several, even many, AD's before finding the one that works best for you. Bupropion is probably a good choice for you as it's very effective against depression as well as anxiety and has the bonus of being one of the most weight neutral AD's.
Hcl is merely the abbreviation for hydrochloride, part of the chemical name of the drug. XL is extended release and SR is sustained release meaning these formulations are released into the bloodstream more slowly than IR or immediate release. XL and SR usually only have to be taken once daily.
Best of luck on your journey!
Others will be by shortly to give their opinions and experiences.
Ethan84
29 Dec 2016
Thanks so much Wildcat I feel better about asking for it got my appointment tomorrow, I have been on mirtazapine the last 2 weeks absolutely dreadful drug for me anyway all I have done is sleep and eat or walk round like a zombie not a good one for me tapering off it as we speak... was also considering asking gp for clozanepam I think it's called or klonopin to help with start up side effects pray to god it works... looking on this site helps as sometimes you feel like your the only one going through it... thanks again
Inactive
30 March 2017
Hi Ethan yes the klonopin I a good choice to manage side effects during the initial phase of a new anti depressant.
Related topics
depression, anxiety, smoking cessation, bupropion, major depressive disorder
Further information
- Bupropion uses and safety info
- Bupropion prescribing info & package insert (for Health Professionals)
- Side effects of Bupropion (detailed)
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