I have had panic disorder and depression for years. I maxed out Prozac and was put on welbutrin xl 150. I went up to 300 pretty shortly after and it was fine. Suddenly my panic attacks came back and they r debilitating. The doctor put me on the highest dose of welbutrin xl 450mh. 300 in the am and 150 in the pm. I started yesterday but waking up w panic and suffering daily sucks. How long will it take before I know it isn't working and I have to switch?
Bupropion - How long does an increase in dose take to work?
Question posted by Cheryl2280 on 18 Aug 2017
Last updated on 18 August 2017
Added 18 Aug 2017:
Actually I wrote that wrong. How long before I can tell if it's helping.
The information on this page reflects personal experiences shared by our community members. It is not reviewed for medical accuracy and should not replace professional medical advice.
Answers
FormerRN75
18 Aug 2017
You may want to talk to your prescribing doctor but my friend's psychiatrist and my daughter's prescriber said that buproprioncan actually INCREASE anxiety (while helping depression), especially at higher doses. You may want to switch to an SSRI, which seemed to help much better for anxiety AND depression. I took Paxil for depression/anxiety for years. When my daughter had the same issues, they put her on Zoloft avoiding Wellbutrin and SSNRI'S which can increase anxiety. I hope you find the answer and feel better soon!
Cheryl2280
18 Aug 2017
I never had issues on the 300 for like over a year now. I just want this to stop. And I would have to start a whole new med which means weaning off this crap. Ugh. I'll call on Monday if this isn't any better. Taking Xanax every 4 hours sucks
FormerRN75
18 Aug 2017
Easy on the Xanax as it is such a short acting benzo that it can cause rebound anxiety, hon. I know it's frustrating but maybe you should back off on the Wellbutrin dose a little to see if it helps. And it would mean they titrate your Wellbutrin dose down AT THE SAME TIME that they are titrating a new med up, so it wouldn't be as bad as you think. I'm sorry you're going through this. I agree, it SUCKS
Cheryl2280
18 Aug 2017
oh boy does it suck. I have an appt w a new doctor on Monday. This one I have seems to be not so interested. It takes about .5 to 1 mg to help w the panic. He didn't even seem concerned about me taking them daily. I'm the one concerned bc I know how it is to ween off Xanax. It's horrid. I try very hard not to take it but the past two days I'm unable to function w out it. Thanks for your advice. It helps to speak to others who have experiences like mine
FormerRN75
18 Aug 2017
In addition to experiencing anxiety and panic attacks, I also used to be a Registered Nurse, so I at least have that education to back up the advice I give.lol I hope you have better luck with the new doctor.
Cheryl2280
18 Aug 2017
Do u 'recommend a med? I maxed out Prozac. Lexqpro gave me bad dreams, paxil gave me more panic, effexor made me shake. Lol
FormerRN75
18 Aug 2017
Well, there's also celexa, luvox for SSRI's and, skmetimes they have luck with SNRI's for your issue. Just talk to the doctor. Hopefully the new one will be more vested in your well-being than the old one. The mental health system in this country is just broken, I'll admit
Serotonin–norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors (SNRIs)
Desvenlafaxine (Pristiq)
Duloxetine (Cymbalta)
Levomilnacipran (Fetzima)
Milnacipran (Ixel, Savella)
Tofenacin (Elamol, Tofacine)
Venlafaxine (Effexor)
Related topics
prozac, wellbutrin, depression, panic disorder, bupropion, dosage, disorder
Further information
Similar questions
Search for questions
Still looking for answers? Try searching for what you seek or ask your own question.