Wellbutrin for energy and seasonal affective disorder, how effective?
Question posted by TyreseTl on 26 Oct 2021
Last updated on 3 November 2021
I am currently weaning off my Paxil, because it have lead to conditions that have a huge impact on my health. My PCP recently said I’m pre-diabetic; I actually crave for so much carbs and sugar. I also had gotten a sleep study and found out that I average only 4% REM sleep. The Paxil has strongly strongly suppress my REM sleep which is causing memory problems. I’m only 20 and my mind is over the place. Even though the Paxil have work wonders for my MDD, SAD and GAD. i have been feeling extremely tired and unmotivated everyday.
So I’m looking forward to ask my psychiatrist to try Wellbutrin because I heard it’s energizing and helps SAD. I am terrified for this upcoming winter because it’s when my depression gets worse and I tend to sleep a lot.
What’s your experience on Wellbutrin? And what’s the best combination to go with it?
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Answers
WI
WildcatVet
26 Oct 2021
Hi, Tyrese! "Wellbutrin XL is an antidepressant used to treat major depressive disorder and seasonal affective disorder." "Bupropion is an antidepressant medication that works in the brain. It is approved for the treatment of major depressive disorder (MDD), seasonal affective disorder (SAD), and generalized anxiety disorder (GAD). User reviews give it a 7.0 for MDD and 8.0 for SAD and other anxiety disorders. Personally, I've been taking bupropion (Wellbutrin) for about two years now and have been impressed with how effective it's been for me. And yes, energizing. I take it with a combination of Bipolar medications primarily for anxiety, depression, and chronic fatigue. Take care!
Votes: +1
TY
TyreseTl
26 Oct 2021
Hey, thanks Wildcat. :)
TY
TyreseTl
26 Oct 2021
Hey, Wildcat.
Do you know if Mylan pharmaceutical still make buspirone?
WI
WildcatVet
27 Oct 2021
I don't but you could try their customer service at 1 (800) 796-9526 or 724-514-1800 if you are in the U. S.
TY
TyreseTl
27 Oct 2021
Thanks, again. But, can the Wellbutrin SR treat seasonal disorder?
I’m sorry for asking too much questions, lol.
WI
WildcatVet
27 Oct 2021
Yes, it's approved to treat both Major Depressive Disorder and Seasonal Affective Disorder. No worries, questions are good to ask!
TY
TyreseTl
28 Oct 2021
I have another question, lol. Is it possible for me to split my 40mg Paxil in half?
Yes, no, or maybe, depending on who you ask. Technically, if you split unscored tablets you may get uneven amounts of the active ingredient but many doctors (including my psychiatrist) are okay with it. If you do split tablets only do it when you're going to take both doses fairly quickly because split tablets can deteriorate over time. Don't stockpile a bunch of halves is what I mean.
TY
TyreseTl
29 Oct 2021
Thanks for the info and I just received my Wellbutrin SR 150mg. Wish me luck :).
WI
WildcatVet
29 Oct 2021
Good luck to you, my friend! Let us know how it goes, okay?
TY
TyreseTl
30 Oct 2021
I will and I was prescribe BuSpar 10mg twice daily. Do I take both the pills at the same time or leave hours part?
How did you took your BuSpar? I remember you said you took it before.
WI
WildcatVet
30 Oct 2021
I'm maxed out on my BuSpar dosage (like most of my meds) at 30mg twice daily. You should take them at least 8 hours apart. The weather here is terrible... dark, cold, grey, and wet. Thank goodness for Wellbutrin and my lightbox that I use daily. You don't live in the U.S. do you? I wonder because the brand names Wellbutrin and BuSpar aren't commonly used here. In fact, Wellbutrin has been discontinued... only generics are available.
TY
TyreseTl
30 Oct 2021
Thanks but I live in the US(New York), yes. I sometimes forget how to spell the generics so I usually type the brand name instead, lol.
TY
TyreseTl
31 Oct 2021
WILDCAT!! Sorry for the caps. But I took my bupropion in the morning and later this afternoon I’m unable to maintain an erection. Like I literally can’t get any blood flow to my area. I tried masturbating but I can’t get an erection. Please tell me this is a common side.
WI
WildcatVet
31 Oct 2021
No, I can't find any references to ED... in fact BuSpar is often prescribed to manage SSRI induced ED. I forget... what other meds are you on now?
TY
TyreseTl
31 Oct 2021
Just bupropion and BuSpar. On Paxil my sexual health was better because it help with my premature ejaculation. But then it was difficult to get an orgasm on it tho.
I’m dumb I should have stayed on the Paxil and maybe just reduce the dose to 20mg and see if that help improve my REM sleep? My quality of life was better on Paxil. My mind is going crazy WC idk what to do. ;(
TY
TyreseTl
31 Oct 2021
Do you think I should had added BuSpar along with my Paxil to combat the delayed ejaculation?
WI
WildcatVet
31 Oct 2021
Oh, no!!! It's possible that it's a side effect of the Wellbutrin because, like so many other antidepressants, it may affect sexual health and performance. It may or may not be permanent but the BuSpar may help as I said earlier. Tyrese, I think you need professional advice from your doctor on this. Where is he at with this whole thing with adding and subtracting medications? Really, you need to discuss this with your doctor. Sorry I couldn't be of more help.
TY
TyreseTl
31 Oct 2021
I just read online that discontinuation of SSRI’s can caused PSSD(post-SSRI sexual dysfunction) i never know about this. But it make sense because I was recently off the Paxil this month and since it’s out of my system I believe that’s what is causing it. And since the bupropion is a NDRI it won’t help with my serotonin levels. I wonder if I could add 20mg of Paxil back into my system instead 40mg(since 40mg is too much for me and causing a bit of a problem to my health) Paxil was the only medication that I felt good on.
TY
TyreseTl
31 Oct 2021
I don’t think it’s any side effects from the Wellbutrin. It may be since I’m off the Paxil.
TY
TyreseTl
31 Oct 2021
Will I be ok if I resume my Paxil? I’m only off it for a couple of weeks.
I’m sorry for bothering you. I’m just out of my mind, right now.
WI
WildcatVet
2 Nov 2021
I'm sorry... I've been offline. How are things going and did you start the Paxil again? Where do you stand with your meds... you shouldn't be taking all three together so did you stop one?
PS, I'm a New Yorker too!
TY
TyreseTl
3 Nov 2021
No worries. I am now taking Paxil(20mg) along with my Wellbutrin.
I heard sometimes you can combo Wellbutrin with other SSRIs. Is it safe?
TY
TyreseTl
3 Nov 2021
I am off the BuSpar.
WI
WildcatVet
3 Nov 2021
There are some slight risks of interactions between the two but the benefits of the combination outweigh the risk in most cases. Besides, your doctor is aware of this and prescribed both which is not uncommon.
