Wellbutrin / Depression Medication side effects Posted: 06-07-07 07:08am
I have recently tried Prozac, Lexapro, and
most recently Cymbalta. The cymbalta was
raising my blood pressure too much, so was
advised to go off. I followed doctors
orders in taking one every other day (dose
was 30mg) for 2 weeks, then once a week
for 2 weeks. This was WAY too fast of a
withdrawal, and my heart started throwing
out pvc's, rapid heartbeat and going out
of rythmn all day and has been doing so
for 7 straight days.
I recently saw the doctor again and was
advised to increase Toprol from 50 mg. a
day to 100 or possibly 200 if I wanted to.
I have with no results, still have the
palps all day.
He also advised to start Wellbutrin SR,
and this is my question:
He advised to start 150mg. 2 x a day. I'm
very hesitant to start the Wellbutrin,
since it can cause MORE palps as a side
effect, and can cause seizures, and am
concerned about the Toprol with
Wellbutrin.
Do you think the Wellbutrin will help stop
the palps? Could it make them worse?
Please advise
Thank you
Dee
|
DoctorAnswer
Doctor Answer
Joined: 19 Dec 2005 Posts: 16777211
Thanks: 25
Thanked:0
Depression Answer A2904 Posted: 06-13-07 04:49am
Wellbutrin (bupropion) is an atypical
antidepressant, which acts as a
norepinephrine reuptake inhibitor, a
dopamine reuptake inhibitor and a
nicotinic antagonist. The most common side
effects of Wellbutrin are dry mouth,
nausea, insomnia, tremor, excessive
sweating and tinnitus. Seizures might
occur but the risk for their appearance
rises with the dose. At your dose, the
risk for seizures is about 0.2%.
Nonetheless, Wellbutrin is contraindicated
in patients that suffer from epilepsy.
Hypertension and tachycardia are rare side
effects (Wellbutrin is contraindicated in
patients with severe hypertension and
not-recommended in patients with some
heart disease because there are other
antidepressant drugs (SSRI) that are less
heart-toxic). Wellbutrin can help stop
those palpitations only if they are due to
anxiety. Toprol (metoprolol) is a straight
drug for treating hypertension and
palpitations.
DISCLAIMER: "Ask a Doctor" Questions are answered by Dr. Nikola Gjuzelov, General Practitioner. Dr. Gjuzelov practices medicine for the general public and is affiliated with the Republic of Macedonia Public Health Institution. For more information about Dr. Gjuzelov or other eHealthForum.com medical experts, please visit our About Us page. You may also visit our Depression Forum, for moderated patient to patient support and information.
The material presented in the eHealth Forum Discussion Forums and Ask A Doctor is in no way intended to replace professional medical care or attention by a qualified licensed medical professional. eHealth Forum and eHealth Forum's Ask A Doctor advises all users with health problems and concerns to consult their personal doctors. Furthermore, if you have any questions or concerns about your condition, you must consult your qualified licenseced medical professional before starting any treatment.
The materials in the eHealth Forum Discussion Forums and Ask A Doctor cannot and should not be used as a basis for diagnosis or choice of treatment. To the fullest extent possible, eHealth Forum and eHealth Forum's Ask A Doctor expressly excludes all liability in respect of the information and opinions contained in the Discussion Forums and Ask A Doctor, this Web site, or any sites linked to this Web site.
