Depression Forum - Wellbutrin / Depression Medication side effects

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Q: Wellbutrin / Depression Medication side effects

asked by: DoctorQuestion on June 7th, 2007

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

Replies(3)

Dr. Nikola Gjuzelov , MD

replied on June 13th, 2007

Depression Answer A2904

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.

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