This is for more experienced members who, in addition, are able to read a long post. ;)

I recently discovered that if I feel anxious (pre-panic attack), I can take a small additional dosage of Adderall or Ritalin, and it "fixes" the problem. In the past, I would take a benzo (clonazepam-klonopin) instead. I recently told my psychiatrist and he "understood" that as a reaction that adds more evidence to my diagnosis of ADD seven months ago.

I figured Wellbutrin , in my case, would decrease anxiety, thereby reducing my need for higher dosages of stimulants (currently methylphenidate). I asked him if he could add Wellbutrin and he said no, due to my anxiety.

I just finished tapering off an SSRI (Lexapro) over the last four months - I don't like SSRIs. Of course, we never have enough time to talk. He offered me an SSRI (as first line), or benzos (second line), or beta blockers (third, but I'm already taking one), or anticonvulsants (fourth line), or antipsychotics (last). I agreed to take Xanax prn. Why is Wellbutrin a bad choice for me? Should I ask him for a combined serotonin/norepinephrine antidepressant or even to add Strattera (NE only)? I don't know if his concern with Wellbutrin was the NE or the dopamine.

I can tell you one thing, my stimulants were more effective when I was taking an SSRI and smoking cigarettes. I stopped three months ago only to find myself more anxious. Now I avoid activities that would produce anxiety - don't socialize at all.

Before, nicotine replacement satisfied me. Now that I completely quit nicotine, I crave the real thing: nicotine directly hitting my brain in the form of smoke. I'm a little depressed; perhaps I should go back on an anti depressant...but the SSRIs make me sweat, gain weight and not even think about sex ever!

Any thoughts? I could not talk to him about all of this even in two visits! :soapbox:

I'm not sure what the mechanism is, but there have been many reports of increased anxiety with Wellbutrin. Paxil is a better choice for those dealing with anxiety along with depression.

I dated someone once who had a VERY BAD reaction to Wellbutrin -- an anxiety attack that was so severe he left his office in an ambulance.....

It's not a sure thing that Wellbutrin will increase your anxiety, but it's not likely to decrease it according to the literature.

I'm sorry you have problems with SSRIs. They work GREAT for me!

His list of what to try and the order leaves me thinking he knows his business. If you haven't tried all the SSRIs, it's worthy of a second thought. You might have better luck with another one.

Good luck!

Wellbutrin acks more on dopamine than other medications of the same nature. They usualy leave it alone altogeather. This leads to some problems with people.

Personaly, ive tried to go on it a few times... each time, on the second day, I coudnt sleep. I dont mean, toss turn and get a hour or two, I mean wide awake horribly tired and dazed.

I didn't really like SSRI's either. They made me feel deadened inside and I got fat too. Bad combo for real!

I hated all benzo's (plus with addictive potential I was afraid of them). Wellbutrin worked well for me, (I'm an ex-smoker as well, 2 packs a day, harrumph! Been off 'em for 4 years now) the first several weeks it made me very anxious (kind of like smoking way to many cigarettes) but it helped with the cravings. Then, after the first several weeks, it helped me to chill out and think straight. Of course, I was also taking mood stabilizers most of the time I was taking Wellbutrin. I've taken just about everything.

Talk to your dr. about Lamictal. What a great med. I loved it (I am on no meds right now due to breastfeeding, but ahhh .. Lamictal). If you're prone to anxious depression Lamictal is great. It never made me feel dopey and wierd like the SSRIs.

Blessings, hope you find the combo that works for you. Plus, don't forget to watch your diet. Ups and downs in blood sugar can whack you out and make you anxious too.

get off the xaxax now or you never will

Thanks all.

I took klonopin (clonazepam) .5 mg bid for four or five years and luckily never got addicted. I would end up just taking it at bedtime only and then .5 mg PRN (very rarely) during the day. I don't think I could feel it after a while, but did not increase the dosage. I just told my doc that I completely stopped taking it and he offered my xanax .25 TID PRN. I tried it but .25 is a joke, I need .5! Have not filled the prescription - only took from the samples he gave me.

I still wonder if taking some methylphenidate when I feel the need for xanax would make more sense.