Wellbutrin SR

Today's appointment went well. My doctor prescribed Wellbutrin SR, which is a twice-daily antidepressant. I only take one pill, in the morning, for the first week. After that, I continue with the morning pill and start taking one after dinner as well.

I asked about the side effects; specifically fatigue. He said that Wellbutrin does not cause fatigue, and I was relieved to hear that. Wellbutrin's main side effects include insomnia, headaches and "the jitters". I'm not sure what "the jitters" include, but I'm intrigued to say the least.

The medication won't fully make its way into my system for two weeks, so I've got three weeks before my follow-up appointment.

I thought I'd include some basic information on Wellutrin SR. Rather than quote it all here, I'll provide links to different sections of Wellbutrin's website.

• About Depression - a general overview in helping to diagnose depression. (Please remember to visit your doctor for a proper diagnosis.) also includes treatment options and resource links.


• The Benefits of taking Wellbutrin - includes information on how Wellbutrin works, as well as explanations on why there's no risk of weight gain or sexual side effects.


• Taking Wellbutrin - where to go once you've begun treatment. includes information on starting and continuing with Wellbutrin, as well as an explanation in the differences between Wellbutrin SR and XL.

For a full list of side effects, I'll refer you to Wellbutrin's page on one of my favorite sites, crazymeds.org.

Wellbutrin's Typical Side Effects: Agitation, anxiety, insomnia, weight loss (bupropion is undergoing trials as a weight loss medication), headache, dry mouth, nausea, constipation, dizziness. Most of these are transitory, but the weight loss, agitation and insomnia tend to stick around. Wellbutrin is often used to counter the side effects of other medications.
These aren't all the side effects possible, just the most popular ones.

Wellbutrin's Not So Common Side Effects: Strange body odor, sweating, nervousness and tremor. Basically Wellbutrin could make you look like the guilty party, so you better have a damn good alibi at all times in case some big, unsolved crime goes down.
These may or may not happen to you don't, so don't be surprised one way or the other.

Wellbutrin's Freaky Rare Side Effects: Change in hair color. They swore Lady Clairol wasn't involved! There was also new hair, possibly in unusual places. Some men reported painful erections, unusual ejaculations and outright impotence, which are just one some of God's little jokes when you combine those with Wellbutrin's tendency to make you hornier.
You aren't going to get these. I promise.

As a pepper-haired 22 year old, I'd welcome a change in hair color. Just sayin'!

As always, there are health risks associated with Wellbutrin. From the Wellbutrin official website:

Important Safety Information About WELLBUTRIN XL
WELLBUTRIN XL is not for everyone. There is a risk of seizure with WELLBUTRIN XL which increases with higher doses. Taking more than 450 mg/day increases the chance of serious side effects. Don’t use it if you’ve had a seizure or eating disorder, or if you abruptly stop using alcohol or sedatives. Don’t take with MAOIs, or medicines that contain bupropion. When used with a nicotine patch or alone, there is a risk of increased blood pressure, sometimes severe. To reduce risk of serious side effects, tell your doctor if you have liver or kidney problems. Other side effects may include weight loss, dry mouth, nausea, difficulty sleeping, dizziness, or sore throat.

WELLBUTRIN XL is approved only for adults 18 years and over. In some children and teens, antidepressants increase suicidal thoughts or actions. Whether or not you are taking antidepressants, you or your family should call the doctor right away if you have worsening depression, thoughts of suicide, or sudden or severe changes in mood or behavior, especially at the beginning of treatment or after a change in dose. (see Patient Information (.PDF File): What is important information I should know and share with my family about taking antidepressants?)

I'm leaving in a few minutes to pick up my precription, which I'll start tomorrow morning.

Wish me luck! :)

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