Is Wellbutrin good for panic disorder?

Question

I took Paxil for 9 years (40 mg) for Panic Disorder and am almost completely off of it and onto Lexapro (10mg). The reason for the change was several factors: weight gain (when I NEVER gained weight no matter how hard I tried), no sex drive on Paxil. Now that I'm almost off of Paxil and onto Lex, i'm worried about the continuing issue with my weight. Paxil was FABULOUS for my anxiety and Lex has been fine so far too (except for diarrhea), but would Wellbutrin XL be better to take b/c it doesn't report as much weight gain? I tried it once before (taking it with Paxil to help increase sex drive...it didn't do anything) but am unsure if it's good for panic since i've really only heard of it being used for depression. Any experience with this?????

I will be discussing this with my doc this week, but wanted to hear from personal experience with those who have used Wellbutrin for panic and how it affected weight/anxiety symptoms.

I've had anywhere from minor to major diarrhea the entire time on Lexapro.

Answer 1

Wellbutrin can cause psychotic/suicidal/manic type symptoms in some rare cases. I've seen it happen and its bizarre and quite frightening. I doubt seriously this will happen to you though. Has the Lexapro caused you stomach problems the entire time you've taken it? If so, I think Zoloft (Sertraline) would be a good alternative to Lexapro. Celexa and Lexapro are the same drug by the way. The company basically changed the name of the drug. Talk to your doctor about Zoloft (Sertraline) and its effectiveness with anxiety. I have not heard clients report weight gain with either Wellbutrin or Zoloft.

Answer 2

Wellbutrin has helped me with my panic attacks. Speak with your doctor to see if you can at least try it. Everyone is different. At first I was scared to take medication for it. But panic attacks are "no fun". And with wellbutrin I feel fine. I haven't had any side effects.

Answer 3

Everyone responds differently to these type of medications so what works for one person may not work for another. Welbutrin is used to treat depression disorders and symptoms of anxiety. Depending on the individual, you may experience weight loss or weight gain. These medications will not increase your sex drive. Your sex drive may be increased if your depression is lifted due to effective medication but unfortunatly a common side effect of these medications are a decrease in sex drive so its ahrd to strike a balance. I would in fact discuss this with your doctor in order to find the right balance for you becsue reactions and side effects are very individual. Hope this helps :)

Answer 4

I have read some litterature about panic attacks. But they allways seem to have a more scientific approach and that is nothing I need in my struggle to survive those horrible panic attacks. This is a "hand on" and very practical book. I felt it was written to me. I am sure that you are going to feel the same.

Joe Barry writes exactly how I think. The examples are perfectly described. And the method is genius. I recommend this book and thanks Joe Barry for writing it. It changes your life

Answer 5

Wellbutrin can make some people feel very hyper and jittery. Take what is working best for you. What is more important ? Weight gain or good mental health?

Answer 6

I was prescribed welbutrin for depresion and it made me very irratable and I quit. Then years later I figured out I had a severe case of add(no thanks to the 200 dollar an hour doctors, my wife and I had to research my symptons on the web)Again they wanted to start me on mood stabilizers sugesting welbutrin and others. I finnally ended up with the right diagnosis of add and now take the right meds. Probably the same flow of treatment your getting. If its not giving adequate relife I'm sure next they'll try clonipyne and then xanex

Answer 7

With your doctor's supervision I might try several. I started with Zoloft for panic attacks and it was mediocre. I have been on Effexor for years now and it works great for me. Other people I know have very different experiences than my own with the same meds. I just don't know how to predict your response since, from my experience, it is personal. Good luck :)

Answer 8

All i can say is GET OFF LEXAPRO.
Its terrible - when you do ween yourself off of it, it has terrible withdrawal effects. I was on 20mg for a few months and stopped it cold turkey. I thought i was dying, seriously,....its miserable. Read some other websites on withdrawals and Lexapro.

Im sorry I cant say much for Wellbutrin.

Answer 9

I think you need to ask your doctor this. Lexapro is often prescribed for people with anxiety and/or depression.

Answer 10

Try Celexa! Wellbutrin did nothing for me either! Talk to your doctor! hugs!