I was diagnosed with Bipolar Disorder nineteen years ago. Although I've had one manic episode, I've had numerous bouts with depression. I've seen many doctors over the years due to changes in insurance.
I would like advice from anyone who has taken Wellbutrin for a long period of time. I began taking this medication (in addition to Cymbalta and Lamictal) approximately two months ago. Since I didn't feel any effects after one month, my psychiatrist increased my dosage from 150mg to 300mg. After two days, I began to feel happy for the first time in my life. I actually enjoyed social activities and developed a libido for the first time in my life. However, after only one week, my mood fell "flat" again and has remained that way for a month. My doctor decreased my mood stabilizer, Lamictal, from 200mg to 150mg/day, but wants me to continue taking 300mg of Wellbutrin for another two weeks before making any additional changes. I know that the week of happiness I experienced was not a manic episode as I didn't have any symptoms such as pressured speech or insomnia. I just felt good for the first time in my life and I want that feeling back. I pray every day for that to happen, but I'm feeling completely helpless and discouraged. Any suggestions/advice would be greatly appreciated!
Most likely you felt some kind of seratonin buzz or some quick great feeling that I've also had in the past due to a med. change.
For me it was a temporary thing like you describe.
Truth #001 There is NO magic med and probably won't be in our lifetime.
The biology of blood chemistry is extremely complex, combined with neurology, all the different drugs (prescribed or street - including alcohol) taken over whatever period of time. Combine that with so many many different individuals and backgrounds.
Science just isn't to that extreme level of understanding the extreme's we have been through and/or to through daily, weekly, yearly or our lifetime.
We are no different than any other person with this thing called the human condition. All humans have challenges. The key is to learn to have coping mechanisms which we search for that work for us.
If you want to feel better, then go into the unknown called change. Go challenge yourself. Take classes that assist in personal & spiritual growth that will assist in a more open mind. Take Yoga, Tai Chi, Chi Gong classes. Get Chiropractic, Acupuncture, Massage Therapy. Go Swim & Jacuzzi. Go skating, play tennis, baseball, basketball. Go skiing, fishing, sailing. Sit by a lake, river, ocean, creek and watch nature go by. Nuture your inner child and go fly a kite.
Do something different to make a change in your life and you'll most likely start having different feelings about your life. Find what makes you Happy.
In Peace & Love
Hi Bob,
I completely understand what you mean about exploring different activities to find what makes me happy. However, the problem is that I am "flat". No matter what I do, I don't feel happiness. I'm not saying that I'm extremely depressed, but I just don't have any emotions at all. Believe me, I'm keeping myself as busy as possible so I don't dwell on my state of mind. However, I truly believe that some sort of adjustment in my medication will make me feel better. It just isn't normal to be void of any emotions.
Thank you so much for your suggestions. I'm going to continue doing everything I can to keep myself preoccupied...
Yes, I know flat as well. I'm hanging in there myself mostly because ofhaving lost interest in most of the hobbies I used to have.
I'll tell ya, if I didn't have a great house pet who loves me unconditionally and puts big smiles on my face daily, I'd be in real sh*t with no place to move around. I must keep myself strong and flexible physically as pain in my body which also stresses my mind will overtake me down the pit also.
Hi Bob,
You're absolutely correct! I'm fortunate to have a supportive husband and a four-year-old daughter who keeps me very busy. I have a great full-time sales job also. I guess sometimes you have to count your blessings, right? :)
Please, always remember that Graditude is the foundation for stability no matter what's coming at us.
We must learn through trial and error where our boundaries start and stop.
Recently reading other posts in different areas, including facebook, I was reminded that I need to set limits where I excuse myself and walk away from people and places that are emotionally toxic to me. Unfortunately I've taken so much abuse and just haven't known enough to do that in the past.
Gratitude is the key.
Your comment about knowing boundaries and toxicity of people you're around is also a GREAT point.
It doesn't even have to be toxicity. Just the general 'stuff' that people go through. I am good at absorbing all when my brain barrier isn't in place. Sometimes it's most people for me...depending on where I'm at mentally...what's been my triggers. I have to remember that I'm NOT always like that. Most of the time I'm happy and able to be with people.
I do need LOTS of quiet time...still in the recovery mode. It's only been a year since diagnosis...lots to work through yet. Peeling the layers away like an onion skin.
Thank you for your comments.
God Bless,
Shelly