Tuesday, March 30, 2010 redepressed asks

Q: Could adding wellbutrin to prozac cause depression symptoms to return?

I am a 44 year old mail, being treated successfully 80MG of Prozac a day. Well, that is until recently. I've been advised by my psychiatrist to add wellbutrin to combat the sexual side effects associated with Prozac and other SSRI's.

I started 3 1/2 weeks ago with Wellbutrin SR 150MG, then up to 300mg per day. this Friday (three days from now) would mark the one month anniversary since I've added the Wellbutrin (150mg) to the Prozac 80MG and 3 weeks since adding Wellbutrin 300mg / day.

Since I started, it seems as though symptoms of depression have returned. I have a serious lack of motivation, energy and drive. Can't bring myself to be social, or do much more than take the couch for a day. When on Prozac alone, I'm energetic, highly social, curious and motivated.

My questions are thus

1. Is there any evidence or data suggesting that adding Wellbutrin to Prozac (or other SSRIs) could result in a recurrence of depression symptoms?

2. I've been on this regime for about 4 weeks. Is there data to suggest that adding Wellbutrin may reverse the positive effects of Prozac, for some start-up period of time?

3. Given the above, what would you suggest that I do at this point?

Thank in advance

Re-Depressed!

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Answers (1)

John Folk-Williams, Health Guide

3/30/10 12:22pm

Hi -

It makes sense to use wellbutrin to augment prozac since it works on two different neurotransmitters - so with the combination you're covering serotonin, norepinephrin and dopamine - the three that are associated with depression. Studies seem to bear out that the two together can work better than a drug like Prozac alone. And the sexual side effect of Prozac is important to deal with.

However, all sorts of side effects are possible from adding wellbutrin, though I think the big studies of those effects relate to wellbutrin on its own. What might occur depends on the individual. I believe lethargy is one of those possible side effects, but discuss that with your doctor.

You generally have to try a number of these drugs to get the right combination, and sometimes it's your call as to which side effect you're more willing to accept.

So talk to your doctor as soon as you can to get an opinion - but partly it's up to you too.

I hope that helps - coming from a layman who looks into the research on all this.

John

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Q: Could adding wellbutrin to prozac cause depression symptoms to return?

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