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Can Wellbutrin Cause Anxiety?
Question: I've been taking Wellbutrin 150 for about a week. I also take Zoloft 150 for many years. My doctor added the Wellbutrin because I have had increased anxiety but I think it is making me feel worse. Can I just stop taking it?
Brief Answer:
yes you can stop and inform your doctor
Detailed Answer:
Hello,
Thanks for writing to us.
Wellbutrin causes anxiety in 5-7 % of the patients. In your case anxiety is likely due to the same.
There are possible drug interaction between wellbutrin and zoloft.
Bupropion will increase the level or effect of sertraline by affecting hepatic enzyme CYP2D6 metabolism.
Sertraline increases levels of bupropion by affecting hepatic enzyme CYP2B6 metabolism. Potential for interaction, monitor. Sertraline may inhibit hydroxylation of bupropion to its major active metabolite hydroxybupropion.
Considering this aspect I recommend to stop wellbutrin and discuss with your doctor.
Hope I have answered your query, I will be happy to help further.
Regards,
Dr.Chintan Solanki.
yes you can stop and inform your doctor
Detailed Answer:
Hello,
Thanks for writing to us.
Wellbutrin causes anxiety in 5-7 % of the patients. In your case anxiety is likely due to the same.
There are possible drug interaction between wellbutrin and zoloft.
Bupropion will increase the level or effect of sertraline by affecting hepatic enzyme CYP2D6 metabolism.
Sertraline increases levels of bupropion by affecting hepatic enzyme CYP2B6 metabolism. Potential for interaction, monitor. Sertraline may inhibit hydroxylation of bupropion to its major active metabolite hydroxybupropion.
Considering this aspect I recommend to stop wellbutrin and discuss with your doctor.
Hope I have answered your query, I will be happy to help further.
Regards,
Dr.Chintan Solanki.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
Thank you for the response. I will stop immediately. What is your opinion about increasing the Zoloff to 200 from 150 to help elevate my anxiety?
Brief Answer:
wait for a while, better to take benzo for short time
Detailed Answer:
Hi,
Thanks for follow up and sorry for delayed response.
It is possible that your anxiety may reduce on its own up to some extent after stopping wellbutrin as it is side effect of the same. If you have anxiety severe enough which requires medicine I recommend taking benzodiazepine(ativan, klonopin or xanax) for short duration. Increasing zoloft would not give any immediate benefit.
Of course you can increase dose of zoloft up to 200 mg (which is maximum recommended dose) for your basic psychiatric problem after consulting your doctor.
Feel free to discuss further.
wait for a while, better to take benzo for short time
Detailed Answer:
Hi,
Thanks for follow up and sorry for delayed response.
It is possible that your anxiety may reduce on its own up to some extent after stopping wellbutrin as it is side effect of the same. If you have anxiety severe enough which requires medicine I recommend taking benzodiazepine(ativan, klonopin or xanax) for short duration. Increasing zoloft would not give any immediate benefit.
Of course you can increase dose of zoloft up to 200 mg (which is maximum recommended dose) for your basic psychiatric problem after consulting your doctor.
Feel free to discuss further.
Note: For further guidance on mental health, Click here.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
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