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Can Wellbutrin Cause Anxiety?

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Posted on Wed, 4 Jan 2017
Question: My niece is on Wellbutrin and is have some of the side effects described, such as anxiety and panic attacks. She has notified her doctor of this and he advised her to get some gum to chew and blow bubbles. Have you ever heard of this and what can she do about these side effects?
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Answered by Dr. Alexander H. Sheppe (30 minutes later)
Brief Answer:
Consultation

Detailed Answer:
Hello, and thanks for your question.

Chewing gum will not help. Wellbutrin is known to cause anxiety in some people. I recommend switching to a different medication, such as sertraline or escitalopram.

It is clear that the maximum dose of Lexapro, 20mg daily, is not helping you. You need to work with a doctor to slowly decrease Lexapro, eventually to stop it, and start a new medication. Medications I recommend trying first would be either sertraline or fluoxetine.

Please remember to rate and close this answer thread when you are finished and satisfied.

In the future, for continuity of care, I encourage you to contact me directly at my private web address below. After you ask a direct question, it would be my pleasure to be your dedicated personal physician on this website. My name is Dr. Sheppe, and I am an XXXXXXX doctor working in New York City at NewYork-Presbyterian Hospital, ranked #1 for Psychiatry in the United States (tinyurl.com/psyrank). For a personalized comprehensive evaluation, treatment recommendations, and individual therapy, ask me at HealthCareMagic at this private web address: tinyurl.com/DrSheppeAnswers
Note: For further guidance on mental health, Click here.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Arnab Banerjee
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Answered by
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Dr. Alexander H. Sheppe

Psychiatrist

Practicing since :2014

Answered : 2236 Questions

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Can Wellbutrin Cause Anxiety?

Brief Answer: Consultation Detailed Answer: Hello, and thanks for your question. Chewing gum will not help. Wellbutrin is known to cause anxiety in some people. I recommend switching to a different medication, such as sertraline or escitalopram. It is clear that the maximum dose of Lexapro, 20mg daily, is not helping you. You need to work with a doctor to slowly decrease Lexapro, eventually to stop it, and start a new medication. Medications I recommend trying first would be either sertraline or fluoxetine. Please remember to rate and close this answer thread when you are finished and satisfied. In the future, for continuity of care, I encourage you to contact me directly at my private web address below. After you ask a direct question, it would be my pleasure to be your dedicated personal physician on this website. My name is Dr. Sheppe, and I am an XXXXXXX doctor working in New York City at NewYork-Presbyterian Hospital, ranked #1 for Psychiatry in the United States (tinyurl.com/psyrank). For a personalized comprehensive evaluation, treatment recommendations, and individual therapy, ask me at HealthCareMagic at this private web address: tinyurl.com/DrSheppeAnswers