Wellbutrin as an SSRI alternative?

[BAK524]

Hi I'd be interested in hearing from anyone that has made a successful transition to wellbutrin from an SSRI and whether it has worked for them. My understanding is that this antidepressant does not aggravate RLS. I have tried to gradually taper off of Lexapro and was recently hit with unbearable anxiety. It has recently gone from a 10 to a 5, but it's still uncomfortable to live with. The psychiatrist prescribed hydroxyzine, a sedating antihistamine, a known RLS trigger and I said "AAHHH NO!"

[Elffindoe]

I'm sorry I haven't experienced buproprion, it's not available in the UK. I have read that some people have found it helpful for anxiety/depression.

That's the main issue with it, how effective it is really. It's well known that it's OK for RLS.

If you suffer General Anxiety Disorder, hasn't the psychiatrist offered any kind of psychotherapy? This may be better in the long term.

[BAK524 in reply to Elffindoe]

I have been in psychotherapy for 30 years! A long time, but I'm in much better shape than I use to be.

[Elffindoe in reply to BAK524]

I wonder what form of psychotherapy you've had.

Some psychotherapies are more effective than others.

30 years doesn't sound very effective.

[BAK524 in reply to Elffindoe]

I know. But I've have some very nasty trauma.

[Elffindoe in reply to BAK524]

Sorry to hear that. That can be very difficult,

[Elffindoe]

In addition gabapentin and pregabalin can also be used for anxiety.

I understand you're having a problem with gabapentin which may be solved by switching to pregabalin.

It's right that a sedating antihistamine is inappropriate if you have RLS. You can't really expect a psychiatrist to know about RLS.

I believe there are some trials looking into dipyridamole for RLS. Theoretically it should work, but nothing conclusive found as yet.

You should consider it as an "experimental" drug for RLS.

Just a word of caution. Dipyridamole, I believe isn't yet approved anywhere for RLS yet so there may be no guidance available on the correct dose. This can make taking it a bit risky.

The main risk is that currently, it is used as an anticoagulant and this can cause problems.

[BAK524 in reply to Elffindoe]

Thank you Effindoe, your opinions are important to me.

[Birdland]

I tried Wellbutrin for depression. I didn’t have a chance to see if it helped because it made me extremely anxious. So much so I couldn’t continue. One of the side effects listed is anxiety although I friends who take it and don’t experience anxiety.

[WideBody]

I take Wellbutrin twice daily. I also take pregabalin. I don't have any plans to stop either of them. I found no side effects to Wellbutin. Pregabalin might take some adjustments, but it is easier in my opinion because it is only taken at night. Good luck.