wellbutrin side effects

P_RN, ADN, RN · Mar 28, 2003

Originally posted by NurseJessica
I have never heard of Sarafem does sarafem have any sexual side effects such as loss of libido.

Sarafem=Prozac and yes it has that side effect

pappyRN · Mar 28, 2003

The symptoms you describe from coming off the Paxil are the symptoms of withdrawal. Many physicians are unaware of the need to taper off Paxil and/or even that Paxil can cause the symptoms of withdrawal when DC'd abruptly. Some people are so sensitive to it that they experience withdrawal if they are even a few hours late taking their Paxil. They can experience agitation, nausea, abdominal cramping, diarrhea, sweating, generalized aching, and myalgias like they have a virus or 'bug'. I am unsure if other SSRI's can cause wd symptoms when not tapered to discontinue. I have heard that it can happen with Prozac but I have no scientific proff to back it up, just heard it as secondhand rumor.

Serotonin syndrome is experienced as a result of taking SSRI's, not discontinuing them. When experiencing serotonin syndrome it is necessary to discontinue the med and change to a different AD. However, this should be closely monitored by the physician as supportive drugs may need to be prescribed. Serotonin syndrome is also referred to as "serotonin storm". Patients who are experiencing serotonin syndrome are frequently feeling extremely "wired" and abnormally hyper. Having experienced it myself as a reaction to both Paxil and Zoloft, I can tell you it is not a good feeling. I found the experience to be quite scary. I felt like I was coming unglued or like I was going to burst, from what I don't know! Some of the symptoms mimic withdrawal such as the sweating and agitation. I also experienced dangerously high, prolonged tachycardia which led to the precipitation of my developing Postural Orthostatic Tachycardia Syndrome or POTS. It has never resolved and I now take Inderal and Clonidine to control the tachycardia. I also do not tolerate caffeine even in small doses.

My pain management physician told me that the drug company that makes Pxil is in a whole lot of trouble for not warning patients and the medical community of the withdrawal problem, hence the need to be tapered when Paxil is DC'd. Many patients suffer needlessly and over several days as this information is not well known and the drug company has virtually shirked their responsibility in providing awareness to not only patients but to prescribing physicians. It is also a frightening experience because the symptoms make one feel absolutely horrible and if you don't know what is happening, it can be very upsetting to you. It is completely preventable by weaning the dose to discontinue and in some cases ordering supportive medication until you are over the hump of being symptomatic- which is usually a week or more.

Hope this has been helpful.

Warm personal regards,

PappyRN

NurseJessica · Mar 29, 2003

thank you pappy I was told by my doc that I was indeed experiencing seritonin syndrome. But he has been nothing but major problems for me anyways thanks for the info.

P_RN, ADN, RN · Mar 29, 2003

This last time my doc told me to continue Zoloft for 2 weeks while he changed me to another AD. After that 2 weeks I felt TERRIBLE for another week or so. So much that I asked him to just reorder the Zoloft and forget about any changes.

So I take about $300 worth of AD, who cares it's only money -----grrrrr.

webbiedebbie · Mar 29, 2003

Wellbutrin side effect for me was NO SLEEP! Lexapro caused med to sweat 24/7. Prozac worked wonders in the past, but doc had me on it for four years w/o a break and then I stopped feeling the good effects. So now, I'm not on anything....darn!