wellbutrin - 1st 4 weeks side effects

Hi, my son has been on Wellbutrin for 4 wks now and has had suicidal thoughts.  He has dystimia-an on-going low level depression for over 2 years now.  He was on Celexa once-but only for a month and gave it up. 

1st of all how old is your son?

Wellbutrin is an antidepressant medication.

You may have thoughts about suicide when you first start taking an antidepressant, especially if you are younger than 24 years old. Your doctor will need to check you at regular visits for at least the first 12 weeks of treatment.

Call your doctor at once if you have any new or worsening symptoms such as: mood or behavior changes, anxiety, panic attacks,  or if you feel impulsive, irritable, agitated, hostile, aggressive, restless, hyperactive (mentally or physically), more depressed, or have thoughts about suicide or hurting yourself.

Please take care.

Kitt

Hi Sassy,

Kitt's question about your grandson's age is very pertinent. I'm also curious, was your grandson having any suicidal ideations prior to his taking the antidepressants? If these thoughts are completely uncharacteristic, talk to your doc ASAP! If the thoughts aren't alien just uncomfortable, the wellbutrin could be just starting to work, and he is still depressed. It is still important to call your doc regardless. There are all sorts of other anti-ds out there, hopefully he can find one that doesn't exaccerbate his situation. I've been taking Wellbutrin on and off since I was 24, and I never experienced any thoughts in my brain that weren't there previously.

He might also benefit from being in "talk therapy" if he isn't already. Relying solely on a medication is never the best way to fight off depression. If you can, try to get him to start exercising every day, as this has been proven time and again to help fight off depression. Keep us posted on his journey to wellness, and don't forget to take care of yourself as well.

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Brandon

Hiya,

I know this sounds really warped but if you look at the listed Side Effects of most AD drugs, suicidal thoughts is listed for most. I am from the UK so I use a BNF (British National Formulary) which is the book most doctors in the UK use. I would definitely let the doctor know about this as it might be that the med doesnt suit. It could also be that they will pass as a temporary side effect but personally, I wouldnt take the risk unless a medical professional advises you to.

Darren

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Moderator - Epilepsy Forum

Hi, my son is 19, but going on 16. He has always been a negative person who cannot see the good in anything, especially now. He has dystimia--low level contstant depression that never seems to get better lasting for over 2 years. Anti-depressants are the first step to try for this disorder. I don't think he would actually harm himself, but you never really know. He has turned to substance abuse to numb his brain. Can't seem to make him see that that is also contributing to his depression.

He had a baby with a girl with bipolar. He tried to do the right thing and raise the baby with her. She began to cycle and have manic episodes. He had to take care of her, the baby, bring in income and make dinner etc.etc. She did not clean house, take care of herself, and the baby was dirty a lot of the time. Now he really needs medical help as she broke it off and has been with other guys in front of the baby.

I have taken him to the Drs. but he refuses to follow the Drs advise on theropy. I know he needs cognative therapy to teach him how to control his anger and down on life way of thinking. He will soon lose his job if he keeps going this way. I really hope time will heal the pain from the break up. But he realizes the child may grow up just like her and her mother-who is also bipolar.

Thank you all for your help. It helps just to get my stress out too. I have been on Celexa for a few years now with great success, until now, I'm thinkin of upping the dosage!

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Hi Sassy,

I am so sorry to hear about your son's situation. I feel for the baby the most though. Poor little one growing up with a bipolar mother. That is no fun. I pray that the mother gets help and soon.

As for your son, maybe there is a nother med that can help him to enjoy life more. I am sure that the episode with the mother of the baby made things worse for him. Is the child his? If so he has a say in how it is raised. It sounds like he was a good father to the little one. It is a shame when mothers do these things, but it isn't uncommon. I see a lot of that going on around me and it makes me very sad.

I wish for you the most wonderful day. All I can say is try to talk him into going back to the doctor and see if there is anything else that can help him to feel better.

Hugs, Karen...

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  Moderator-Depression and fibromyalgia

Sassy,

I am so sorry as it sounds like your son has had a run of bad luck and has turned to drugs.  Do you know what he is using?  Also his Doctor should know as this is probably why the AD is not working for him.

Who is taking care of the baby, does Mom have custody of the baby?

I am just thinking of all the things he might be able to do to find help.  I know he can report Mom for her behavior as the baby is in need of intervention by Social Services.

I am sure as a Mother you are at your wit's end and afraid for your son and grandchild.

Keep posting to us.

Hugs
Kitt

Its been a week now sinse my grandbaby went with his mother.  My son has been doing better now that he is away from the mother.  He had to pick up his daughter yesterday at the address she gave him.  No love loss between the great grandma and my son.  But she was the only one who would take her and the baby in.  Don't really know if she is living with her.  She wants my son to drop the baby off at a park in our town. 

However, we had a nice visit.  We all have calmed down.  I am not as anxious as last week.  Stress could cause a major colitis flare up for me.  I have to talk myself out of this. 

Kitt--he smokes some.  Sounds like daily, according to my sources, but I have only noticed him hi a half dozen times.  He is 19 and can consume alcohol legally, but I have never seen him drunk.  Just seen left over bottles.  A lot of my generation tried the stuff ourselves and outgrew it pretty soon after we hit 20.  I am hoping this will be the case too.  Don't know what interactions weed has on anti-depressants. 

  I am trying to be positive.......Sassy

Sassy,

You are being positive not just trying.   I am glad things have calmed down some and glad your son gets to see his baby.

Now if your son can ditch the bad habits perhaps things will be better all around for him.  He is so young to be going through so much and I feel your pain too.

I never see my oldest Granddaughter as her Mother and My son divorced years ago.  My Granddaughter used to get to visit us when we went to Oregon but now she is on her own and has no desire to have a relationship with us.  I have had to accept this as I cannot control other people but I might be real good at it LOL

Kind Hugs to you
Kitt

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Kitt, Moderator: Anxiety/Panic & Depression
& GERD  Forums
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