Mental Health Wellbutrin vs. antidepressants vs. no antidepressants

[cycle.is.my.chruch]

So I've been on Wellbutrin SR 150mg 2x daily for about the last year and a half and have found its efficacy to be minimal at best. To put it in to context I was prescribed it after coming back from rehab from an opiate addiction to help cope with my mental fragility (and what my rehab psych described to me as being depressive and having social anxiety). The first month I felt good and energized (placebo effect, or positive mental state post rehab?). Regardless of that first month, my mood still fluctuates constantly, my energy levels are up and down, my sleep has been hit and miss, and not to mention I've had a couple minor relapses. All this while sticking (relatively well I might add) to a recovery program of lots of exercise (I race bicycles), yoga, meditation, and herbal/natural supplements.

So my question to you guys is.. Do I kick the Wellbutrin? Do I try something else? Do I talk to my primary doc about my options (which I am going to do anyway). I definitely don't want to be addicted to another substance, but after research, the only thing I've found that looks like it may help is tramadol. Does anyone have experience being on this (long term especially)?

I've made a taper program for the Wellbutrin cutting 5-10mg a day until I'm off which I'm strongly considering implementing sooner rather than later.

Any and all advice appreciated. Thanks.

 

[n3ophy7e]

Yeah if you don't feel like the Wellbutrin is helping, go back and see a psychiatrist and see what they can recommend. I would advise you to see a psychiatrist BEFORE tapering off the Wellbutrin so they can give you advice, and check that your taper program is suitable. It would also be good to have a script for something else to try before you taper off the Wellbutrin, so that you're not unmedicated for longer than necessary.

the only thing I've found that looks like it may help is tramadol.

I just have to call you out on this...tramadol is an opiate, and whilst it does have some anti-depressant properties it is also addictive. I suspect it's the addict in you looking for a potentially abusable option...? There are sooo many other suitable anti-depressant options for opiate addicts, tramadol is not one of them.
Go see a psychiatrist and see what other medication they suggest for you
Stick with the exercise too, that is awesome.
Are you seeing a therapist or counsellor regularly??

 

[sirnatural]

hello ive had extream anxiety my whole life. ive been on benzos and alcohol most of the time. i have two years with nothing ill tell you its the least painful

 

[ad lib]

hello ive had extream anxiety my whole life. ive been on benzos and alcohol most of the time. i have two years with nothing ill tell you its the least painful

I'm right there with you, along with several others here

What caused your anxiety? Are you in therapy?