With reasonable trepidation, I started Wellbutrin XL 150 mg daily per my Doc’s instructions to treat depression, which in turn will, of course, lessen some of my PTSD symptoms as well (as they do seem to go hand-in-hand, especially in terms of thought processes).

I’m already taking Paxil 20 mg/day and Metoprolol 25 mg/day. The metoprolol is probably going to be increased to 50 mg/day due to my increased weight… and hopefully will be decreased again as I lose weight. But that’s another topic entirely. ;)

The effects I’ve observed so far:

  • Dry mouth: this was really bad on Days 1 and 2. It has lessened considerably on Days 3 and 4. In fact, I am not even noticing it today (day 4). It was really prevalent when I first woke up, after sleeping. Drinking some water fixed it.
  • Dry eyes: my eyes were very dry, like bad antihistamine-dry, on Days 2 and 3. Today they are still a little dry, but not nearly as bad as yesterday. I haven’t used eye drops at all. (And I probably should have) If I was faithful about contact lens removal and cleaning, this seriously would not have been a big deal at all.
  • Increased feelings of inherent self worth: I didn’t feel it on Day 1, but Days 2, 3 and 4 I have been feeling increasingly more deserving of basic rights. It’s been a steady improvement. Not in a self-righteous or snarky kind of way… just that yes, I do have a right to be respected. Simple stuff.
  • Difficulty falling asleep and staying asleep: Before Wellbutrin, I was sleeping 10 hours/day, solid, deeply, and some days I was taking a nap too. Now, I am sleeping 5-6 hours/day, lightly, and broken up. I did finally get one solid REM yesterday (Day 3). I am not getting all twisted out of shape about this yet, as I do not feel overly tired, either. As long as I get one solid REM, I seem to be good to go. This is a complete 180° from pre-Wellbutrin. Before, I needed that 9-10 hours solid, good deep REMs, in order to function.
  • Increased Energy: Energy is definitely up! No question there. Dovetails with Difficulty Falling Asleep, above ^^^^.
  • Not Groggy Upon Awakening: Prior to taking Wellbutrin, waking up was like slowly coming out of a fog. After a good night’s sleep, I felt happily rested, but the process of getting the brain and body awake took a couple of hours. (!!) Seriously, my brain was just not in gear. Contrast that with Day 3, when I woke up after 5 hours’ sleep, and I was AWAKE! Hello world! Awake, functioning, thinking, engaged. I’ve never snapped-to to that extent, not even when I was young. Will report if this is a trend, an occasional thing, or what ??
  • Increased "Can-Do" Feelings: I feel like I have the energy/ability to get up out of bed and do things. My body does not feel as heavy, or maybe it is that I do not recognize the heavyness of my body so much? Before it was so much work just to get up and move around. Two nights ago I found myself hopping over a hose. Hopping. :-P I hadn’t hopped in eons……..
  • Less Cravings for Carbohydrates: I don’t know if it’s coincidence or Wellbutrin related. I’m just not looking for junk in the fridge and cabinets. When I think food, now I’m thinking proteins. Monday all I could think about was cupcakes. ???
  • Tinnitus: This developed early on Day 4. It’s not super-loud nor is it expressly distracting, but I definitely hear that high-pitched brain whine significantly more loudly today. I’ll keep you updated if it stays or goes.

Overall, I have experienced significant and steady improvement in mood over the past 4 days. It was a slow start, I didn’t feel much of anything besides the dry mouth/eyes on Day 1. Day 2 there were minor improvements. But Day 3, I felt way better, way more positive… and Day 4 is more of the same.

Now if I could just slow down enough to get a REM today, I’d be a happy chick. I’m unrested, overtired, madly punching away at my keyboard to try to burn some of this energy so maybe I can go to sleep??? :-P I can see where this is going to get maddening if it doesn’t resolve… ###

Filed under: Emotions • Meds & Supplements

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