Posted by Cam W. on April 30, 2000, at 21:54:19
In reply to Thanks, Cam, posted by allisonm on April 30, 2000, at 13:24:25
Allison - I too experienced the initial boost of energy from Wellbutrin, but after a couple of months I went back to normal energy (eg drag my butt outta be to go to work in the morning).As for the norepinephrine/dopamine mechanism of action (MOA) of Wellbutrin, don't totally believe it. The reuptake block of these neurotransmitters does not occur until very high doses (>600mg/day), so even the company does not believe this is the MOA. Wellbutrin also modulates (or smooths out the flow) of norepinephrine in the locus cereuleus, giving that initial energy. I believe that it also has some dopamine modulating activity in the nucleus accumbens, but, again, only at higher doses. If the dopamine increases in the nucleus accumbens (one of the brain's pleasure centers) Wellbutrin would be great for addiction treatment (which it really isn't).
I believe that you may have just adjust to the energizing effect of Wellbutrin. This does not mean that it is not working, it just means that you do not have that energizing side effect anymore.
Reboxetine is being used in clinical trials and is being touted as a great antidepressant by one of our former "Doogie's" (former psych resident, now psychiatrist). I too, would like to see it available on the North American market.
Good luck - Cam W.
poster:Cam W.
thread:31659
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/20000429/msgs/31794.html