Question:
Hello Dr. Heller.
I have felt some type of acceleration in behavior in
the past three weeks (as usual, wrong direction). My
question is in regards to Wellbutrin (buproprion) - I
have been taking 100mg/day ER since March 2006 and
will quit taking it tomorrow as I now realize what it
does to a probable person with the BPD. I believe
the information on your site in regards to increased
dopamine which of course Wellbutrin does.
By the way, I'm not officially diagnosed (with BPD)
but unofficially by my loving wife. Best of luck and
God bless.
Dr. Heller's Answer:
If an individual has the cognitive generalized
anxiety disorder (GAD - genetic worry), Wellbutrin is
likely to increase the anxiety until the GAD is
treated first. Anything that worsens BPD anxiety will
probably increase dysphoria (anxiety, rage,
depression and despair) that is usually
"self-treated" with self destructive behaviors like
binge spending, binge eating, self mutilation,
reckless driving, substance abuse, sexual
indiscretions, etc. I don't believe the Wellbutrin
(buproprion) problem is due to dopamine, although
your conclusion is logical.
Once the BPD patient is stable, Wellbutrin can be a
very effective "add-on" for sexual side effects or
persistent "blahs".
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