What Caused My Seizure?

QUESTION:

Dear Dr. Heller,

I have suffered from depression and generalized anxiety all of my life.  The combination of Prozac and Wellbutrin has worked really well for me.  I suffered a grand mal seizure last April.  All of my tests, EEG, MRI and CAT scan were negative.  My neurologist thought maybe the Wellbutrin caused the seizure.  I am still on Wellbutrin, a lower dose.  I have not had any more seizures.  Would you have any idea of what may have caused this seizure?  I still have anxiety, not as much and also I have anxiety about having another seizure.  Do you know of any other medications that may help my illness better?

Thank you.

ANSWER:

The Wellbutrin likely caused your seizure - it's a known side effect from Wellbutrin.  Lowering the dose was a wise choice. 

If you have the generalized anxiety disorder, neither Prozac nor Wellbutrin will help - and Prozac may make it worse.  It's successfully treated with BuSpar, which can be taken in combination with Prozac and Wellbutrin.  I recommend going over my screening test.