travelbugbri: Symptoms after Discontinuing Bupropion (Wellbutrin) - 1 year later, can I reinstate an SSRI for relief?

[travelbugbri]

In December of 2021, I was prescribed 75mg of Bupropion and 8 mg of Adderall.

 

Eight months later, in August of 2022, I was unpleased with the side effects and was advised by my psychiatrist at the time that it was safe to discontinue both the 75mg of Bupropion and 8mg of Adderall cold turkey.

 

6 weeks later, I start developing vertigo, persistent dizziness, and brain zaps/shakes. I was unable to tolerate leaving my house (including sitting in a car, going to a cafe, grocery store, etc.) because the stimulation felt like it would induce a seizure.

 

Met with a host of doctors, ENTs, Neurologists, Functional Medicine, and Psychiatrists. Tests are done and results are mostly "unremarkable." One point of interest was a neurotransmitter test that said I had low serotonin, high glutamate activity, and high GABA activity (likely a compensatory response to the glutamate). This is interesting because Glutamate is an excitatory neurotransmitter, consistent with my symptoms of feeling like I have too much electrical activity in my brain.

 

The functional medicine doctor puts me on the following supplements, which start to calm down the brain shakes/tremors: 1280 MG Omega-3, D3 10,000 + K, L-Theanine 200mg, 120 MG Magnesium Glycinate, 100 MG PHARMA-GABA. Also recommended were 5HTP and NAC, although my body has been too sensitive to tolerate them (increases the brain shakes and dizziness).

 

However, the dizziness continues along with occasional brain shakes/tremors, and my quality of life is reduced to activities I can do inside the home.

 

In March 2023, a new psychiatrist puts me on Buspar 5mg 2x/day. This helps reduce the dizziness from a 5 on a scale of 1-10, to a 2-3 on a daily basis. Almost eliminates the brain shakes/tremors. Neurologist also prescribes Klonopin to take as needed on the "dizzy days," and reduces the dizziness to a 0 on a scale from 1-10 (until the Klonopin wears off).

 

However, the dizziness still prevents me from working full days, meeting with friends, going out to dinner, traveling, and other normal things 26-year-olds should be able to do. I'm getting very depressed and hopeless.

 

My Question:

Recently, my physical therapist, neurologist, and psychiatrist have recommended starting a low dose of Fluoxetine (10mg/day) to resolve the dizziness and get me back to living a full, healthy life. Do any of you have experience with reinstating an SSRI and finding relief? Thoughts?

 

Thanks so much!

 

Edited July 31, 2023 by manymoretodays
name to title

[travelbugbri]

Similarly, does anyone have experience with taking gabapentin to relieve symptoms? My psychiatrist prescribed this and suggested it may be helpful.

[Altostrata]

Welcome, @travelbugbri

 

On 7/29/2023 at 6:10 PM, travelbugbri said:

Eight months later, in August of 2022, I was unpleased with the side effects and was advised by my psychiatrist at the time that it was safe to discontinue both the 75mg of Bupropion and 8mg of Adderall cold turkey.

 

6 weeks later, I start developing vertigo, persistent dizziness, and brain zaps/shakes. I was unable to tolerate leaving my house (including sitting in a car, going to a cafe, grocery store, etc.) because the stimulation felt like it would induce a seizure.

 

It seems pretty clear that you got withdrawal syndrome by quitting 75mg bupropion and 8mg Adderall. Dizziness is a very common withdrawal effect.

 

Looking at this, we would have suggested possible a 10mg reinstatement of the original antidepressant, bupropion, to start, in order to reduce the withdrawal reaction. See 

What is withdrawal syndrome? 
 
About reinstating and stabilizing to reduce withdrawal symptoms 
 
The Windows and Waves Pattern of Stabilization 

 

Hypersensitivity and Kindling

 

Most doctors, even specialists, are not able to identify withdrawal symptoms. It's very possible that all the treatment you had for this was unnecessary, and that natural recovery over some months might have been all you needed.

 

We provide peer support for tapering and coping with withdrawal syndrome. We don't know of any drugs to reverse withdrawal syndrome, so we're not in a position to endorse any new drugs for you.

[littlebird]

On 7/30/2023 at 5:49 PM, travelbugbri said:

Similarly, does anyone have experience with taking gabapentin to relieve symptoms?

Hey friend, I've been on Gabapentin awhile and it comes with it's own crosses to bear for sure.

 

On 7/29/2023 at 6:10 PM, travelbugbri said:

advised by my psychiatrist at the time that it was safe to discontinue both the 75mg of Bupropion and 8mg of Adderall cold turkey.

Oh dear lord, dude! 75 to 0 is such a big drop. 

 

On 7/29/2023 at 6:10 PM, travelbugbri said:

6 weeks later, I start developing vertigo, persistent dizziness, and brain zaps/shakes. I was unable to tolerate leaving my house (including sitting in a car, going to a cafe, grocery store, etc.) because the stimulation felt like it would induce a seizure.

I'm so sorry you went through this! I've stopped Adderall cold turkey and that threw me for a loop, and just tapering Bup is a whole lot, can't imagine how bad you felt cold turkeying both those beasts. Those brain zaps are intense, I've had that happen after just a couple days off when I had a pharmacy issue. It's amazing you were able to push through that!

 

On 7/29/2023 at 6:10 PM, travelbugbri said:

Recently, my physical therapist, neurologist, and psychiatrist have recommended starting a low dose of Fluoxetine (10mg/day) to resolve the dizziness and get me back to living a full, healthy life. Do any of you have experience with reinstating an SSRI and finding relief? Thoughts?

I had a doc try me with this one, and it brought on a whole slew of side effects, but also I'm in a different polydrugged boat. Not a health professional, but maybe a low dose of the original med might be better than rolling the dice with a new one?

 

You've really been through it, hoping you find relief soon. If you are going to try the Gabapentin (which again, comes with a whole lot of it's own stuff) or reinstating a low dose of Bup, maybe just choose one to try first? It'll be easier to keep track of how things are affecting you.