Wellbutrin: Not Eating ? Help.

 I just had a quick question and I'm hoping someone can answer. Is there anyone out there who takes Wellbutrin and if so, are you experiencing side effects that are particularly surrounding food intake? I've been on it for almost six weeks and in the last two and a half (maybe three weeks, I can't even remember at this point) my food intake has dropped dramatically). I'm ashamed and embarrassed to admit this, but I'm relying on protein shakes at this point and even that is starting to make me effing sick. If it weren't for the Xanax that I've been put on, I'd be at my wits end. This isn't an exaggeration. I can barely get two bites of food in and most of that is holding my nose and trying to swallow. I'm so sorry to whine and complain. I can't stand it  to look so weak and pathetic.
I'm just scared about my protein intake at this point. I'm barely getting in the shakes. I know. I know this is so bad. I'm averaging two a day (each giving me 46 grams of protein per shake) for the past week, which is utter bull**** when I should be getting in a minimum of three and sometimes I do five and six (before wellbutrin). I looked up the side effects and it cuts appetites. I'm not losing weight right now (it's been like a week or a week and a half, again my short term and long term memory for that matter is seriously impaired). I fear I'm in starvation mode and thus the lack of losing. I just need some advice or someone with history with Wellbutrin. I would switch to an SSRI, but I'm allergic (I get Seratonin Syndrome), so I know I'm stuck with this Wellbutrin, I'm just trying to figure out how to get food or at the very least shakes into my system. Again, I'm sorry to whine and be so pathetic.

((((((Sia))))))

Please don't worry about whining! I wish you weren't having such problems and that I could help you out. It sounds like you are doing your best about getting in your protein. Maybe you can ask your Dr. about lowering your dosage of Wellbutrin? Have you contacted her/him yet with your concerns?

I found this website, that might be of help to you:

http://depression.emedtv.com/wellbutrin-xl/wellbutrin-xl-alt ernatives.html

I hope this helps and that you can find some solace soon!

Jules

 Thanks, Jules. You're a sweetheart. I really appreciate the link and kind words! Oh, Jesus. I realized I didn't fully answer. I did talk to the PCP, he's afraid with the malabsorption part of the surgery, that the high dose really isn't a "high dose". I went to a psychopharm and he said the same thing and put my ass on Xanax as well. Neither of them can tell me anything about eating other than that if it gets too bad that I might have to get a tube put in.

Hi Sia,

My PCP switched me to Wellbutrin in November and for the last 2.5 months I've had an aweful time feeling like I want to eat anything, or that anything even sounds remotely appealing..just been the last few weeks that I'm starting to feel that I have some interest in different foods, but still have to take atleast two shakes a day to make sure I get enough protein. . I put it down to being a newbie, even if it was a revision and just having to let myself build up some kind of "appetite" ... now that you are asking about it, I'm calling my PCP and asking him about Wellbutrin side effects... and yeah there are days when I can feel nausous, but I just thought that was low water intake, as if I were one of those ppl that needed more than 64...

You never whine and complain, and your postings always helps someone... it helped me... now I know a call to the doc is a necessity.

Best of Luck... let us know how you are doing... I'll post when I hear from my PCP

Chellie

 Thank you so much, Chellie!! I completely relate to those symptoms. I was near tears last night trying to drink a shake and battling the urge to vomit. I guess my body is just getting used to things. I've been on it for like five weeks to six weeks now. I'll just charge through it as best as I can and boy do I relate to the liquids thing too. No thirst and no hunger. Really strange. I specifically wanted to know of DSers who were on Wellbutrin and to figure out how they were overcoming the effects. Thank you again so very  much. You're a sweetheart. 

Sia,

I know you probably don't want to throw another med in the mix, but maybe an Rx for Zofran to battle the nausea until you adjust to the Wellbutrin? The Zofran would allow you to choke down your liquids and maybe eat some also.

Sorry, not much help here, but I do hope this passes so that you can 'get on with it'!!

Michele

 Oh, Darling. You're so kind. I'm on an anti-emetic already. Good idea though. It's just the symptoms of nausea were existing even with the anti-emetic I'm on. Thanks for the good idea tho!

I've been on Wellbutrin for years.  Started on Wellbutrin XL B4 surgery - and the first few weeks I didn't eat as much, but it was GREAT because I was almost 300 lbs.  After I got used to it, it didn't effect me at all. 
Since surgery, I've switched to Wellbutrin (NOT extended release due to how fast things go through our bodies).  I did not notice anything with it.  But then again, my body was already used to taking it, just an extended release version.
Guess none of that is any help to you, huh?  I'm sorry.  I guess we're all different.  Maybe it'll just take a little time for your body to get used to it and then you'll be o.k.??  (I hope so).  Hang in there!!! 
And you're NOT whining!!  Tell us your concerns any time!!!

And at this point, I WISH Wellbutrin made me lose my appetite! 

Carla

 Wow this is fascinating. So maybe, it will just sort of wear off as I get used to it. I'm hoping!! Thank you so much, Darling. You've been amazing to just ease my mind, Carla! Be well!!

Sia, you have every right to whine and complain like the rest of us.  Besides, I'd hardly call any of that whining or complaining.  You're always here to support everyone else... let us do the same for you.  

I can't say anything about the effects of Wellbutrin because although my PCP gave me a script for it, I never went on it.  But I did go through a phase a few months ago of being disgusted by food and I've seen others mentioned the same thing.  Perhaps the effects of the meds made it much worse?  I struggled and would gag on foods that I had otherwise enjoyed pre-op and for several months post-op.  I even hated cheese of all things.  I'm embarrassed to admit it but there was about a month that I existed on lactose-free milk and protein bars.  It slowed down my weightloss for sure.  I hope that you can get past this quickly and find something that you enjoy and tolerate well because eating should be a pleasurable experience.  

You are not being pathetic... what you are going through sucks ass!  

Good luck