Expert: Joyce A. Anthony - 4/9/2009

Question
I was diagnosed as Bipolar about 6 years ago but so far nothing has worked for my depression and most of the mood stabilizers have given me horrible side effects that were so bad I couldn't continue. My doctor has decided to try Seroquel and Wellbutrin. I decided to try one at a time, so if I get any bad side effects I'll know which did it. I've tried the Wellbutrin and for the depression, the difference is amazing. The depression was just horrible and I couldn't be more pleased to finally have some relief. But unfortunately it's made me extremely manic. I'm nervous about trying the Seroquel now. I've had so many bad turns on the other antipsychotics I've tried plus I'm worried about how it will interact with the Wellbutrin if I decide to keep taking it... there's a warning about not taking wellbutrin with antipsychotics. I've asked my doctor, who basically said to just take it but I'm not too pleased with that response.  Is Seroquel ok to take with Wellbutrin? And should I maybe stop the Wellbutrin and insist my doctor try something else?

Answer
Hello Dani:

The main risk between these two drugs is in people who have a history of seizures. If you have had no past problems of that type, there is no need to worry.  If the Wellbutrin is helping, you don't want to change it, and the Seroquel will ease the manic symptoms.  My advice is to try the new combination for at least six weeks and see how it works.

                          Joyce A. Anthony