Expert: Dr Alan Galbraith - 5/1/2006

Question
Dear Doctor:

I am currently taking Lamictal, just went up to 400mg from 350, the same day i started taking wellbutrin XL 150mg.  i feel pretty ok, just some of the side effects i was expecting etc. i read a lot about an increase in sex drive, and weight loss in a lot of the reviews i read.  i have noticed that i have gained a couple pounds in the last week, (i have only been on wellbutrin since last wednesday) and my appetite seems to be increasing, not decreasing?  it is possible that i am having the reverse side effects of everyone else? i haven't noticed a change in my sex drive yet either.  so basically, is it possible that this will make me gain weight? and when my sex drive start to increase.

FYI, i am bipolar 1, post tramatic stress, OCD, and severe anxiety.  lamictal is the only drug i have found that has actually helped me to the point where i, and others noticed a change. however i was starting to feel down again etc, so my doctor put me on wellbutrin in addition.  i have been taking the lamictal for about 6 months. just started the wellbutrin a week ago.

thanks!
Amber

Answer
Dear Amber

I do not know where you got your information from but what you are telling me does not agree with either of these drugs' profile. Neither will increase sex drive although the Welbutrin as it lifts depression, sexual drive may increase as depression lessens sex drive. Since it takes sometimes three weeks for depression to lift completely , it may be that a return to normal sexual feelings will take this time. Similarly appetite may increase due to the lifting of the depression but there is no evidence to my knowledge that Wellbutrin leads directly to an increase in appetite or weight.

I have not mentioned Lamictal as you have been on it for a time and if the dose  is increased gradually it is remarkably free of adverse effects. To my knowledge it has no effect on sexual drive or appetite and does not interact with Wellbutrin.

Regards

Dr Alan Galbraith