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Can Bupropion Be Taken For Depression?

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Posted on Fri, 4 Nov 2016
Question: Can bupropion really work? I've been depressed for over two tears with panic attacks once in a while. I am on ativanthat is not very effective. I only take 1/2 to one a day. DR. thinks this will help but I am afraid
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Answered by Dr. Dr. Ashok Kumar Choudhary (32 minutes later)
Brief Answer:
I think there is need to move to SNRI

Detailed Answer:
Hello,
Thanks for using Healthcaremagic.

I read you're query and understand your concerns.

First of all I like to inform you that Bupropion is a good medication and very effective in depression. Unfortunately it does not help in panic disorder so I think it should not be the first choice for treatment of depression and panic attacks.

I understand that SSRI have not shown any results (Paxil and Lexapro) and in that scenario we need to explore options from SNRI group or TCA group which are quite effective for both conditions.

Considering your age I feel TCA should be second choice and never the first choice because of side effects. I mean to say that SNRI group of medications, particularly desvenlafaxine or venlafaxine should be tried first as they are effective for both depression as well as panic attacks.

Meantime it is important to increases the dose of Ativan for control of panic attacks if the half tablet is not very effective.

I hope this helps you.
If you have any further query, I would be glad to help you.
If not, you may close the discussion and if possible you may rate the answer for my future patients.
In future if you wish to contact me directly, you can use the below mentioned link:
http://doctor.healthcaremagic.com/doctors/dr-ashok-kumar/67386
Thanks and regards
Note: For further guidance on mental health, Click here.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Veerisetty Shyamkumar
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Answered by
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Dr. Dr. Ashok Kumar Choudhary

Psychiatrist

Practicing since :2000

Answered : 3347 Questions

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Can Bupropion Be Taken For Depression?

Brief Answer: I think there is need to move to SNRI Detailed Answer: Hello, Thanks for using Healthcaremagic. I read you're query and understand your concerns. First of all I like to inform you that Bupropion is a good medication and very effective in depression. Unfortunately it does not help in panic disorder so I think it should not be the first choice for treatment of depression and panic attacks. I understand that SSRI have not shown any results (Paxil and Lexapro) and in that scenario we need to explore options from SNRI group or TCA group which are quite effective for both conditions. Considering your age I feel TCA should be second choice and never the first choice because of side effects. I mean to say that SNRI group of medications, particularly desvenlafaxine or venlafaxine should be tried first as they are effective for both depression as well as panic attacks. Meantime it is important to increases the dose of Ativan for control of panic attacks if the half tablet is not very effective. I hope this helps you. If you have any further query, I would be glad to help you. If not, you may close the discussion and if possible you may rate the answer for my future patients. In future if you wish to contact me directly, you can use the below mentioned link: http://doctor.healthcaremagic.com/doctors/dr-ashok-kumar/67386 Thanks and regards