Does anyone have any experience with Wellbutrin? Anyone know if there are any longterm side effects? We started my 8 year old daughter on it about a week ago. The only real side effect that I have noticed is that she is a little emotional and some headaches. She came home yesterday sobbing over a few things that happened at school where in the past they wouldn't have bothered her too much. She's on the 150 mg XL. Otherwise, she seems focused, helpful, open to things, more mature...I know that you have to give some meds some time to adjust too. I just hate having my daughter on meds like most people, so I guess I am just looking for some reassurance that I am not doing any danger here and some feedback from other parents whose kids are taking Wellbutrin.
Did a ped psychiatrist but your daughter on this medication? I'm just asking because I thought that medication was mainly for adults, I had a close friend who's daughter was on this type of medication and she was 18 and she became very emotional and began to have some suicidal thoughts so they needed to take her off of her meds. I'm certainly not trying to scare you. I just wanted to ask you this. I would closely watch her behavior and moods and contact her doctor if she has severe mood or behavior swings.
I just wanted to add that I know that the suicidal thoughts are rare and I don't have much experience with this medication except my friend's experience with her daughter. I know that with all medications there are scary side effects, this is why I said that I wasn't trying to worry you.
robynnw39162.5237384259Hi- I don't have a child on Wellbutrin, but I'm on it and I've had no trouble with side effects past the first week (I've been on it over a year) and then it was just dry mouth, etc. I don't know of any long term side effects.
Is this for ADHD or depression? I have both, but the wellbutrin does not help much for focus (I take adderall when I need it for that), although I think it has helped me some with impulsivity.
I also want to add that what robnnw mentioned above about the suicidal thoughts is a very very rare side effect that all antidepressants can cause. The vast majority of the time they help people, not hurt them. Before I started taking this med I was on the verge of running away and leaving my kids with my husband and frequently thought about driving my car off the road or doing other things to hurt myself. Happy to say that the med has returned me to my more level- headed, family- loving self.
Obviously, watch her behavior for anything disturbing, and talk to the doc if you are worried about it. Sometimes they forget that the general population is not as accepting of the drugs as they are.
Also check out the medication section of the board- there's lots of info there.