Is It Safe To Take Wellbutrin When Suffering From Intermittent Explosive Disorder?

Posted on Sat, 25 Jan 2014

Medically reviewed by Ask A Doctor - 24x7 Medical Review Team

Sat, 25 Jan 2014 Answered on

Sat, 15 Feb 2014 Last reviewed on

Question : I have been taking prozac on and off for years. Due to low libido I've asked to try something new and I was prescribed Wellbutrin. I also have Intermittent Explosive Disorder....could the Wellbutrin make the IED worse? I've read that Wellbutrin can cause anger/rage.

Answered by Dr. Ashish Mittal (9 hours later)

Brief Answer: Hi Detailed Answer: Hello, Thanks for your query. I appreciate your efforts for medical consultation in so much distress. Wellbutrin contain bupropion. It is good alternative for patient with Depression who develop sexual side effect with medicine like prozac. It even reverse sexual side effect caused by this. Intermittent explosive disorder is a behavioral disorder characterized by extreme expressions of anger that are disproportionate to the situation at hand. This disorder itself is difficult to diagnose and often exhibits co-morbidity with other disorders like anxiety, depression, bipolar disorder and personality disorder (impulsive type). In that case treatment of co-morbid condition improve symptoms. It is better if you mention about some description about your Intermittent explosive problem with its duration to understand it and help you in better way. I hope this information has been both informative and helpful for you. In case of any doubt, I will be available for follow ups. Wish you good health. Regards, http://bit.ly/Dr-Ashish-Mittal

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar

Follow up: Dr. Ashish Mittal (7 hours later)

Hi there, Thanks for the reply. My IED is basically that I lose my temper and fly into a rage when the situation doesn't warrant that type of response. I damage property and I hit my spouse. Its very embarrassing after and I hate that I do this. It happens several times per year. My concern is that Wellbutrin might make it worse? Can that happen? I've read conflicting reports about this. Thanks, XXXX

Answered by Dr. Ashish Mittal (19 hours later)

Brief Answer: hi Detailed Answer: Hello again, Thanks for follow up. From the further information it appear that you have impulsive behavior. Regarding bupropion use in such condition have no consensus in research. In that case we need to see clinical aspect of your problem. Following are options in your case: -If your Impulsive behavior reduced with prozac then you can start bupropion with prozac as it reverse sexual side effects of prozac in most of the cases, under your psychiatrist supervision. -If there is no change in impulsive behavior with prozac use (only depression improved), then you should follow your psychiatrist advise. If there is increase impulsive behaviour after its use, you can request for above step (bupropion with prozac) from your psychiatrist. Please accept my answer in case there are no further queries and recommend our services to your friends too if you have found it helpful. Wish you good health. Regards

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar