Seasonal affective disorder symptoms and conditions

I was prescribed Wellbutrin by my Ob/Gyn for S.A.D. (Seasonal Affective Disorder). The actual prescription allowed for generic and I started out taking 150mg of Bupropion a day. I felt like this was too much as during the day I was fine, but at night I would get very jittery and almost manic. So I called to find out about cutting it down to 75 mg, just once a day instead of twice. I was fine but noticed in the last few days my neck and chin started itching really badly. Yesterday I made the connection that the hives appeared approximately one to two hours after I took my one dose. I took my meds at around 1:00 p.m. and by 5:30 I noticed fairly predominant hives on my neck and chin. I treated it with hydrocortisone cream and it went away. Today I did not take any meds at all and I have no hives or itching of any kind. I am sure it is from the meds because absolutely nothing else has changed in my life (soap, foods, etc.). If there is anything else that gives the same desired results for S.A.D. but without all the crazy side effects please let me know so I can ask my doctor. Thanks.

I'm so thankful to have found this site. I have been taking oral contraceptives sinc the age of 17. I'm now 30. I've never had any problems, but approached my new GYN several months ago about switching to a "better" pill since I noticed was getting more cramps and a heavier flow after taking Ortho-tricyclen for 5 years. Prior to that I hadn't had any major issues. I began taking Yasmin in October...starting this January, I've been experiencing multiple stomach issues...gas, bloating, pain...all the time. Already having had GI issues, I went back on my old medication and made an appt with an internist after having diarrhea every day for about 1.5 months. She switched me to new GI meds for GERD. I also complained of my fatigue, weakness, lack of motivation, hair loss, headaches, irritability and some symptoms of depression. She checked me for hypothyroidism and that came back negative.

On my drive home I felt defeated and racked my brain for what could be the cause of all this. Being a mental health clinician, I immediately started thinking of any emotional issues that might be the root. Then I realized that the difference in the last few months was Yasmin. I made an appt with my GYN, and unfortunately, she didn't believe that this may actually be causing these side effects. I even told her of websites such as this, in addition to (DUH) the manufacturer's own publication. She tried saying it might be Seasonal Affective Disorder. She reluctantly agreed to switching me back to Ortho upon my request.

Although I feel like I'm getting nowhere with my (suerly overpaid) physicians, I find validation here and truly believe that, despite the manufacturer's contention that this pill is "the one" that doesn't cause these side effects, it's all relative. We're all unique and our bodies react differently to different things. Thanks again for the posts!

I am shocked reading this forum. I thought maybe I had a bit of depression due to seasonal affective disorder. However, I started Yasmin 3 months ago due to a switch in gyno's. He prescribed Yasmin instead of the Ortho Evra patch which I had been using previously for almost 3 years. I noticed several changes, and recently I've even noticed swelling in my legs, and pain in my ankles and feet at night. It's so bad by the end of the day sometimes that I could cry. I have no sexual desire - I'm always moody - I have no desire to do anything worthwhile. It's pretty sad. I feel myself snapping at everyone, and I have treated my boyfriend horribly. The hardest part is realizing all of this, and in a situation where I snap - I think to myself I need to get over this - I need to be happy - and I can only find myself being moody. I am overly tired all the time, and could pass out at the end of the day. I'm stopping the medication today & cannot wait to be done with this HELL. I'll update as to whether or not there are changes. I've never been so happy as when I was on my Ortho Evra Patch.