Yesterday, Elon Musk made this bold statement on Twitter about the anti-depressant drug, Wellbutrin:
I don’t know Mr. Musk’s experience with Wellbutrin, aside from conversation, but I will share my experience.
I have been taking medication for depression for almost 20 years. I started with Paxil, and then switched several times before finally switching to nortriptyline. Although nortriptyline seemed to work the best for me, something still seemed to be missing. I couldn’t say I was depressed exactly, but I still didn’t seem to be enjoying life as much as others around me. However, I felt “ok,” and I assumed that was the best it was going to get.
Then I saw a commercial for a medication called Abilify, a drug to address the exact situation I just described, a drug to take in addition to a patient’s regular depression medication. For the first time, I had hope that I didn’t have to accept just “ok.”
I know this is a long lead-in into the Wellbutrin, but I’m getting there…
I spoke to my doctor about the commercial and asked about the additional medication. She didn’t prescribe Abilify for some reason, but she did prescribe Wellbutrin. After taking Wellbutrin for a couple weeks, I realized, “THIS IS IT! THIS IS WHAT I’VE BEEN WAITING FOR!” I felt more than “ok.” I felt good. And then I felt very good. My attitude improved. My work performance improved. My patience improved. And yes, my ability to control my anxiety improved. Wellbutrin was a game-changer for me, and I am still taking it.
Although my original intention of this post was to refute Elon Musk’s “honest opinion” concerning Wellbutrin, the more important point is that you do not have to accept “ok.” If you are being treated for depression, and you still don’t feel quite right, talk to your doctor. You can have more than “ok,” and you deserve more than “ok.”
Do not accept “ok.” Ask questions and advocate for your mental health.
