Q:  Wellbutrin a Good Choice...?

I am a 20 year old male and is currently taking Celexa, Nerotin, and Klonopin for anxiety.  I have been diagnosed with Bipolar I disorder, I also have severe social anxiety.  I'm thinking about trying Wellbutrin.

My question is do you think Wellbutrin is a good choice or is their any other medication I should try instead.   Any advice and informaton you could give me would be greatly appreciated.

 Thank you very much for listening and I am looking forward to your professional opinion.  Thanks again

 Sincerely,
 

Dear Mr. L' -- 
I can't give you advice in this format, but I can give you information.  The social anxiety commonly seen in Bipolar Disorder can be treated with a specific psychotherapy called cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT).  No side effects, doesn't risk worsening bipolar disorder as antidepressants can (that includes Celexa, Wellbutrin, and some would include Neurontin as well, including me).  Anxiety can be a symptom of bipolar disorder, and can improve with standard treatments for same, which relies primarily, in most people (your doctor could have recognized you as an exception) on medications called mood stabilizers.  It's the same set of treatment options, for the most part, that I've described on my website for bipolar II; you might want to check that out.  

Dr. Phelps