As someone else alluded here, Wellbutin is unique among antidepressants in that it works primarily on the dopamine system in the brain. Most others, especially the more recent ones, work on the serotonin system like the SSRIís (Prozac, Paxil). Others work on the serotonin and neorephrine systems.

Anyway, Welbutrin works by blocking uptake of dopamine therefore increasing its supply in the brain. This is not unlike the way cocaine or most other CNS stimulants work. Although obviously in a more controlled, moderated way. Dopamine plays a major role in mood as well as physical activity.

Seizures are the primary concern with this drug and although they are rare, as you had one you see they can happen. Otherwise the side affects are similar as with other anti-depressants, with the major advantage being less sexual side effects (something your 8 year old obviously doesnít have to worry about!). To put your mind somewhat at ease, I know several people who use this drug with no ill effects. In fact you are the first I have heard who had a major seizure from it.

I actually use Paxil, have been on it for over three years and am very happy with its affects except, alas, the sexual side-effects. Viagra solves part of the issue. But only part. Still, I will swear by it for it much improved me.

As far as whether Wellbutrin is right for your Daughter and whether its helping her, I do not know enough about her condition to say. But I offer a few things to consider:

1) 8 is very young to be starting on an antidepressant. Iím not saying it may not be right for her but at that young age, where children are going through all kinds of emotions just growing up, its sometimes hard to tell if an antidepressant is really needed. So, I would definitely get a second opinion and follow up with at least monthly visits initially to see if it is helping her and especially if she needs to stay on it. If its just for ďevent relatedĒ depression (like a divorce or death of a loved one) sometimes a few months is all that is needed and she can be taken off.

2) Any antidepressant takes 2 - 4 weeks before the full affects are felt. And the affects are subtle. You donít wake up one day and feel totally better. You just begin to notice you can focus better, sleep better, have more energy, enjoy life more, etc. So you may need to give it some time.

3) Different antidepressants work for different people. It is quite common that people have to try a few before they find the one that works best for them. If after giving the drug about 6 weeks and noticeable improvement is not seen, consider switching to another.

4) At 8 years old, if there are some depression issues brewing with your daughter you may want to consider psychological counseling as either an alternative or to supplement the medication. Again, unless there are obvious event related reasons, you probably should find out why an 8 year old girl needs anti-depressants and whether there are some issues that can be worked out through counseling rather than masking them through drugs (and I am not one who is against drugs!). Even for adults, antidepressant medication works best when its combined with counseling.

I hope this helps some. Good luck.