Posted by SLS on May 15, 2001, at 19:41:49
In reply to Too much Wellbutrin ???, posted by Snuffy on May 14, 2001, at 12:04:36
Hi Snuffy.
> I started Effexor four weeks ago and am taking 175mg twice a day. I am also taking Wellbutrin 150mg three times a day. The effexor is making me so sleepy all of the time I just can't function. Wellbutrin has just the opposite effect on me. I have begun taking double doses of WB during the day and it has helped with the fatigue. I know that there is a chance of seizures but I have a high tollerance for drugs. Am I in any danger using that much WB?
>
> Any comments will be appreciated.I think that the risk of seizures associated with Wellbutrin is exaggerated. In the early studies, the rate of occurence was about 0.30 percent in general patient populations at dosages as high as 900mg. (one of the 900mg guinea pigs being me). This is about equal to the tricyclics. More recent studies indicate that the SR (sustained release) version of Wellbutrin at dosages up to 300mg. carries no greater risk to produce seizures than most other antidepressants; the rate being about 0.10 percent. However, the rate of seizure increases significantly in people with a pre-existing seizure disorder. It is also increased when treating people who have an imbalance of electrolytes such is seen in eating disorders like bulimia. The rate of seizure also increases at dosages greater than 300mg. Even so, the rate at 450mg is no greater than that of the tricyclics. I would not want to speculate at dosages exceeding 450mg. More frequent dosing helps to minimize risk. It was during a pre-marketing investigation designed to study the efficacy of Wellbutrin in treating bulimia that seizures emerged. I think most of the bad reputation this drug has was born of this study.
That being said, I would be more inclined to reevaluate the desireability of continuing Effexor, at least at your present dosage, before playing with Wellbutrin. If you feel the need to continue with Effexor and take it at your present dosage, I would offer the suggestion of using a stimulant like Ritalin instead of raising the dosage of Wellbutrin.
- Scott
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J Clin Psychiatry 1998 Jul;59(7):366-73A prospective safety surveillance study for bupropion sustained-release in the treatment of depression.
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?cmd=Retrieve&db=PubMed&list_uids=9714265&dopt=Abstract
poster:SLS
thread:62899
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