Posted by Snoozy on May 19, 2003, at 12:16:52
In reply to Re: Today, Wellbutrin, posted by Tree on May 19, 2003, at 6:32:33
I would say it is a very good idea for you start with 150mg once a day, given that you were already struggling with insomnia. Ah yes, I have fond memories of the energy I had when I started WB. When I started it, I think I did 200 for a week and then up to 300. It took about a month for the insomnia/irritability to settle down.
This is my personal opinion, based solely on my experience with the drug, but you may want to consider staying at 150 for a week and then seeing how you feel. The SR also comes in 100mg tabs, so depending how you feel as you continue with the drug, you could get some of the 100s, and go to 200 from 150, and then go to 250, then to 300.
I don't have kids, or any experience with them really, so take this with a big grain of salt, but I think I would have had a hard time dealing with them when I first started at 300 (based on getting to the 300 pretty quickly, and not gradually working up from a lower dose). Because of the irritability I had early on, and the insomnia which made me even more irritable.
I really hope some others will share their experience and tell me if I'm wrong in my thinking. My theory is that, of course you want relief from the depression as quickly as possible. But, if you get overwhelmed with side effects and can't take the drug, obviously it's not going to help with anything. Also when you're dealing with insomnia as a major s/e, I think too much sleep deprivation can cause or contribute to depression. If anyone thinks this is hooey, please let me know.
Considering you haven't had experience with taking an AD (if my memory serves - please let me know if I'm wrong), you may want to be cautious. Again, if my memory holds, this was prescribed by a dr who is not a psychiatrist? Sometimes they don't have as much experience with what the side effects are like for the patient (I'm generalizing).
Finally, let me add something I had posted previously. When I know my irritability is due to a medication, it makes it somewhat easier for me to deal with it. Like when listening to someone chew is making me hate them - I can tell myself to calm down, you're just overly irritated by the drug, and it'll get better.
I hope this has helped somewhat.
> I am takng 150mg, sustained release. She told me to take it twice a day, but I decided to try it once for a few days, before I add the second. Yesterday was the first day, and I can't remember when I've had as much energy. I went for a walk, did some housework(!) and took two of my kids to the park for a picnic. More than I've accomplished in a very long time. In the afternoon, and into the night, I felt tired and wired at the same time. I took an Ambien and slept well from 11 to 3, then lightly till a little after 5. Feel tired this morning. Loved the energy, need to find a way to sleep, and I'm still irritable - but only one day and I know it takes weeks. Does the insomnia get better after the body adjusts?
>
> Edgefield, why do you take the 10mg Prozac with the Wellbutrin? Just curious.
poster:Snoozy
thread:227357
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/20030514/msgs/227641.html