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Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
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Posted by Viridis on September 16, 2003, at 3:12:53
In reply to WELLBUTRIN;...Breaking SR pills, Watch out... » redscarlet, posted by femlite on September 15, 2003, at 7:17:50
I've mentioned this here before, but the coating on WB SR pills has nothing whatsoever to do with the sustained-release effect.
When I was on 150 mg SR and couldn't tolerate it, I called the company and spoke to one of the people who actually developed the SR version. He explained that the drug is imbedded in a slowly-dissolving wax, and the coating disappears almost immediately in your stomach. I was told that there was no danger in cutting the pills (they researched this), but they discourage this because:
1) It's hard to get exact dosing.
2) Once cut, the med can absorb moisture from the atmosphere and lose potency.
His advice was to go ahead and cut the pills, just do only a few at a time to avoid water-absorption problems. He then faxed me graphs of uptake rates of cut vs. uncut pills, which showed a very slight increase in absorption rate in the first 15 minutes, then almost identical rates. My pdoc said this all made sense, and to try the lower dose with divided pills. It had about half the side effects, still intolerable for me.
I have no idea whether this applies to other slow-release meds, but these are the facts (from the manufacturer/developer) for Wellbutrin SR.
Posted by femlite on September 16, 2003, at 8:44:33
In reply to Re: WELLBUTRIN;...Breaking SR pills, Watch out... » femlite, posted by Viridis on September 16, 2003, at 3:12:53
Thanks for the info Viridis,
Can you elaborate on the side effects you had?
> I've mentioned this here before, but the coating on WB SR pills has nothing whatsoever to do with the sustained-release effect.
>
> When I was on 150 mg SR and couldn't tolerate it, I called the company and spoke to one of the people who actually developed the SR version. He explained that the drug is imbedded in a slowly-dissolving wax, and the coating disappears almost immediately in your stomach. I was told that there was no danger in cutting the pills (they researched this), but they discourage this because:
>
> 1) It's hard to get exact dosing.
>
> 2) Once cut, the med can absorb moisture from the atmosphere and lose potency.
>
> His advice was to go ahead and cut the pills, just do only a few at a time to avoid water-absorption problems. He then faxed me graphs of uptake rates of cut vs. uncut pills, which showed a very slight increase in absorption rate in the first 15 minutes, then almost identical rates. My pdoc said this all made sense, and to try the lower dose with divided pills. It had about half the side effects, still intolerable for me.
>
> I have no idea whether this applies to other slow-release meds, but these are the facts (from the manufacturer/developer) for Wellbutrin SR.
Posted by Sebastian on September 16, 2003, at 12:34:23
In reply to Re: WELLBUTRIN;...Breaking SR pills, Watch out... » Viridis, posted by femlite on September 16, 2003, at 8:44:33
The wax is mixed with the medicin? So as long as you have a solid pice it slow releses like an uncut one? That may have been my problem. When I cut one once I also eat the crumbs and dust.
Seb
Posted by matthhhh on September 16, 2003, at 13:29:25
In reply to Re: WELLBUTRIN;... Is This Common ??? » femlite, posted by Sebastian on September 13, 2003, at 22:40:14
After trying all ssris which made me extremely sedated my doc prescribes me wellbutrin for anxiety / ocd. From what ive heard wellbutrin is not a good med for either of these problems, so why in the world would my doc prescribe me wellbutrin.
What do u think?
Posted by KimberlyDi on September 16, 2003, at 16:09:26
In reply to Re: WELLBUTRIN for anxiety and ocd?, posted by matthhhh on September 16, 2003, at 13:29:25
If you had problems with the sedating qualities of SSRI's, he may have tried Wellbutrin because it is more stimulating, than sedating. I haven't heard of it being prescribed for anxiety and OCD. Is the doc a GP or Pdoc?
KDi in Texas
> After trying all ssris which made me extremely sedated my doc prescribes me wellbutrin for anxiety / ocd. From what ive heard wellbutrin is not a good med for either of these problems, so why in the world would my doc prescribe me wellbutrin.
> What do u think?
Posted by matthhhh on September 16, 2003, at 16:29:10
In reply to Re: WELLBUTRIN for anxiety and ocd?, posted by KimberlyDi on September 16, 2003, at 16:09:26
thanks for the reply, he is a psychiatrist, but im suprised that he said that wellbutrin has helped some of his patients with anxiety- ive never heard of that before, and have done quite a bit of research on it.
Posted by theo on September 16, 2003, at 19:42:20
In reply to Re: WELLBUTRIN for anxiety and ocd?, posted by matthhhh on September 16, 2003, at 16:29:10
I'll be curious to try this because I'm taking 150mg a day of SR and as we all know the SR version was made to take twice a day and there are no 75mg SR and twice a day is a hassle anyway. I hope this new release system works well with this med. Anyone else tried the XL once a day yet??
Posted by theo on September 16, 2003, at 19:54:22
In reply to Re: WELLBUTRIN for anxiety and ocd?, posted by KimberlyDi on September 16, 2003, at 16:09:26
I take 150mg a day of Wellbutrin SR and at first for about 3 days I felt strange and fearful. That went away and now it's been about 5 weeks and I feel great. Lots of energy and quick on my feet. Went from making 5 sales calls a day to making about twenty per day without any fear or anxiety at all. There are a lot of new studies showing Wellbutrin to be good for social phobia and anxiety even though stimulating. That is why a lot of docs will give you about a months supply of benzos to ride out the initial anxiety brought on be Wellbutrin and many of the SSRI's in general.
Posted by Viridis on September 17, 2003, at 4:11:40
In reply to Re: WELLBUTRIN;...Breaking SR pills, Watch out... » Viridis, posted by femlite on September 16, 2003, at 8:44:33
Hi Femlite,
Well, it's a long list. My GP said that I must be "imagining" the side effects, but since many are things I haven't even experienced before, I doubt this. Plus, the pdoc I started seeing around this time said my reaction wasn't especially unusual.
The most prominent side effects were insomnia, extreme dizziness, bizarre outbursts of anger over trivial things (it takes a lot to make me angry under normal circumstances), trembling hands and shaking in general, sensitivity to light, constant anxiety, and full-blown panic attacks. I do have anxiety problems, but WB made them much worse. The weirdest of all was an inability to make eye contact with people -- that triggered severe panic. This is not at all normal for me.
Many of these symptoms are consistent with the classic "fight-or-flight" reaction induced by elevated norepinephrine (adrenalin) levels in response to stress. WB is supposed to be a norepinephrine reuptake inhibitor (increasing the amounts of NE in synapses), so there is some logic to it. However, I now take Strattera (another NE reuptake inhibitor) and actually find that it has a calming effect, so go figure.
I gave WB a decent try (2 months), but the side effects never went away, although they were reduced with the 75 mg dose. They did stop almost immediately, though, once I discontinued it. I even tried it again at 75 mg once I was stabilized with benzos (Klonopin and Xanax), and although the anxiety wasn't as bad, I was still very uncomfortable and had many of the same side effects.
This definitely isn't the drug for me. But it's great for some people, including a friend of mine who's done very well on it.
Posted by Marginal on September 17, 2003, at 5:30:08
In reply to Start Wellbutrin XL tomorrow instead of SR!, posted by theo on September 16, 2003, at 19:42:20
I'd love to try the XL, and am supposed to, but can't find a pharmacy that has it! Any word on this? I take it yours' had it in stock. Mine tells me manufacturer hasn't even released it yet.
M
Posted by theo on September 17, 2003, at 22:19:27
In reply to Re: Start Wellbutrin XL tomorrow instead of SR!, posted by Marginal on September 17, 2003, at 5:30:08
Got it today, little white milky colored pill that says Wellbutrin 150, kinda looks like Paxil CR. Anyway starting the 150mg in the morning.
Posted by susan b. anthony on October 5, 2003, at 12:34:37
In reply to Start Wellbutrin XL tomorrow instead of SR!, posted by theo on September 16, 2003, at 19:42:20
> I'll be curious to try this because I'm taking 150mg a day of SR and as we all know the SR version was made to take twice a day and there are no 75mg SR and twice a day is a hassle anyway. I hope this new release system works well with this med. Anyone else tried the XL once a day yet??
yes, i started it 2 weeks ago had to have the pharmacy special order it and they did. I have noticed any side effects except some foods taste abit strange.
Susan
Posted by theo on October 5, 2003, at 13:18:52
In reply to Re: Start Wellbutrin XL tomorrow instead of SR!, posted by susan b. anthony on October 5, 2003, at 12:34:37
I made the switch a couple of weeks ago and the only difference for the better for me is it seems a little smoother than the SR because of its release system.
Posted by susan b. anthony on October 5, 2003, at 13:52:37
In reply to Re: WELLBUTRIN for anxiety and ocd?, posted by matthhhh on September 16, 2003, at 13:29:25
> After trying all ssris which made me extremely sedated my doc prescribes me wellbutrin for anxiety / ocd. From what ive heard wellbutrin is not a good med for either of these problems, so why in the world would my doc prescribe me wellbutrin.
> What do u think?Not sure but I got it for the same reason - after 6 months on Lexapro my aniexty was not controlled anymore and I gained a ton of weight.
Guess we have to wait and see.
Posted by Eddie Sylvano on October 5, 2003, at 15:38:20
In reply to Start Wellbutrin XL tomorrow instead of SR!, posted by theo on September 16, 2003, at 19:42:20
>Anyone else tried the XL once a day yet??
-----------I've noticed a definate difference at about the 6 and 10 hour mark after dosing, those being increased attention and increased sedation, respectively.
Posted by theo on October 5, 2003, at 16:17:52
In reply to Re: Start Wellbutrin XL tomorrow instead of SR! » theo, posted by Eddie Sylvano on October 5, 2003, at 15:38:20
I only take 150mg of XL per day and with the SR version I felt it wear off about 7-8 hours after taking, also sometimes a scratchy throat like I was coming down with a sore throat but wasn't. I spoke with Glaxo and they said the SR was supposed to be a twice a day dosing, even though many docs were giving patients 150mg tablets to take once daily because at that time had no choice, but now with XL version it's not an issue.
Posted by femlite on October 6, 2003, at 11:14:03
In reply to Re: Start Wellbutrin XL tomorrow instead of SR! » Eddie Sylvano, posted by theo on October 5, 2003, at 16:17:52
I seem to be one of those people that gets all the side effects YMMV
Like the once a day aspect.
Absorbtion into my system does seem smoother
I have extreme underlying physical fatigue that seems only moderately affected. Actually I think its my improved sense of motivation that helps me to tolerate my fatigue and feel less depressed about it. (although toleration of underlying condition doesnt seem a long term solution)
10 hrs later I feel wiped out and experience more than maoderate anxiety and flu like symptoms, sore throat, malaise
Its still up in the air as to whether Im BP and if you ask me, cycles are breaking through.
Overall, motivation is increased and clairity of thinking is definately increased.
Glad to hear how others are doing
Posted by Argyle on October 10, 2003, at 21:48:42
In reply to Re: One week on WB- XL, posted by femlite on October 6, 2003, at 11:14:03
If SR is 'sustained release' and XL is a 'once-a-day' pill, what is XR?
Posted by Tbone on October 11, 2003, at 1:59:41
In reply to Start Wellbutrin XL tomorrow instead of SR!, posted by theo on September 16, 2003, at 19:42:20
I am new to Wellbutrin. I have been forcing myself through the side effects so that I can say I gave it a fair shot. I started out taking the Wellbutrin SR 150mg once a day. The side effects were very uncomfortable, but nothing like you guys are describing. I experienced a strange sort of fatigue and a tenseness in my chest and throat. I also find I have the most awful taste in my mouth!!! I finally got to the point where I didn't notice it so much...then I started taking it twice a day. This started the whole set of side effects again.
Just a few days ago, I was given samples of Wellbutrin XL 300mg. I really like the once a day thing, but these side effects are really hard to get used to. I'm hoping they will diminish soon. But that nasty taste is still in my mouth. Anyone else notice this?
Posted by Tbone on October 11, 2003, at 2:56:45
In reply to Re: New to this Whole Wellbutrin Thing, posted by Tbone on October 11, 2003, at 1:59:41
> I am new to Wellbutrin. I have been forcing myself through the side effects so that I can say I gave it a fair shot. I started out taking the Wellbutrin SR 150mg once a day. The side effects were very uncomfortable, but nothing like you guys are describing. I experienced a strange sort of fatigue and a tenseness in my chest and throat. I also find I have the most awful taste in my mouth!!! I finally got to the point where I didn't notice it so much...then I started taking it twice a day. This started the whole set of side effects again.
> Just a few days ago, I was given samples of Wellbutrin XL 300mg. I really like the once a day thing, but these side effects are really hard to get used to. I'm hoping they will diminish soon. But that nasty taste is still in my mouth. Anyone else notice this?
I forgot to mention that with the Wellbutrin XL my eyes are extremely dry and red and I stay thirsty. Along with the XL I was also put on Effexor for my nervousness/anxiety and sleeplessness, so I'm not sure which medication is causing it.
Posted by femlite on October 11, 2003, at 8:12:56
In reply to Re: New to this Whole Wellbutrin Thing, posted by Tbone on October 11, 2003, at 1:59:41
It is known to dry out your mouth and dental hygeine becmes more important.
I found that with XL is wasnt as bad and got less over time.
Good luck
Posted by Missy85 on October 14, 2003, at 21:44:35
In reply to Re: New to this Whole Wellbutrin Thing, posted by Tbone on October 11, 2003, at 1:59:41
I have taken Wellbutrin SR in the past. Often times I forgot the second dose. I went off the Wellbutrin 3 months ago in hopes I would lose weight. I did not lose weight and have noticed my motivation has really diminished. I saw my Pdoc today and he prescribed Wellbutrin XL (because I only have to take it once). He said none of his patients are on it yet. I'm not sure if I should start out with the SR and then switch to XL. I'm looking forward to having energy again!!
Posted by redscarlet on October 14, 2003, at 22:16:02
In reply to Re: New to this Whole Wellbutrin Thing, posted by Missy85 on October 14, 2003, at 21:44:35
Did you gain weight taking Wellbutrin ? I just started this and concerned if this is going to be a med that causes weight gain. Thank You.
Posted by MamaB on October 15, 2003, at 6:24:52
In reply to Re: New to this Whole Wellbutrin Thing, posted by Missy85 on October 14, 2003, at 21:44:35
Hmmmm,
I gained almost 50 lbs while on Zyprexa and Seroquel, it was NOT a pretty picture! Of course I was also on Effexor. I only began to lose this weight when I got off the Effexor and on the Wellbutrin which is, FOR ME, the best antidepressant. However, I CANNOT take the Wellbutrin with Prozac (warning) -- about 20% of the population cannot metabolize the two together.
I found this all out AFTER a horrendous psychotic break and four days in the "rubber room"! At first they blamed just the Wellbutrin, and I was greatly relieved to find out otherwise, as I have never taken such an effective antidepressant as Wellbutrin XR. I cannot take the new SR as I take to high a dose (200mgm AM and 200mgm PM).
Has anyone else had the Prozac/Wellbutrin problem?
Posted by piglette on October 19, 2003, at 22:15:48
In reply to Re: New to this Whole Wellbutrin Thing, posted by MamaB on October 15, 2003, at 6:24:52
I started out on 2x50mg, and I noticed even the first dose's effect, and it was pleasant. Now I am on 150mg XR, once a day, and I find that it made me anxious and even depressed. I have anger, too. The anxiety appears toward the end of the day, or even in the middle of the night if I wake up (last two days I did). I thought maybe the anxiety appears because the effect of the med weenes by then. However, maybe I am overdosing?! But it does seem to be the case that if I take another 150mg in the evening, the anxiety subsides. However, I didn't have anxiety before I started to take this thing. "Only" malaise, extreme sensitivity to noise shyness and general lack of coping skills.
Now should I increase or decrease my dose? Cut it into half?The whole thing baffles me, because initially I reacted so well to Wellbutrin. Although it is also true that in the middle I stopped taking my 5HTP, because I thought I didn't need it any more. Now I resumed it but still feeel lousy.
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