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Discussion Topic: Wellbutrin

Me

1/13/2006 @ 2:21:00 PM

Posts: 109
Joined: 10/3/2005 3776

Hello. I was just prescribed Wellbutrin by my pdoc. When I got my prescription filled out, I read the bottle and it says Novo-Bupropion SR. Was this a mistake or is this another name for this med. As well, What should I be expecting with this new medication? I know that it is an anti-depressant but I would like to know how others reacted to it. Thank you.

Me

zaphod

1/13/2006 @ 2:33:00 PM

Posts: 97
Joined: 2/12/2005 3777

Hi Me,

Unfortunately, wellbutrin didn't work very well for me. I am bipolar and it caused me to experience hypomania in the form of severe irritability - rage is probably a better word.
I was told it works by increasing both serotonin and norepinephrin (sp) levels. It was the latter which caused me the problems.

Annie

1/13/2006 @ 3:29:00 PM

Posts: 754
Joined: 9/28/2005 3778

Hello Me:  Good to see you back again!  I was on Wellbutrin a number of years ago and don't remember any bad side effects in my case - but that was before I was diagnosed with bipolar disorder.  (although that doesn't mean I didn't have the disorder at that time.)
My brother has been on wellbutrin for the past few years, along with another med that I can't seem to remember, and he has had amazing results!  To date, his has been diagnosed as clinical depression, but he was so severely depressed that he had gone from someone who was very confident, held a very responsible job, was quick witted, outgoing .... to someone who wouldn't answer the phone, couldn't work, slept all the time, and so forth.  Now, he is back to his old self again in many ways, providing support for myself and other family members in a very caring manner.  He is in his late forties but will not be able to work again.  However, he has been able to find a purpose and meaning to his life without work and is probably happier and healthier than he has been in many years.
If you are worried about the different names for the med - just call your pharmacy for reassurance.  There are generic names for the drugs as well as other names but they are the same drug.
Good luck and let us know how it goes!
Regards,
Annie

FatherGeorge

1/14/2006 @ 1:23:00 AM

Posts: 968
Joined: 4/13/2005 3786

Hello me, yes Novo-Bupropion SR is the generic form of Wellbutrin. It's actually only been available in generic form for a few months.

I was on Wellbutrin for approx. 2 years. At first it made me jittery and anxious but once my system got used to it it really didn't do much for me at all. I've been off it for 6 months and don't really notice a difference.

I'm not trying to discourage you, I understand for some people it works wonders. I hope you are one of those people.

Good to see you posting.

Love and Hugs

FatherGeorge

Jasmine81

1/21/2006 @ 11:06:00 PM

Posts: 4
Joined: 1/21/2006 3979

Your brother sounds like me! Although Ive been on Effexor for almost 2 yrs, I still feel not 100% & guilty of not answering the phone! or calling anyone.. loosing touch with lots of friends... I just want to sleep all day!

Lost

2/12/2006 @ 1:23:00 PM

Posts: 1
Joined: 2/12/2006 4740

Why cant your brother work anymore.
Is anyone out there experiencing the same symtoms as me, I have recently stop my usual depression pill, Paxil (4 months ago)I have just started Wellbutrin 4 days ago. I am scared of the side effects. I feel weak, sometimes confused, headaches (on & off) dizziness, & still feel somewhat depressed.I really dont have an appetite, somewhat comes & goes. My stomach is always upset. Any1 experiencing these symptoms.

Sara

3/29/2006 @ 11:47:00 PM

Posts: 2
Joined: 3/29/2006 5715

Hi, I started wellbutrin in January and there were at first side effects, I felt a little rage but that was only temporary. Buproprion sr is just a generic name, I think someone else suggested that. The depression has lifted whew and feel better, although I find it may keep me awake at times...Better than the tears. Smile

Canadian

4/3/2006 @ 12:10:00 PM

Posts: 3
Joined: 4/3/2006 5773

I've been on this drug since 1998 and it has too many side effects(liver damage,blood tests,you fall aleep during the daytime,tastes funny)

nature

8/13/2006 @ 11:20:00 AM

Posts: 10
Joined: 8/13/2006 7003

I have used wellbutrin on-and-off, but mostly on, for over six years. It is the most effective anti-depressant I have ever taken bar one (and that drug, Meridia, is not classed as an antidepressant but a weight loss medication).

Things that I have learned that may help people who are having serious side effects:

- the side effects do decrease over time but they can be nasty to start with.

- no one seems to tell you this but, at least initially, caffeine and other stimulants like the stuff in cold medicine will make some side effects (headache, twitching, confusion, edginess, racing thoughts, insomnia) much more pronounced.

- take it as early as possible in the day as insomnia is a common problem, again, diminishes over time. This is supposed to be well known but I know people whose docs have prescribed it for them and did not tell them this. I don't know what effect the extended release version will have on this problem.

- although the recommended therapeutic dose has, I think, just been increased from 300 to 450 mg, in my experience the drug has had an impact at MUCH lower doses -- as low as 50mg. Unfortunately the smallest pills they make are 100mg and there is a risk of those being pulled off the market. Also most docs will dismiss this insight as bunk (and it may be for many people) but I have had excellent results on a maintenance dose of 100 mg -- and I am not a small person.

The fact is that some docs consider wellbutrin to be the best anti-depressant for people with bipolar disorder as it has the lowest risk of triggering mania. However, of all the anti-depressants I have taken (> half a dozen) it is, at least initially, the most difficult to tolerate. Nevertheless, as I say, it has worked better than almost anything else for me.

I found an interesting article online from a medical journal in which the authors did a statistical analysis of past research done by many people and concluded that, contrary to conventional wisdom, there does not, statistically, appear to be a significant risk of antidepressants triggering full-blown mania PROVIDED you are on a therapeutic dose of a mood stabilizer.

I now take the extended release (XL) version of the drug. I don't know what impact that has on side effects as I no longer suffer from them but I suspect it would be better. My advice is increase the dose very slowly (over weeks, at least one week at each level) from 100 to 150 (which is the dose at which XL starts) and then to whatever works for you. It really has been the best drug for me but you have to go slowly (more slowly than I suspect most docs recommend) and stick out the side effects if you can.

faith

1/6/2007 @ 4:32:00 PM

Posts: 229
Joined: 1/5/2007 7953

Hello everyone,

I'm so glad to find this forum, and everyone seems so helpful and nice.

This is my first post here, and I was particularly interested in Me's letter, as I have just started on Novo-Bupropion SR 150 mg.
I  also had expected to receive Wellb. andI asked my pharmacist, she said that they usually dispense this generic one, as it's cheaper.  When I asked her how much cheaper, she said that was a good question, but didn't know.  I let it go, as she was very busy and had done a lot of reseach for me in find possible interactions with some of the stuff I was/am taking; anyway, I can find that out quite easily, and am quite satisfied with the generic, at least for now.
I didn't notice anything the first day, but early this morning (after taking 2 doses, just starting on the 4th), I noticed a very terible taste, and tried to wash it out, finally did with a little Dr. Bronner soap and water), and then when  I got up to do the day's work, I immediatley noticed a very loud tinnitus. I've had tinnitus for a long time, but this is so much louder than normal.  I had read this is a possible side effect.    I alo did't expect to feel better so quickly, but I actually do today, anyway.  I've been depressed for a long time, and have tried approx. 6 types of anti-depressants, but none worked very well. They all seemed to work on seritonin.  Buproprion affects dopamine and norepinephrine, so it might be that's what needs stimulating in my case, but I don't know yet, of course, it's too soon.

Also, with Wellbutrin, as opposed to generic one I'm taking, they have an extended release which can be taken once a day.  With mine, it has to be taken twice daily.  Just thought I'd pass on that ino.  It's at the official website-just type in Wellbutrin on google.

Sorry for the typo's butwen I tried to correct them, I somehow wasn't allowed to without erasing part of the words.  Maybe I'm doing something wrong?  Please let me know.

I'd very much like to know how all of you who are on Wellbutrin or any of it's generic forms are doing..your experiences, side effects, positive and negative experiences..

Thanks!

faith

faith

1/7/2007 @ 7:26:00 AM

Posts: 229
Joined: 1/5/2007 7955

Hi again everyone,

I really made a big mistake - I should have said "any MORE experiences, side effects,...", as I did read the previous experiences.  It's very interesting and so helpful to read what others are going through on this med.
Today I feel ok, and no funny taste.  Still ringing in my ears, but then as I mentioned before, I've had tinnitus for a long time.  Maybe I'm getting used to the louder noise-I don't know.

Also, I've been diagnosed with severe apnea, and next Sunday I have an appointment at the sleep lab for a CPAP fitting.

Carol

ZeroNot

1/9/2007 @ 10:40:00 AM

Posts: 668
Joined: 4/9/2006 7960

I've used Novo-Bupropion SR as well, and did not have a problem with taste, it is a generic so they don't seem to waste any money on sugar coating it, but didn't find as foul as other medication.

I wouldn't give too much consideration to the GSK's braned Wellbutrin XL (extended release) versus the generic's Sustained Release (SR), as far as I know as long as you don't have a problem managing to take the medication twice daily. It has as much to do with marketing as it does with medicine.

Generics seem to run about 2/3 to 1/3 of the brand name costs. The difference between Wellbutrin SR and Nova-Bupropion SR is the generic is only 2/3 of the brand name cost. I don't know the Wellbutrin XL cost, so I can't compare.

I found Bupropion worked well for me, but I stopped due to what appeared to be an allergic reaction. That is rare (the reaction), and says more about me than the medication.

Take care,
ZeroNot

faith

1/9/2007 @ 9:27:00 PM

Posts: 229
Joined: 1/5/2007 7969

Thanks ZeroNot,

I didn't have that awful taste again-I don't know if it's because I brushed my tongue extra well before going to bed..?

Something quite amazing has happened - I've been feeling progressively better daily, and today I've decided to just continue to take that one pill (150mg), and not take the second one after a week like the Dr. prescribed. I've taken so many anti-depressants that didn't kick in for 3-4 weeks, and I certainly didn't expect this quick reaction! I was VERY depressed. If I find myself getting depressed again, I'll take that second pill. I don't see the doc 'til Feb. 2nd.

Anyone else have such quick results? I don't know-it seems too good to be true.

faith

ZeroNot

1/14/2007 @ 11:17:00 PM

Posts: 668
Joined: 4/9/2006 7998

Unless you have a specific reason to take only one pill, I strongly suggest you consult with your doctor about changing your dosage.

There are several reasons for this, first is that some anti-depressants can have "discontinuation side-effects", and for some anti-depressants these can be seriously negative.

Another is that while you may be feeling the effects quicker than your did with selective serotonin re-uptake inhibitors (SSRI) anti-depressants you shouldn't try to reactively medicate yourself based on how you are feeling in the moment.

The last major reason is that as far as I understand Bupropion (Wellbutrin) acts differently at different dosages, so you are interfering with how the medication can help by adjusting the dosage yourself.

I'm glad to hear that you are feeling the positive effects of the Bupropion, but for your well-being I'd suggest you follow your doctor's prescribed dosage, unless you feel it needs to be changed (typically severe side-effects, allergic reactions, or ineffective) in which case you need to see your doctor so your doctor can make sure you are safe.

I just want to see you do well.

Take care,
ZeroNot

faith

1/16/2007 @ 8:30:00 AM

Posts: 229
Joined: 1/5/2007 8014

Thanks, Zeronot,

The past 2 days. Ive been going downhill, as far as mood is concerned, but that might be because I went to the sleep lab last Sunday, and now I need to wear a CPAP. I was very nervous about this... It isn't so terrible, I know, and in fact, might help ease the depression. (I've been diagnosed with severe sleep apnea). But if I do take a second Bupropion, that might require changing the setting of the CPAP machine, and I don't weant to mess this up right now. I'll try and wear it tonight, even though I'll be alone.

Thanks for your comments. I've just spent more time reading various threads, and it's wonderful to be in a community that is so helpful and encouraging.

faith

Jo

2/11/2007 @ 9:44:00 PM

Posts: 4
Joined: 2/11/2007 8147

This is very enlightening. I thought I was all by myself in my thoughts and came across this forum. Now I don't feel so alone. I see that there are many out there with the same feelings. I now have at least people who understand and are going through the same thing. Reading all your messages and I am not so alone. Thank You.

Starlight

2/13/2007 @ 2:07:00 AM

Posts: 5
Joined: 2/8/2007 8164

Me, Hi, I'm new to this forum too.  I just wanted to give you a head's up on my side-effects with wellbutrin.  Everyone is different though so this drug could be the one you have been waiting for.

My family though all seem to have had very similar reactions to the medication.  So, I thought it best to add to the post.

I was on it for just over a year and a half and it worked like magic for me (with my Effexor 300mg) until three/four months ago.  Probably sooner it started to cause some wierd side-effects but my patient hubby didn't start mentioning them to me until late October.

It caused me to have extreme cases of anxiety, irritability, anger, even agression.  I also had times where I would be so totally focused on a task at hand that I ignored everyone/thing around me; of course the opposite was also true...somedays I couldn't focus at all.  I would also go from being extremely giddy and happy to tears in seconds; ten minutes later I'd be fine again.  My mood was all over the place - but I wasn't 'sad' very often.  Make any sense?

My Family MD sent me to a Psychiatrist for evaluation as she was concerned that I had somehow swung over to be bipolar or my meds were reacting and causing some wierd side-effects.

The psychiatrist evaluated me and the 150mg of Wellbutrin was eliminated from my drug routine.  He is sure I am not bipolar.  Although, my father was diagnosed with the disease over 30 years ago.

I have been completely off the wellbutrin for just over a week (I was weaned down from the 150mg to 75mg to 25mg - cutting pills in half).  Most of the side-effects I indicated above disappeared once I decreased the dose to 75mg.  Now I no longer have any of those symptoms.

I am just 'sad'.  But we're working on that too Wink

My Dad just went through something similar.  He is on quite a few medications but his Doctor put him on Wellbutrin a few months ago and he has just been taken off them (last Friday).  He was having severe mood swings, dizziness, the inability to concentrate, and trouble with his vision.  His MD didn't know what to do so she said if it had worked for me to take me off them then maybe he should be off his too.  I am happy to report he is now starting to feel much better.  He hasn't fallen down in four days and his dizziness is totally gone.  His mood is more constant as well; although he is 'sad' again.

Two of my sisters had also tried and had not been able to take this medication.  It appears to cause symptoms similar to mild bipolar disorder in our family.

My Dad is taking Effexor and another medication to decrease his manic phases.  The wellbutrin was supposed to enhance the effexor's effectiveness.

It didn't work well for us as an enhancer for effexor.

Thought this information might help someone.

Take care,
Starlight

faith

2/13/2007 @ 10:13:00 PM

Posts: 229
Joined: 1/5/2007 8166

Welcome Jo and Starlight!

Just an up-date to the Bupropion I've started taking recently.

As mentioned in an earlier thread, I started feeling depressed again on the 150 mg. doseage, so I upped it to the 300 mg, as prescribed by my Dr. (150 mg. 2 x day). I now feel much better, and although I'm not on the edge of feeling euphoric like I did when I first started taking it (knew it wouldn't last), I feel stablilized, and so far, no side effects. I do drink lots of water (at least 2 litres a day), so maybe that has something to do with it re.: constipation, dry mouth, etc.)

My APAP therapy (for severe apnea) is going quite well-have more energy now.

faith

mudpuppy4

2/13/2008 @ 4:09:00 PM

Posts: 1
Joined: 2/13/2008 12496

Hi all
I've just started Novo-Bupropion SR but not only for depression but to help quit smoking, I was wondering if anyone had also used to it to help quit smoking... I really want to quit and well hopefully this will help! thanks all

ting

3/10/2008 @ 9:00:00 PM

Posts: 1
Joined: 3/10/2008 13609

Hi Me,
I'm new to this site and I too was prescribed Wellbutrin SR and received Novo Bupropion SR. I was assured that it was equivalent to
Wellbutrin. I started taking it a couple of days ago. I'm being treated for SAD. I didn't feel too good after my second dose this evening. My nose was all congested and I felt as if it was hard to swallow. Has anyone experienced a reaction similar to this?

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