[pageside]

I know there are a ton of reviews, stories and recommendations regarding generic Wellbutrin (bupropion) usage and duration but my case seems unique and cannot find anything remotely similar to it. I'll keep as short and sweet as possible:

- I started on 150mg of Bupropion (Sandoz manufacturer) and had an INTENSE honeymoon starting on the third day. It lasted ~2 days and the effects felt almost identical to that of MDMA.
-After 8 days on 150mg I bumped up to 300mg SR from manufacturer Mylan. I was on 300mg SR for 14 days (we're now at 22 total days on Bupropion, disregarding dosage). This was a rollercoaster - some days I felt fantastic while others I felt like a hermit and wanted to do absolutely nothing.
-After 14 days on 300mg SR, I decided I did not want to have to worry about taking a pill twice a day (i'm pretty forgetful) so I opted for 300mg XL. The 300 XL came from manufacturer Actavis.
-I've been on Actavis's 300mg XL for just over five weeks at this point. After I completed my first 30 days on Actavis 300mg XL, I went for a refill and realized it was Par. This was TERRIBLE - literally felt like an allergic reaction. After 5 days of taking Par I had to call it quits and go back to my doctor to get another script so I could get the Actavis again. I'm back on Actavis now and have been on its version of 300mg XL for just over 5 weeks total (~40 days). Actavis has been super up and down as well, especially the past week where I've actually been extremely exhausted, which I have not experienced in the past 4 weeks.

TL;DR:
SO, overall (disregarding manufacturer) I have been on 300mg of Bupropion (generic) for 55 days (almost 8 full weeks). Of those 8 full weeks I have been on Actavis's version of 300mg XL for just over 5 weeks. It has most definitely been a rollercoaster and this past week (week 8) has been very difficult - malaise, lethargy, and exhaustion with brief stints of intense happiness and energy which can last anywhere from 1 to 3-4 hours.

My question is: Does anyone believe that this medication will eventually "level out" for me, due to the fact that I had an intense honeymoon in the beginning and also considering the fact that I've had a handful of brief episodes of energy/happiness throughout the past 8 weeks? Most people say after 6-8 weeks call it quits, and I'm really hoping I don't have to do that - I have confidence in this med and would love some insight, personal experiences and hope. Maybe it is time to switch meds but I would hate to go back to an SSRI.

Thank you in advance!

[nbritton]

Originally Posted by pageside

My question is: Does anyone believe that this medication will eventually "level out" for me, due to the fact that I had an intense honeymoon in the beginning and also considering the fact that I've had a handful of brief episodes of energy/happiness throughout the past 8 weeks? Most people say after 6-8 weeks call it quits, and I'm really hoping I don't have to do that - I have confidence in this med and would love some insight, personal experiences and hope. Maybe it is time to switch meds but I would hate to go back to an SSRI

No. In fact, it sounds like you're rapid cycling. Has anyone ever talked to you about bipolar disorder? I would talk to the doctor about switching to something like lithium, lamotrigine, or latuda.

For more education on bipolar disorder please refer to this website: Depression, Bipolar II - Psycheducation.org

[pageside]

Originally Posted by nbritton

No. In fact, it sounds like you're rapid cycling. Has anyone ever talked to you about bipolar disorder? I would talk to the doctor about switching to something like lithium, lamotrigine, or latuda.

I don't think I'm bipolar because I didn't really have intense mood swings prior to taking bupropion. Once I started taking this med the mood swings began. My mood certainly fluctuated, though, but not nearly as much compared to now, whilst on the medication.

[Sadley]

I've taken all the Bupropions last year, in every dosage amount leading up to 450mg (which I think is the max). I'm not even sure what it did do to me, however, it absolutely did NOT relieve my depression. I went off of all medications to see where I stand clearly. Currently I have been cycling like this: I have about 2 somewhat-good days for every two weeks. Other than that I isolate myself and I'm extremely depressed.

My psychiatrist at the time did recognize that I probably have bipolar depression so we tried latuda in every dosage, leading up to the maximum which I believe is 120mg. We also tried lamotrigine. Neither of these helped me. Again, I'm not really sure what they did to me, but every med I take seems to not help my depression AT ALL. They call it "treatment resistant" depression.

I'm actually going back to see my old psychiatrist next week and she will probably want me to go back on latuda. I haven't tried lithium, yet. Maybe I will.

I don't know if this helps any, but that is my experience of those meds.

[mdogboy1]

One thing that I've noticed is when taking generic Bupropion, different manufacturers can make a big difference.

[nbritton]

Originally Posted by pageside

I don't think I'm bipolar because I didn't really have intense mood swings prior to taking bupropion. Once I started taking this med the mood swings began. My mood certainly fluctuated, though, but not nearly as much compared to now, whilst on the medication.

Regardless, you need to switch to the medications they use for the treatment of bipolar disorder. Did you read the link I gave you? He talks precisely about what you're going through. You're what we would classify as a "soft" bipolar. Atypical response to antidepressants is almost a gold standard diagnostic indicator that you're not suffering from run of the mill major depression. Tell the doctor that you think the bupropion is causing "rapid cycling".

What about cyclothymia, have you heard of that before? Would that fit better? mood disorders are best viewed as a spectrum...

depression <-> soft bipolar <-> bipolar II <-> bipolar I <-> schizoaffective.

Actually it's more like:

Mood Spectrum: Depression <-> Cyclothymia <-> Bipolar II <-> Bipolar I
Mood and Psychosis Spectrum: Bipolar I <-> Schizoaffective <-> Schizophrenia.

[pageside]

Originally Posted by mdogboy1

One thing that I've noticed is when taking generic Bupropion, different manufacturers can make a big difference.

That seems to be the universal conclusion on most of these forums. Can I ask which manufacturers treated you best and worst? I actually just switched from Actavis 300mg to Aplenzin 348 mg, since my insurance wouldn't cover brand name WB. I've been doing quite a bit of research on Aplenzin and the manufacturer of Aplenzin is Valeant, the manufacturer of brand name WB! In the Aplenzin medication guide online, it says:

Manufactured for: Sanofi-Aventis
Manufactured by: Valeant

My insurance covers Aplenzin, which is great news, seeing that it actually works. I'm on day one right now and I feel pretty cracked out haha. I'll give it a week or two and see how things go.