[Elana05]

Hi All,

I know these are just personal experiences and meds work different for everyone... but...

Wellbutrin XL - anybody on this one or have an experience to share?

or also low dose Wellbutrin (like 150 mg?)

E

[Washout]

Hi Elana05.

I take generic Wellbutrin XL 300 mg. It works great at keeping me stable and free from depressive episodes. It gives me some energy during the day (I take it upon waking up each morning). No real side effects except for some loss of appetite.

I hear the generic of this drug can vary in terms of performance. Namely, the Teva generic of Wellbutrin XL may have had some issues, from user reports on various websites. I use the generic from Anchen Pharmaceuticals and have never had a problem. Brand name is said to work best, but it can be more expensive.

My father in law has taken generic Wellbutrin XL at 150 mg per day with excellent results for many years. Some people like me just need more.

Good luck with it!

[Rohag]

Years ago I took Wellbutrin for a time. As I remember, I experienced no discernible side effects nor positive effects.

[PurpleFlyingMonkeys]

I took Welbutril about 5 1/2 years ago and only for 2 weeks. In my ecperience, those two weeks were not worth it since they pushed me over a line I had never crossed with my depression. In a negative way, I had to stop. But from what I have been told, the first month of Welbutrin, while you get used to the medication, it can cause your emotions to be all out of wack. I felt as if I was on the biggest emotional roller coaster of my life, as well as my mom when she was on it. But after the first few weeks the problems should clear up, from what the docs have told me.

[sunrise]

For a while I took Wellbutrin SR, getting up to 300 mg daily in several steps. At this dose, I had tremors in my hands, but otherwise I felt fine. The tremors could be annoying. It was especially noticeable when I had to do fine work. One of the places they would really shake was trying to turn the pages of a book. But it was not intolerable. If I had been a surgeon, this would not have been acceptable! The only other side effect I had was when I first started taking it, and at each step of increased dose, I showed "wired" behavior. Don't know how else to describe it. Went away after my body adjusted.

I now only take 150 mg SR daily. Lowering the dose stopped the tremors. (The reason I switched to taking less was adding Vyvanse, not for the tremors.)

I have a prescription for generic EXCEPT for the Teva brand. You can have certain brands excluded when your prescriber writes up your prescription.

This has been a good drug for me. I am not sure I still really need it, but I am feeling good, and am in a stressful period in my life right now, so my PNP says don't rock the boat and keep taking it for a while yet.

[Elana05]

Thank you so much for your experiences...
I am thinking about broaching this one with my pdoc. I know these AD's often work differently for everyone but I would crave a wired feeling, I think. I drink a lot of caffeine (well 1 mug is a lot for me) because otherwise I have no motivation. And I'm so tired all the time. Hmm.

One thing I'm worried about it this side effect of possible seizure?
But I think this is only at a very high dose.
I am going to ask my pdoc about it again...
just wondering if you all had heard anything.


Elana

[Laurie1041]

Hi,

It is my understanding that the risk of stroke applies to those with histories of eating disorders.

I have tried taking Wellbutrin on 3 separate occasions (and really wanted it to work!). On two of those occasions I became very nervous and jittery within 3 days. My last experience was last February, and my mood became so destabilized that I had to be hospitalized. I know many people who tolerate Wellbutrin without any problems and find it very helpful! I wish you all the best! Hugs, Laurie

[blueoctober]

Hi Elana05; my dose of wellbutrinXL is either 150 mg or 300 mg depending on my symptoms (I have bipolar). I tried the generic form because the XL didn't come in a dose smaller than 150 and it didn't work well for me. I also was totally itchy on it LOL. I'm happy with the wellbutrinXL and if you go on it I hope it works well for you.

[sunrise]

Originally Posted by Laurie1041

It is my understanding that the risk of stroke applies to those with histories of eating disorders.

It's increased risk of seizure, not stroke. Because the risk of seizure is already higher in people with eating disorders, taking Wellbutrin would increase the risk even more. So they don't like to prescribe it for people who are already in a high risk group.

[SophiaFlying]

Hi,
I JUST started wellbutrin last week and cannot report much. I am still tapering off cymbalta. I have noticed that I am more focused and have had some loss of appetite, which is MORE than welcome b/c over last few years have slowly gained 40 lbs on cymbalta! I have also heard that generic wellbutrin, certain ones are bunk. Hope this helps. Im having no other side effects. Stacy May

[SophiaFlying]

I really like the poem you posted. It is very moving.I know all about keeping up appearances and those who are glad that you do b/c it saves them the trouble of taking responsibility. Take care.

[dil5077]

Originally Posted by Elana05

Wellbutrin XL - anybody on this one or have an experience to share? or also low dose Wellbutrin (like 150 mg?)

Hi Elana,
On Wellbutrin, I woke up frequently during the night. Other than that, my mood was definitely up. I was taking it w/sertraline (generic Zoloft), and now just a low dose of sertraline 12.5mg
-dilly

[jilliebeanmn]

I've been on Wellbutrin XL (450 mg) for several years. No side effects for me, which is a first. WHEN I take it regularly, works great.