I have to take my Wellbutrin every 2 days instead of everyday. Do you think it will make a lot of difference on my depression?

Thank you!

[Larry_Hoover]

I don't understand why you would take it every 48 hours. It's not going to be a comfortable experience, I wouldn't think.

Lar

Because I don't have money to buy it. So I'm trying to stretch what I have as far as I can. I know I need it.

Thank you!

[Larry_Hoover]

Gotcha.

Can you break the pills? Better half the dose each day than a full dose every other day.

If you're using the XL pill, if you can break each one into quarters, and take a quarter every twelve hours (breaking them defeats the extended release feature, but taking it every 12 hours overcomes that problem), that is your best possible option. Pillcutters cost like $5 or something. Or, put the pill in a baggy, and use a dull knife from the outside of the baggy, to break the pill. The dull knife won't cut the bag, and the bag catches the pieces.

I'm sorry you're in this pickle.

Lar

Oh that's a great idea. I will do just that.

Thank you so much! I really do appreciate you have reply to me.

[__zh]

time0,

not sure if you qualify for any of these programs but it is worth looking into. we started at the NAMI site here NAMI page about low-cost or free medication programs and found links to most pharm. companies websites or links to other low-cost or free medication programs.

All Programs Sponsored By Glaxo SmithKline info at RX Hope

pdf application for Bridges to Access

GSK's home page for Bridges to Access program (USA only)

RX Assist
use their search program to find Wellbutrin by brand name, generic name or company name.

please take care when reducing meds w/o a doctor's supervision. we know you're an adult but we still are concerned to hear about anyone cutting back on medications due to financial reasons.

Thank you!

I will try the links you have giving me.

[BamaSurvivor]

Personally, I couldn't take Wellbutrin. I've tried it twice. Both times mania kicked in full gear and I began cutting to the extremes. But everyone is different. I hope it works well for you.

Thank you!

At first the side affects of Wellbutrin was giving me a lot of problems but I wanted to hold on to it as I needed something very badly. Now that my body is use to it I wouldn't want to let it go. I know that I am much too depresse to fight this on my own. But money is a problem for me.

I hope you have find another medication to help you out.

Take good care of yourself!

[dottie]

Thank goodness for these programs. I am on Medicare and the Medicaide Spendown program. Starting Jan. 1st, I will be using the new Medicare RX program. But the medicaid will still cover my dental and doctor and hospital bills.(The part that Medicare does not pay 100% on. )

This is a little off topic but if all else fails people can inquire about the Spendown program at their local mental Health Agency. They can set you up with a case manager...and he/she will handle just about everything else. The way it works is so complicated...it would be hard to explain it here. My case manager at my local mental health Services takes care of the spendown. $519.00 is now my cost per month for the spendown. The cost each month for my meds exceeds $1000.00 per month. (One of them costs 346.00) Unreal..but true. Thank goodness I am good at budgeting..or I would have sunken a long time ago. Being without my meds would be impossible for me. I hope the medicare drug program is run in a respectable way for all.

At one point I was on the Glaxo-Wellcome RX program. I was treated with dignity and great co-operation. No one should have to go without their meds...and should not have to worry about either buying a med OR paying the energy bill.

TGC

[DaveyJones]

buproprion (Wellbutrin) is available as a generic in the SR (purple) formulation. Much less expensive.

DJ

[samsara]

On the off chance you don't already know, Wellbutrin is available as a generic - bupropion HCl. Both the original Wellbutrin and the SR (sustained release, twice a day) are available as generics. The once-a-day formulation, Wellbutrin XL, is not available as a generic because it is still under patent protection.

If you are pill-splitting (better than your every other day routine) you do not need to pay for the SR form. The less-expensive generic "original" Wellbutrin will work, but you should take doses of that (or any split SR tab) three times a day, with doses preferably separated by six hours or more (that is how the original Wellbutrin was prescribed).

You might get by with twice per day, but that is not the recommended dosing. If I understand you correctly, you may have to split your current tab in quarters (for this you *will* need a pill cutter and lots of patience) and settle for twice a day. Morning and mid-to-late afternoon. Hard to cut a pill six ways.

Hope that helps.

[DaveyJones]

If you are unable to pay for your mental health drugs, get a 3 month prescription from your doctor and take it to your locacal NAMI chapter. They WILL help.

DJ