[archipelago]

What kind of experiences have people had or know about concerning higher doses of Wellbutrin XL? I was at 300mg, which is the standard target dose. It worked for a while, but my depression worsened. I was bumped up to 450mg. I'm also taking the atypical stimulant Provigil at 200mg. You would think that these two highly activating agents would work, right?

[Altered Moment]

You would think. Maybe to much.

Is the provigal for depression or ADHD?

[archipelago]

Depression. Extreme lack of energy and some daytime sleepiness. That has improved some. I took Provigil years ago for like 6 years as my primary anti-depressant. It took a little work to get my new shrink to prescribe it and get it approved but it is working.

[vans1974]

Originally Posted by archipelago

What kind of experiences have people had or know about concerning higher doses of Wellbutrin XL? I was at 300mg, which is the standard target dose. It worked for a while, but my depression worsened. I was bumped up to 450mg. I'm also taking the atypical stimulant Provigil at 200mg. You would think that these two highly activating agents would work, right?

I'd have a hard time sleeping, I'd be irritable and probably anxious on those dosages. Provigil isn't an AD, so I wouldn't count on that helping your depression too much. But like I've mentioned, you might have your pdoc add another AD in your med combo for depression, but just call and verify with a pharmacist if Provigil helps with depression and get a second opinion about adding another AD. If you want another activating AD, try Fetzima or Cymbalta, they're SNRIs so they shouldn't poop out for along time and are both weight neutral. Also, you might also like Nuvigil instead of Provigil. Best of luck!

[jordan23]

I agree with vans, Provigil is a CNS psycho stimulant, not an anti-depressant. At the highest dose of Bupropion, if you still were depressed, I'd switch meds or add another anti-depressant.

[archipelago]

I know Provigil is not an anti-depressant. I am started it for fatigue associated with depression. The fatigue was so serious that I was becoming despairing because I was unsure that I would be able to work a full day in an upcoming position. It was a last ditch effort to bring me up out of that. There are studies that have shown effectiveness for depression but it is not indicated for that. I did take it before for 6 years as really the main drug for depression and did okay on it. I think I may have taken Lamictal too. I am hoping the Wellbutrin kicks in soon so I can see. I've tried so many other anti-depressants and not really had much luck. Lexapro somewhat. I am somewhat nervous about taking these two together and the Wellbutrin at the maximum dose. I wouldn't want to do that very long, but if it pulls me out for now, maybe it is worth it.

[Sinking Feeling]

I am on a constant script for bupropion, and it works pretty well, usually. But I do find it can agitate me and make me irritable too. I also find it does very little for severe depression, and nothing for anxiety. So I occasionally need the help of a 2nd AD.