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Global Patient Feedback for Wellbutrin (Bupropion) ( Post a comment )
Question/Comment:
Anyone concerned about their medications should read "The Anatomy of an Epidemic" by Michael Whitaker. Particularly if your doctor has told you that you have a brain chemical imbalance and you may have to take these medications the rest of your life. Mr. Whitaker has done extensive research on the history of these medicines and offers some interesting insight supported by data. It is educational and I hope you will find it useful for you.
57 year old Female – Source: iGuard
Posted: 2010-07-08 09:40:25
Member Answer/Reply:
Thank you. I googled it and am now reading it online. In a nutshell it asserts that the dramatic rise in mental illness and disability may in fact be attributed to the increasing use of anti-psychotic and antidpressant drugs. That these drugs may actually be perpetuating the problem rather than curing it. Like you said it is backed by data but it's a tough case to make in my mind since I believe I have been greatly helped for over half my life on these meds. We'll see, I've only begun reading. One thing for sure, the money made from antidepressant sales has increased astronomically in the last twenty or so years, so it is big business.
42 year old Male – Source: iGuard
Posted: 2010-09-04 19:51:08
Question/Comment:
My GP has me on Lexapro and Wellbutrin together. I take 10 mgs of Lexapro - and 150 SR twice a day of the Wel. I was not told there was risk doing this -- reading your comment it sounds as if
I should be watched ... How (Blood Test or ?) do I get testing done. I do see my internal med. doctor every 6-months. She does labs each 6- months. I am actually on the generic Lexapro. Is this unsafe? Thanks
Source: iGuard
Posted: 2010-07-07 18:59:43
Member Answer/Reply:
Everytime you take medications on a long term basis you need to have liver enzyme function tests. How often depends on your doses and how many you take, at one time I was getting them every month.
In my experience the risk of liver or kidney problems is really individual based on genetics and many other factors as I have been on meds for many years at very high doses and my tests results are in a normal range.
40 year old Female – Source: iGuard
Posted: 2010-07-29 11:57:51
Question/Comment:
I have been on wellbutrin xl for 8 months-with cymbalta-discontinued it-with severe side-effect withdrawal-put on prozac with wellbutrin-3 weeks now-did not help depression or anxiety-last 2 days crying-very depressed-HELP?????
64 year old Female – Source: iGuard
Posted: 2010-06-23 11:40:06
Member Answer/Reply:
You have to step down these medications so if your taking 300 mgs you have to reduce your dosage slowly over a period of time under your doctors supervision it cannot be done by switching to another medication! Just know that what your experiencing is a side effect of meds and not anything else so do not take any actions on these feelings regarding life situations or changes.
40 year old Female – Source: iGuard
Posted: 2010-07-29 12:00:19
Question/Comment:
2 years ago, I started having some rage and major depression issues. I was placed on Zoloft first, but as my insurance would not cover it, my doctor switched to Prozac (the generic). For a month or so it worked, but over time I developed severe panic and anxiety attacks that had me a prisoner inside my own home. The doc was adamant that she would not give me more meds without my going to counseling but I COULDNT LEAVE MY HOME! I stopped the Prozac all got better. I now take Wellbutrin.alone.
45 year old Female – Source: iGuard
Posted: 2010-06-20 14:10:26
Member Answer/Reply:
just a side note to you...FYI Prozac is not the generic of Zoloft! They are 2 different drugs ( both anti depressants).
52 year old Female – Source: iGuard
Posted: 2010-07-19 21:59:04
Member Answer/Reply:
They meant they were given the generic of Prozac not Zoloft.
40 year old Female – Source: iGuard
Posted: 2010-07-29 12:01:25
Member Answer/Reply:
Wellbutrin is not usually prescribed for rage problems as it is an aggitator. Paxil is the drug usually given for social anxiety disorders. I take Wellbutrin and have for years but it can over stimulate you so I also take Cymbalta with it to help balance it the side effects out. Oh and I would find a different doctor that understands your disorder.
40 year old Female – Source: iGuard
Posted: 2010-07-29 12:04:16
Question/Comment:
anyone taking wellbutrin with prozac like I am??? Been on it at 300mg and 2 weeks on prozac and still depressed-anyone???Thank You-Sandy
64 year old Female – Source: iGuard
Posted: 2010-06-16 14:58:50
Member Answer/Reply:
I am on both Wellbutrin and Prozac (both the genertics) I still have bouts of depression. I have found if I feel down, When I go outside in the sun it helps to bring my cemical balance back up. I tend to get more depressed in the summer. It is because I have a heart disease and am not able to go outside as much so I don't get the sun like I need. I have a blow-up pool that I use so I can go out more. This helps a lot.
48 year old Female – Source: iGuard
Posted: 2010-07-22 13:40:50
Question/Comment:
I have been haveing nausea and anxiety while on wellbutrin xl with prozac- will this get better or do I need to change drugs? I took one half the dosage of wellbutrin xl for 2 days and nausea and anxiety is that a withdrawal you think? thanks
64 year old Female – Source: iGuard
Posted: 2010-06-11 13:52:42
Question/Comment:
Please make that Sunday-thank you-sandy m.
64 year old Female – Source: iGuard
Posted: 2010-06-06 13:01:55
Question/Comment:
Hello-This is Funday-June 06=I am writing in regard to having some worrisome side-effects-Have been taking welbutrin xl for months-took generic prozac without my knowledge=changed to Brand prozac on Friday-Day 2 I have anxiety attack- not been an issue but had some mild while on generic prozac-do not know if this is normal or do I need to call My Dr.?? Sweating is an issue too with some nausea--???HELP?? Sandy M>
64 year old Female – Source: iGuard
Posted: 2010-06-06 13:01:20
iGuard Answer/Reply:
Fluoxetine (Prozac) can cause anxiety in some patients. Sweating and nausea are side effects that usually go away after your body gets used to the medication. It is possible to have an adjustment period when switching between brand and generic. If your symptoms become worse or do not get better, you should contact your doctor to discuss your symptoms.
Posted: 2010-06-26 01:27:36
Question/Comment:
Wellbutrin and prozac together for 2 and one half weeks now--increase in nausea-anxiety is new and worse0sewating-depression not good yet--help? Took wellbutrin xl for several months with cymbalta-but dropped it cold turkey per Dr.-had 4 weeks of bad withdrawal-now this=HELP??
64 year old Female – Source: iGuard
Posted: 2010-06-04 09:57:59
iGuard Answer/Reply:
Some people experience side effects when changing their dose or stopping medicines like Cymbalta. It can take up to six weeks for the effects of Prozac to really take affect. In the meantime, nausea can be a side effect Prozac. It should go away as the medication's effects start to work in your body. If your anxiety and/or depression are increasing or your side effects are becoming worse, you should contact your doctor to discuss any options you may have to help you through this period of time or to see if there are alternatives to this medication combination.
Posted: 2010-06-25 00:16:04
Question/Comment:
I feel wellbutrin is giving me intrusive thoughts about all my family that have died-my beloved pets-I cannot stop the sad feelings I have alot because of this. What can be done? It just depresses me more. Help anyone???
64 year old Female – Source: iGuard
Posted: 2010-05-08 16:27:33
Member Answer/Reply:
Sounds like maybe repressed feeling are coming up. I would not blame wellbutrin yet. See your doctor and tell him/her your experiencing these emotions.
51 year old Male – Source: iGuard
Posted: 2010-05-18 11:26:06
Question/Comment:
What is the difference between the two antidepressants?? I take the xl 150 with 60-120 cymbalta and feel like it is not working like it has been for 4 months-anyone??
64 year old Female – Source: iGuard
Posted: 2010-04-27 10:19:56
iGuard Answer/Reply:
Bupropion and Cymbalta act on different neurotransmitters in the brain. Some people respond better to one antidepressant than another. If you don't feel like these medicines are working for you, please follow up with your doctor. There are other antidepressants available that you and your doctor may want to consider trying - these include citalopram (Celexa), escitalopram (Lexapro), fluoxetine (Prozac), sertraline (Zoloft), paroxetine (Paxil), venlafaxine (Effexor, Effexor XR), and desvenlafaxine (Pristiq).
Posted: 2010-05-16 15:35:37
Member Answer/Reply:
Also you can take up to 450 mgs per day of Wellbutrin if you have to so if you feel it is something you want to continue talk to your doctor about increasing to 300 mgs for a month.
40 year old Female – Source: iGuard
Posted: 2010-07-29 12:08:42
Question/Comment:
I have had alot of drowsiness last week with the cymbalta and wellbutrinxr 150 mg.-then sunday had bad depression-not much better today-also-have had intrusive thoughts-not with any other meds-like i remember all the people that have died--all my pets-i do not know what is going on with me. anyone???thanks-Sandy
64 year old Female – Source: iGuard
Posted: 2010-04-26 11:46:21
Question/Comment:
Do you have any people responding with Heartburn or Reflux getting worse while taking Wellbutrin. That is the only thing that is different since I started taking it.
75 year old Female – Source: iGuard
Posted: 2010-04-01 11:38:59
iGuard Answer/Reply:
There have been some reports of upset stomach and difficulty swallowing by patients who took Wellbutrin - however these are not common side effects. You may want to mention your symptoms to your doctor so you can evaluated to determine the cause.
Posted: 2010-04-04 13:34:48
Question/Comment:
I have been on both wellbutrin xl and the generic form bupropion xl. For me personally, they have both been effective in treating my depression. When I was switched from wellbutrin to bupropion I experienced a slightly elevated mood for a few days (certainly nothing to complain about), but then I felt the same as before my medication switch.
21 year old Female – Source: iGuard
Posted: 2010-03-27 19:10:37
Question/Comment:
I have taken Wellbutrin XL for many years now. At one time, I was given the generic Bupropion & almost immediately started having problems. By the third week, my depression was much worse than it had ever been. Doc switched me back to name brand & those problems went away. Just be cautious if you're switched from name brand to generic with ANY drug. FYI - My mother-in-law takes Bupropion w/o any adverse effects at all. It just depends on your individual metabolism, sensitivities, etc.
42 year old Female – Source: iGuard
Posted: 2010-03-23 08:47:38
Question/Comment:
Budeprion may increase the risk of seizures if you have ALCOHOL / DRUG PROBLEMS.
The word "seizure" isn't definitive. What might I be prone to experience?
61 year old Male – Source: iGuard
Posted: 2010-03-21 10:12:45
iGuard Answer/Reply:
Seizure is defined as abnormal neuron firing in the brain. They can last 30 seconds to 2 minutes or longer. In some cases convulsions are present. There may be a loss of consciousness. This can be dangerous if you hit your head on the floor or if you are driving.
Posted: 2010-03-28 22:18:58
Question/Comment:
I was given Bupropion a year ago for anxiety. At the same time I decided to quit smoking. For me from day one I had absolutely no urge to smoke- NO withdrawl at all, either physical or mental. Its been a year now and I never think of smoking- it feels like I never did.Also I was a light drinker and have had no urge for anything alcohol. And it has helped my anxiety a lot. To me this has been a great medication.
58 year old Male – Source: iGuard
Posted: 2010-02-27 15:05:12
Question/Comment:
I use the generic of Wellbutrin HCL XL 300 from Watson Labs. I have read many comments of dissatisfaction with the generic wellbutrin made by Teva Labs concerning mood changes, effectiveness. Iguard may know if Teva is being checked for its quality difficulties.
62 year old Female – Source: iGuard
Posted: 2010-02-21 16:26:32
iGuard Answer/Reply:
Some patients are sensitive to brand versus generic medications in any circumstance. Sometimes a certain generic will work best for some patients. If the Watson brand is working well for you, then you can request that your pharmacist keep it in stock. If you want to report dissatisfaction to Teva, you can call 1-215-591-3000.
Posted: 2010-02-24 12:10:15
Question/Comment:
I've been taking 450 mg of Bupropion HCL XL (Wellbutrin's generic) for several years. In the last two years my doctors have added 75 mg of Effexor XR (which replaced the paxil I was taking because the effexor is beneficial to hot flashes) and 12.5 mg cp of hydrochlorothiazide. Although my hot flashes were manageable in the past, over the last two months my symptoms have increased significantly. I feel fatigued a lot of the time. I also have myasthenia gravis and can't decide what my symptoms are from anymore.
49 year old Female – Source: iGuard
Posted: 2010-02-15 16:49:15
iGuard Answer/Reply:
A higher dose of Effexor could help with your hot flashes. The fatigue could be from the myasthenia gravis or the hormone fluctuations. You need to discuss your symptoms with your physician and together you can decide on the best treatment course for your symptoms given your medical conditions and medication history.
Posted: 2010-02-17 21:46:31
Question/Comment:
I HAVE BEEN USING THIS MEDICATION FOR 12 YEARS OR MORE AND 3 DAYS AGO I WAS DIAGNOSTED WITH FATTY LIVER DEASEAS, I REALLY WISH THAT I WAS TOLD THIS INFORMATION BACJ THEN!!!!
52 year old Female – Source: iGuard
Posted: 2010-02-13 16:58:04
Question/Comment:
I am on wellbuterin xl 300 mg daily. My insurance is now telling me that are not going to cover the wellbuterin anymore and they want to send me the generic. I have heard awful things about it, like you gain weight on this generic brand. What else can I take instead of going to the generic. I guess I can get my doctor to write on the Rx Despense as written when he writes the wellbuterin rx, but my doctor's office secretary did call me and tell me that the wellbuterin is not covered anymore so just take the generic. But I want to ask tomorrow and call and see if they will write on my scripts daw
29 year old Female – Source: iGuard
Posted: 2010-02-11 23:42:57
iGuard Answer/Reply:
Bupropion is the generic of Wellbutrin. Generics are approved by the FDA and must show they have the same active ingredients as the brand name. The side effects and benefits of the generic medication should be the same as the brand name.
Many patients have reported that they notice a difference between the Brand and the generic but studies have not been able to prove there is a difference. It is worth trying the generic to see how you respond. If you do not see the same benefits, or if you experience side effects, you can then discuss your concerns with your doctor.
Posted: 2010-02-12 10:52:16
Member Answer/Reply:
The generic works just as well for me as the name brand. I have felt no difference in the two. After all, the active ingredients are the same.
36 year old Female – Source: iGuard
Posted: 2010-02-15 11:56:11
Member Answer/Reply:
To 29 year old female:
I've tried the generic of Wellbutrin XL and never experienced anything awful on it. I had no weight gain though I definitely noticed a difference in how it worked. The Wellbutrin XL definitely kept me more grounded, the generic (Buproprion) never gave me that same grounded feeling. But everyone is different, it might be okay for you. My insurance company did pay for it however it began to skyrocket in cost! I eventually had to give it up and just deal with it.
43 year old Female – Source: iGuard
Posted: 2010-03-02 08:18:46
Member Answer/Reply:
There are multiple manufacturers of generic pharmaceuticals. For many medicines, there is probably no difference between them. But for certain meds, the generic may not be exactly like the brand. The extended-release forms are certainly one to consider. The active ingredient may be the same, but if it is delivered too fast or too slow you may see a big difference in how you feel.
With buproprion, there was a lot of controversy regarding Teva's version of Wellbutrin XL. So when I switched to generic I asked the pharmacy to make sure they did not carry Teva's generic, and I have noticed no difference.
48 year old Female – Source: iGuard
Posted: 2010-03-05 12:25:34
Question/Comment:
MY DR. HAS PUT ME ON WELLBUTRIN XL 150MG.TO HELP ME QUIT SMOKING, I SEE WHERE THERE IS A RISK USING IT WITH MY OTHER MEDS. I'M WONDERING IF LEXAPRO, AND WELL. ARE IN THE SAME DRUG CLASS AND IF I COULD WEEN MY SELF OFF OF THE LEXAPRO AND JUST KEEP TAKING WELLBUTRIN. I ALSO SEE IN THE WARNINGS. THAT IT COULD INCREASE THE EFFECTS OF FLECANIDE IN MY SYSTEM I WILL TALK TO MY HEART DR. ABOUT DOSES ON THAT ONE.
45 year old Female – Source: iGuard
Posted: 2010-01-17 10:04:22
Question/Comment:
I TAKE WELLBUTRIN XL 150 MG 3 TIMES A DAY, MY DOCTOR HAS ME ON PAXIL ARE THESE TWO NOT GOOD TOGETHER. JMW
54 year old Female – Source: iGuard
Posted: 2009-12-16 15:16:31
iGuard Answer/Reply:
Wellbutrin and Paxil may be taken together, however, Wellbutrin can increase levels of Paxil in your body. This can be a positive side effect, as long as the levels of Paxil are not too high. You and your doctor can determine what the right dose for you is - be sure to let him/her know if you are seeing improvements in your mood and behavior and if you experience any side effects.
Posted: 2009-12-19 14:58:12
Question/Comment:
I've taken 100mg Zoloft daily for the past three years, along with 2mg Abilify to help with Bipolar Disorder. My new doctor switched out the Abilify with Wellbutrin and I now take 100mg Zoloft and 100mg Wellbutrin daily. I've heard that you can't take the two together...what are your opinions?
22 year old Female – Source: iGuard
Posted: 2009-12-14 10:01:47
iGuard Answer/Reply:
There are some concerns about taking both Wellbutrin and Zoloft. The levels of Zoloft in your body may increase when Wellbutrin is added. This can actually be helpful for some - you may benefit from the higher levels of Zoloft. There is also a concern that using Zoloft and Wellbutrin together may increase the risk of seizures, particularly in older patients and patients with a past history of epilepsy/seizures.
However, this combination is prescribed to many patients - about 5 percent of iGuard members taking Wellbutrin, are also taking Zoloft. In general for a young, healthy adults, Zoloft and Wellbutrin are often taken together, but the doses/side effects need to be monitored and the doses adjusted if needed.
Posted: 2009-12-16 10:51:35
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