Posted by Aaethiopicus on December 2, 2003, at 5:30:53
In reply to Wellbutrin and LSD, posted by Joshua AK on October 30, 2002, at 23:13:32
Josh,
FYI, I am a 19 year old freshman in college whose information comes largely from an 'intro to psych' class, so take my word for whatever its worth to you.
I, too, am perscribed Wellbutrin. Ever since a mind-blowing experience with LSD while having taken bupropion within maybe a day or so, I began asking the same questions as you and only now (after about a month or so of searching on and off) am I beginning to get an understanding for what had likely been at work.
Unlike MAOIs and SSRIs, the major effect of Wellbutrin is inhibiting norepinephrine reuptake and not serotonin reuptake. Norepinephrine is a neurotransmitter involved in "fight or flight" behavior and the speed to which one responds to stimuli.
Because I keep hearing that LSD is both a serotonin antagonist and a serotonin agonist, I have made the assumption that its effects cannot be explained by saying LSDs effects are due specifically to generally high or low levels. I am apprehensive about this though, because the definitions of antagonist and agonist in an online medical dictionary didn't completely enlighten me as to their meanings.
Regardless, as you can read about 11/12 down the page at:
http://www.erowid.org/chemicals/lsd/lsd_faq.shtml
(the quote is from Snyder, "Drugs and the Brain", 1986, Sci Am Books Inc.)A lot of LSD's effects can be described in terms of norepinephrine levels in the brain. If this is true, then I blame my uncommonly intense trip on still having Wellbutrin in me the day I dropped acid (2 weak tabs). Although, I don't think I actually took bupropion on that particular day.
So as for whether or not this is dangerous? I really can't say for sure. I see logic for either side. Among others, LSD's net effect is an increase in norepinephrine (as is the net effect of Wellbutrin). Because one can't OD on LSD I would be inclined to say this mix should be fine. But on the other hand, Wellbutrin's manufacturers claim that an overdose on their drug can cause increased blood pressure, seizures and even rarely heart attacks or cardiac arrest. Whether mixing the two is like overdosing on bupropion or if it is merely like taking a regular dose of bupropion with a harmless sugar pill is my question.
I hope this answers some of your questions, though. i am sorry I can't touch on the danger part.
I am planning on dropping acid again next month. I plan on staying off of the Wellbutrin for a few days leading up to the experience. I suggest, to be on the safe side, you do the same.
poster:Aaethiopicus
thread:125886
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/20031202/msgs/285813.html