Posted by PsychoSage on February 18, 2004, at 3:50:59
In reply to Re: Wellbutrin fast acting or build up? » action, posted by Chairman_MAO on February 16, 2004, at 12:33:33
> Wellbutrin undergoes extensive metabolism, and its three active metabolites accumulate over time. As this accumulation takes place, the effect becomes more robust. The "antidepressant" effect takes place after at least a month of chronic treatment, like all antidepressants--except "classic" stimulants and opioids, heh.
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> In regard to its effect on dopamine, I believe the jury is still out. From a psychopharmacological perspective, it probably has SOME weak dopaminergic effects, direct or indirect, given that it makes some people horny, can induce hallucinations, and because some people report muscle twitches that are much like those reported with dopaminergic agents. The study below shows that chronic administration produces a blockade of the dopamine uptake transporter of 26%--a value I am not sure means much at all. Anyone else care to comment on this?
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> Honestly, I've learned that from a clinial perspective, whether it has any effect on doapmine or not is really not relevant; just pay attention to whether it works or not. :)
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> IMHO, Wellbutrin is simply a stimulant weak enough to evade scheduling (that means WEAK). It is structurally similar to the diet drug diethylpropion and the illegal drug cathinone. Draw your own conclusions.
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> Provigil has been shown completely ineffective for ADD. Wellbutrin has spotty efficacy, but better than Provigil. If you want energy, Provigil is better.
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> I started Wellbutrin for ADD because, due to my history, no doctor--except a private one--would ever give me amphetamine, which is the only thing that helps worth a damn. Thusfar I notice no beneficial effects, though I am only at 150mg of the XL. I am not optimistic. Let me know how your journey goes!
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I have been taking wellbutrin again since last may or so. I started out on 150 for 4 months then up to 300. I was at 300 before, but it felt like I was taking nothing, and in a few weeks I was in the psych ward for psychotic depression, but that had little to do wtih wellbutrin and its efficacy.
Right now I have not been in the psych ward or really depressed since I have been on wellbutrin for the third time. I guess it is a good thing if I don't notice it or expect the mild euphoria that occurs at the beginning of using it.I've also been kind of a basketcase since Zyprexa sandbagged me a little more than a year ago, and I got off it. Therefore, I am not sure how profound the effect of Wellbutrin is because it is not particularly helpful with concentration which was why i swtiched to it from zoloft.
My moods cycle still even though I am on trileptal, so i am not sure what that is all about.
I also have to admit that wellbutrin doesn't provide anymore motivation or well-being feelings the way provigil has for the last week at 50mg.
I love the side effect profile of wellbutrin except that I suspect it may cause irritability.
Any drug that doesn't make me tired or stupidly dull is a winner in my book.
I enjoy the XL dosing.
I also am not allowed near amphetamine.
poster:PsychoSage
thread:313435
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/20040215/msgs/315017.html