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Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
bob@dr-bob.orgShown: posts 1 to 8 of 8. This is the beginning of the thread.
Posted by Optimist on September 6, 2004, at 10:38:45
I'm curious to whether anyone has experimented with combining wellbutrin with tyrosine. I know theoretically tyrosine provides the building blocks dopamine and norepinephrine to enhance the efficacy of wellbutrin. It's similar to people taking 5-HTP to provide more serotonin for SSRI's.
I've done a pretty exhaustive search on google and on this site and haven't found too much information regarding it.
My main problems are lack of motivation and energy. The wellbutrin hasn't seemed to be effective enough in those departments. I feel like I'm mostly reliant on caffeine to keep me going but it seems to make me quite moody much to my dismay. I have lots of energy and motivation and subjective intelligence, then I crash a few hours later. If I could keep the feeling I get from the caffeine things would be wonderful although I know that's not entirely realistic. It's the nature of the beast for stimulants. I just would rather not use it as a crutch.
My dx is a mild/moderate seasonal depression, with possible cyclothymia characteristics. I'm still trying to figure out whether I have a mild form of bipolar.
I'm currently taking 300mg of Wellbutrin SR, 900mg of St. John's Wort, with 50-100mg of 5-HTP daily for the last 2 months.
If anyone has some input or experience with the wellbutrin/tyrosine combo I'd love to hear it! Thanks.
Posted by King Vultan on September 6, 2004, at 10:38:45
In reply to Wellbutrin with tyrosine, posted by Optimist on September 5, 2004, at 23:27:39
I have tried this combo--I did notice a bit more activation and energy, particularly at first. As I recall, I was also taking desipramine at the time. For some reason, I wound up discontinuing the tyrosine after a couple weeks, but I unfortunately do not remember if this was due to lack of effectiveness or adverse effects. I think this is the type of thing that may work for some people, but probably not for the majority. I suppose I feel that way in general about nutritional supplements.
Todd
Posted by Optimist on September 6, 2004, at 17:12:28
In reply to Re: Wellbutrin with tyrosine, posted by King Vultan on September 6, 2004, at 10:31:01
Thanks. I was pretty much under the impression the tyrosine will improve wellbutrin's effectiveness. I will do some experimentation myself and see how it goes.
I respond very well to stimulants/activating drugs so hopefully this will give it more kick. My impression is that the caffeine is not too supportive and may be contributing to my depression. I'm finding it too hard to cut down on the caffeine at the moment. It's crutch but without it I feel extremely apathetic.
Posted by jaby on September 13, 2004, at 16:25:03
In reply to Wellbutrin with tyrosine, posted by Optimist on September 5, 2004, at 23:27:39
Good thread. I find significant differences using tyrosine with WB. Seems to work much better.
Posted by Optimist on September 17, 2004, at 13:21:51
In reply to Re: Wellbutrin with tyrosine, posted by jaby on September 13, 2004, at 16:25:03
I've been on it for about a week now and have noticed much more of a kick. I feel less reliant on caffeine, and feel more stable throughout the day. My depression and apathy seem to have diminished as well.
Posted by craig getty on September 19, 2004, at 7:44:27
In reply to Wellbutrin with tyrosine, posted by Optimist on September 5, 2004, at 23:27:39
I'm also on Wellbutrin SR and was still experiencing the same symptoms you wrote about. I just started Adderall ER to help so if the tyrosine doesn't work for you, you might want to try that.
Also, there is something about coffee that often makes me crash and feel irritable after the initial (short-lived) jolt of energy wears off. You might want to switch to green tea, which has the same amount of caffeine, but works in a smoother more subtle way.
Posted by Optimist on September 20, 2004, at 12:08:00
In reply to Re: Wellbutrin with tyrosine » Optimist, posted by craig getty on September 19, 2004, at 7:44:27
Thanks Craig. I suggested to my P-doc last year if I could take adderal for some more motivational/energy issues but she wasn't too in to it.
I know the adderal has a much longer half life than caffeine which would suit me much better.
I'm in the process of quitting caffeine to give my adrenals a break though, and to see if my energy gets a rebound. We'll see how it goes.
Posted by dharmageek on August 12, 2005, at 5:31:25
In reply to Re: Wellbutrin with tyrosine, posted by Optimist on September 20, 2004, at 12:08:00
My experience and research with Tyrosine showed me that efficacy of Tryosine is dependant of how it is dosed. The best way to take it is first thing in the AM on either an empty stomach or with a carb beverage (like juice).If it is taken with protien or some other aminos they commpete for reuptake and the absorption isn't as good. I did a divided dose of 2 grams in the AM, then another 500-1000mg in the afternoon. Not in the evening as it is energizing. Also consider Phenylalnine in either its L- or DL- form.Its the happy dopamine amino. This was also another great help with that crappy lack of energy/motivation. Combining either of these with Wellbutrin in not widelty thought to be problematic- but start doses slow.
This is the end of the thread.
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