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Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
bob@dr-bob.orgShown: posts 1 to 16 of 16. This is the beginning of the thread.
Posted by Susan on September 8, 1999, at 5:17:36
Does the sustained release Welbutrin have fewer side effects than the regular? (i.e. if someone couldn`t tolerate the regular is there any point in trying the SR)?
Posted by Bob on September 8, 1999, at 9:13:46
In reply to Wellbutrin SR, posted by Susan on September 8, 1999, at 5:17:36
> Does the sustained release Welbutrin have fewer side effects than the regular? (i.e. if someone couldn`t tolerate the regular is there any point in trying the SR)?
When I was on it, my pdoc said he was giving me the SR formula just for that concern -- that the non-SR formula could hit people a little too strong, and that you were less likely to peak and bottom out between doses.
Cheers,
Bob
Posted by JohnB. on September 8, 1999, at 13:41:37
In reply to Wellbutrin SR, posted by Susan on September 8, 1999, at 5:17:36
Susan:
Remember that WellbutrinSR is the "same" medication as Wellbutrin tablets, the only difference being the base of delivery included with the med. I've taken WellbutrinSR for a couple of years now and it's just a smooother delivery of the med over the course of 5 to 7 hours. This helps with concerns over seizure potential and with overall side effect profile.However, if you've not reacted well to Wellbutrin tablets and you've given them an adequate try at a good theaputic dose, the SR version's not likely to help. Ask you MD.
My Best, JohnB.
Posted by Randy on September 8, 1999, at 18:02:17
In reply to Re: Wellbutrin SR, posted by JohnB. on September 8, 1999, at 13:41:37
Hate to disagree but my experiences have been different. Maybe it depends on your ability to dose yourself on a prescribed schedule. I had been on WB for a year when i was switched to the sr formula. felt like a beehive in my brain. I freaked. Felt like speed. Judging by the other posters here, i would guess that everyone reacts differently in metabolizing the drug.
Maybe my body forgets it should use up the drug over 10 hours and just gobbles up that buproprion and puts it too work immediately. In short I cant take the sr because it is too uneven while other posters think the SR is the most smooth way. You may have to try it too be sure.> Susan:
> Remember that WellbutrinSR is the "same" medication as Wellbutrin tablets, the only difference being the base of delivery included with the med. I've taken WellbutrinSR for a couple of years now and it's just a smooother delivery of the med over the course of 5 to 7 hours. This helps with concerns over seizure potential and with overall side effect profile.
>
> However, if you've not reacted well to Wellbutrin tablets and you've given them an adequate try at a good theaputic dose, the SR version's not likely to help. Ask you MD.
>
> My Best, JohnB.
Posted by Jeff Silverstein on September 10, 1999, at 11:04:17
In reply to Wellbutrin SR, posted by Susan on September 8, 1999, at 5:17:36
The SR was brought out primarily because of the rare but dangerous side effect of seizures that happened in a small number of individuals at very high doses. In the pre-SR days I did a lot of halving and quartering of tablets - mostly because too much immediate release was anxiety-generating. I agree about the "smoother" descriptions.
Posted by dj on September 10, 1999, at 14:01:23
In reply to Re: Wellbutrin SR, posted by Jeff Silverstein on September 10, 1999, at 11:04:17
Did anyone notice any impact on their short or long term memory from Wellbutrin? For better or worse?
Any folks had positive memory boosting from any of the ADs????
Posted by Dr. Jeff on May 19, 2000, at 0:13:32
In reply to Re: Memory boosting, Wellbutrn & othr ADs effects?, posted by dj on September 10, 1999, at 14:01:23
I have had positive results while on WB SR for atypical depression. The most common side effect for me has been slight nausea and increased short and long term memory cognitive ability! It almost is annoying recalling detailed facts from reading a newspaper last week. The other SSRI's (Prozac, Zoloft, Paxil) are too powerful and don't sustain peak and troughs like WB SR. When placed on 100mg of Zoloft B.I.D., I felt as if I were losing my mind and memory. I also experienced severe effects such as nocternal enurisis and trembling.
The sustained release of Wellbutrin has, in my mind solved many of the saftey concerns (seizures) of the drug. If you are looking for an anti-depressant or have a desire to change your current regimen, I would consider WB SR as a candidate. Talk to your doctor and post your experiences. Let's figure out how to treat this thing we call DEPRESSION!
Best of mental health,
Dr. Jeff
Posted by sandi on May 19, 2000, at 6:36:37
In reply to Memory boosting effects of Wellbutrin SR, posted by Dr. Jeff on May 19, 2000, at 0:13:32
I have been on paxil since 1996, I had a reaction to it and broke out in hines and had chest pains, it just had stopped working. Dr. put me on WB SR and i'm afaird of changing meds. I did it! But any feedback on what i'm about to expect. Please let me know soon!
Posted by Cam W. on May 19, 2000, at 7:05:08
In reply to Memory boosting effects of Wellbutrin SR, posted by Dr. Jeff on May 19, 2000, at 0:13:32
Dr.Jeff - So, When did you get that executive position at Glaxo-Wellcome (lol). Actually, I have not noticed any cognitive enhancement with Wellbutrin SR, but I didn't notice cognitive impairment while taking high dose Paxil (60mg qd). I really think that using an SSRI, something like Wellbutrin, Remeron, Serzone, an MOAI, or the spectrum of TCAs, really depends upon the symptoms of the depression. More studies need to be done to separate out the different sub-types of depressive disorders (ie where the breakdown of the HPA axis, or other system, that is resulting in the syndrome we call depression). In this way, the doctors can more accurately choose an antidepressant that will work on the first try (hopefully).Wellbutrin has worked for me, but SSRIs did nothing. Does this mean my depression has a norepinephrine dysfunctional basis? The studies into the pathophysiology of depressive syndromes is now being done and hopefully (for many of our sakes) that question will be answered in the next few years.
I have not read any information that the SR version of Wellbutrin has decreased the incidence of seizures. I have seen seizures with the SR version.
As for the cognitive enhancement, asre you sure that the resolving of your depression has not brought back your memory that was dull by the depression? I have always remembered stupid bits of information, but less so while in the dark pit of depression. At these times, I was lucky if I could remember my wife's name.
BTW - Welcome to Babbleland and I hope you will keep sharing your experiences. - Cam
Posted by Noa on May 19, 2000, at 12:56:50
In reply to Re: Memory boosting effects of Wellbutrin SR?, posted by Cam W. on May 19, 2000, at 7:05:08
I have had word retrieval problems on higher doses of paxil and effexor. Moreso on the regular effexor than the XR, but with the XR too. On a lowered dose, I definitely noticed within a week, that I was actively and spontaneously using more of the vocabulary in my repetoire that had been relegated to my passive vocabulary while on the higher doses. It is a great feeling to hear these words come out of your mouth, rather than either getting stuck in search mode, or simply learning to depend on fewer options for words, or talking "around" things rather than using the most precise word.
Posted by allisonm on May 19, 2000, at 18:06:17
In reply to Memory boosting effects of Wellbutrin SR, posted by Dr. Jeff on May 19, 2000, at 0:13:32
I have had short-term memory problems on Wellbutrin SR. Sometimes I think my brain thinks faster and is more alert, other times it's borderline racing, which I don't like. Currently, I'm on 200mg 2X/day.
For the most part though, I find I forget things almost instantly. For instance, I walked out from work with a co-worker the other night. She was parked in a parking lot, I was parked in a garage. I had a box for her. We agreed as we parted company to meet at the curb where we stood so that I could transfer this large box from my truck to her car.
I went up four flights on the elevator, not 50 yards away, walked to my truck, also not 50 yards away. Started up and headed out. There are two exits I can take. Luckily, I chose Swan Street instead of Scio because upon my exit I came upon my friend in her car waiting for me at the curb. I'd completely and I mean COMPLETELY forgotten.
I now write myself lists of things I want to accomplish at home -- especially on the weekends because I know I won't remember to do them and then I'll be angry at myself for forgetting. (BTW, I am 38.)
Posted by paul on May 21, 2000, at 1:10:39
In reply to Re: Memory boosting effects of Wellbutrin SR, posted by allisonm on May 19, 2000, at 18:06:17
i have to honestly admit that the irritability, tremors (which my then BUTTHEAD doc didnt believe were caused by wb sr) and destructive outbursts awa total impossibility of sleep far overshadowed any memory wierdness that may have occured. i hated the stuff and will never EVER take it again. i hope all of you had better luck w/it than i did. its SOLE saving grace was effortless withdrawal. didnt even taper down. can begin to explain the joy of being able to use my hands again. talk about not knowing whatchoo got till its GONE!!
pcl
Posted by sandi on May 21, 2000, at 7:39:00
In reply to Re: Memory boosting effects of Wellbutrin SR, posted by allisonm on May 19, 2000, at 18:06:17
Hopefully i'll be ok. Reading some of these letters scares me! I have jsut started wellbutrin, 150mgs a day. Depression not bad but I know if I dont have something I will cry all day, coming off from the paxil scares me to. Doc said 1 day, 65% is gone 10 days all gone and then wellbutrin should kick in. I smoke so this is a plus, i'll be quitting.~ I feel like sometimes i'm getting elecrtic shocks from inside, but this is normal side effects from Paxil. I noticed I get angry easily. Yelling at my kids and husband, then 2 minutes later i'm back to myself again. WEIRD. Any comments?
Posted by SLS on May 21, 2000, at 9:58:28
In reply to Re: Memory boosting, Wellbutrn & othr ADs effects?, posted by dj on September 10, 1999, at 14:01:23
> Did anyone notice any impact on their short or long term memory from Wellbutrin? For better or worse?
>
> Any folks had positive memory boosting from any of the ADs????
So many people who are depressed have memory complaints (if they can remember to complain about them). As we know, problems with memory and concentration (focus) are common with depression and is attributable to the alterations in brain function associated with it. These impairments usually completely disappear upon full remission of depression.Some drugs are well known to impair memory and cognition by themselves. This really sucks when it is added to the impairments that already exist. I can barely tolerate this as I am so impaired to begin with. I am not sure how often the drug-induced impairments diminish over time, but any residual is often offset by the disappearance of the depression-induced impairments by a wide margin. When this is to be the case, improvements in memory and cognition will not occur until the depression begins to remit - and we know that more often than not, this does not happen for a few weeks.
Some drugs, the stimulants in particular, can produce an immediate reduction of the depression-induced impairments. They can even enhance cognitive performance in healthy individuals. Wellbutrin has demonstrated amphetamine-like properties, so I don't doubt that many people experience a perceptible improvement in memory. However, for those people for whom it exerts a true antidepressant effect (I hope all of you experience this good fortune), I think they will experience a boon of improvements that will dwarf those they initially experience.
Good luck all.
- Scott
Posted by Sassi on March 26, 2002, at 22:56:05
In reply to Re: Memory boosting effects of Wellbutrin SR, posted by allisonm on May 19, 2000, at 18:06:17
> I have had short-term memory problems on Wellbutrin SR. Sometimes I think my brain thinks faster and is more alert, other times it's borderline racing, which I don't like. Currently, I'm on 200mg 2X/day.
>
> For the most part though, I find I forget things almost instantly. For instance, I walked out from work with a co-worker the other night. She was parked in a parking lot, I was parked in a garage. I had a box for her. We agreed as we parted company to meet at the curb where we stood so that I could transfer this large box from my truck to her car.
>
> I went up four flights on the elevator, not 50 yards away, walked to my truck, also not 50 yards away. Started up and headed out. There are two exits I can take. Luckily, I chose Swan Street instead of Scio because upon my exit I came upon my friend in her car waiting for me at the curb. I'd completely and I mean COMPLETELY forgotten.
>
> I now write myself lists of things I want to accomplish at home -- especially on the weekends because I know I won't remember to do them and then I'll be angry at myself for forgetting. (BTW, I am 38.)
WOW!! This sounds just like me!! I used to be able to recall an amazing amount of information. I never appreciated it until I lost the ability. I now can hardly remember my vocabulary, stumble for words, forget what I stood up to do, and many other hosts of horrible memory problems. I went back to school for my Masters and can hardly remember what any of my classes are about.I'd like my memory back, but am not sure I want the depression back. Is there another medication? I do find that I am easily agitated, but like a spark. Once I yell or explode I'm calm and pleasant. I don't like that either but am learning to cope. I don't kow how to cope with the memory issue.
Posted by KarenRB53 on July 3, 2008, at 10:42:12
In reply to Memory boosting effects of Wellbutrin SR, posted by Dr. Jeff on May 19, 2000, at 0:13:32
> I have had positive results while on WB SR for atypical depression. The most common side effect for me has been slight nausea and increased short and long term memory cognitive ability! It almost is annoying recalling detailed facts from reading a newspaper last week. The other SSRI's (Prozac, Zoloft, Paxil) are too powerful and don't sustain peak and troughs like WB SR. When placed on 100mg of Zoloft B.I.D., I felt as if I were losing my mind and memory. I also experienced severe effects such as nocternal enurisis and trembling.
> The sustained release of Wellbutrin has, in my mind solved many of the saftey concerns (seizures) of the drug. If you are looking for an anti-depressant or have a desire to change your current regimen, I would consider WB SR as a candidate. Talk to your doctor and post your experiences. Let's figure out how to treat this thing we call DEPRESSION!
> Best of mental health,
> Dr. Jeff
>
Just wondered if you're still taking the WellbutrinSR? I've recently started taking it and am trying to find out as much info as I can.
Thank you
Karen
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