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Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
bob@dr-bob.orgShown: posts 1 to 18 of 18. This is the beginning of the thread.
Posted by mark57 on March 6, 2004, at 4:54:44
Hi, I'm new to this board and just have a question about taking Wellbutrin SR. I've been taking it for just over a week now. I'm taking the 100mg SR tablets. Directions on bottle say to take 1 tab twice a day and after a week take 1 tab 3 times a day. But from what I've read on the internet, the "SR" version is just taken twice a day, at least 8 hours apart. I was wondering if the person who prescribed it, a clinical nurse specialist, was having me take it like the regular (immediate release) tablet. And do you think this is a problem.
By the way, I'm taking it to treat both depression and ADD.
Thanks very much for any help.
Mark
Posted by King Vultan on March 6, 2004, at 11:29:09
In reply to How to take Wellbutrin SR, posted by mark57 on March 6, 2004, at 4:54:44
> Hi, I'm new to this board and just have a question about taking Wellbutrin SR. I've been taking it for just over a week now. I'm taking the 100mg SR tablets. Directions on bottle say to take 1 tab twice a day and after a week take 1 tab 3 times a day. But from what I've read on the internet, the "SR" version is just taken twice a day, at least 8 hours apart. I was wondering if the person who prescribed it, a clinical nurse specialist, was having me take it like the regular (immediate release) tablet. And do you think this is a problem.
> By the way, I'm taking it to treat both depression and ADD.
> Thanks very much for any help.
> Mark
>
>
Typically, someone on 300 mg Wellbutrin SR/day would be taking 2 x 150 mg/day. When I was on it, my doctor had me start out at 150 mg in the morning for a week and then add the 2nd pill at night after that. A lot of people have insomnia problems on this drug, which winds up being one of the major factors governing when people take it during the day. The maximum one should take at once of the SR is 200 mg; a person taking 400 mg/day would generally take 200 mg twice a day (the 200 mg would be composed of either 1 x 200 mg or 2 x 100 mg).If I were in your place, I suppose I would spread the dosage out over the day, perhaps at breakfast, lunch, and dinner. When I was on 2 x 150 mg/day, I actually took the last dose right at bedtime, but many people seem to feel this increases insomnia. For me, it almost seemed to help me sleep better, but this would probably be considered somewhat atypical.
Todd
Posted by mark57 on March 6, 2004, at 12:26:33
In reply to Re: How to take Wellbutrin SR, posted by King Vultan on March 6, 2004, at 11:29:09
> > Hi, I'm new to this board and just have a question about taking Wellbutrin SR. I've been taking it for just over a week now. I'm taking the 100mg SR tablets. Directions on bottle say to take 1 tab twice a day and after a week take 1 tab 3 times a day. But from what I've read on the internet, the "SR" version is just taken twice a day, at least 8 hours apart. I was wondering if the person who prescribed it, a clinical nurse specialist, was having me take it like the regular (immediate release) tablet. And do you think this is a problem.
> > By the way, I'm taking it to treat both depression and ADD.
> > Thanks very much for any help.
> > Mark
> >
> >
>
>
> Typically, someone on 300 mg Wellbutrin SR/day would be taking 2 x 150 mg/day. When I was on it, my doctor had me start out at 150 mg in the morning for a week and then add the 2nd pill at night after that. A lot of people have insomnia problems on this drug, which winds up being one of the major factors governing when people take it during the day. The maximum one should take at once of the SR is 200 mg; a person taking 400 mg/day would generally take 200 mg twice a day (the 200 mg would be composed of either 1 x 200 mg or 2 x 100 mg).
>
> If I were in your place, I suppose I would spread the dosage out over the day, perhaps at breakfast, lunch, and dinner. When I was on 2 x 150 mg/day, I actually took the last dose right at bedtime, but many people seem to feel this increases insomnia. For me, it almost seemed to help me sleep better, but this would probably be considered somewhat atypical.
>
> ToddTodd, thanks for the info. I have noticed that I've been waking up at night but hadn't connected it with the Wellbutrin. I have been spreading the doses out, taking the last one at night. I may try taking 2 X 100 in the morning and 1 in the afternoon. I also thought that the SR tabs just came in 100 and 150 mg doses? I'm also going to call the guy who prescribed it and ask him.
Thanks again.
Mark
Posted by HappyGirl on March 6, 2004, at 14:55:47
In reply to How to take Wellbutrin SR, posted by mark57 on March 6, 2004, at 4:54:44
Hi:
Wellbutrin SR is a kind 'Slow Release' type of WB in comparison to 'regular' WB that causes
spikes' right after taking. Then, WB sr version came to the market, not long ago.
In regard to dosage, you NEVER take before going to the bed as this causes insomnia to most of folks, ... but there is always exception like the post, above.
Yes, WB sr lasts 8 hours, but most of folks takes less than 8 hours, like breakfast, lunch and then dinner,... actually before dinner time, around 4 - 5 p.m. as seeing most people going to the bed around 10:30 p.m. - 11 : 00p.m.
Also, 300 mg. is standard dosage for depression, .. but some people takes less or more, between 200 - 400 mg., but if more than 400 mg., there is a risk to cause 'seizure,' not serious, like severe dizziness form. Then, you need to be cautious not to go more than 300 mg.
H.G.
Posted by katia on March 6, 2004, at 15:54:25
In reply to Re: How to take Wellbutrin SR, posted by HappyGirl on March 6, 2004, at 14:55:47
Hi,
I've just started WB SR 37.5 titrating up to 100mg. I'm also on Trileptal. My system is very sensitive and needs less than most people. Anyone know or have experience with only 100mg of WB being effective for depression?
Thanks-
Katia
BPII/Mixed
Trileptal 225mg
Fish oil 12g
Seroquel 12g
WB 37.5mg
Posted by Thereishope on March 6, 2004, at 16:26:09
In reply to Re: How to take Wellbutrin SR, posted by King Vultan on March 6, 2004, at 11:29:09
I was just about to post about the correct way to take Wellbutrin SR, when I saw Mark57 post.
Today is my second day on Wellbutrin SR 200mg. My pdoc has me taking the 200 once a day, first thing in the morning.
Does this sound right, an are there others taking Wellbutrin SR once a day?
Thanks!
God Bless
> > Hi, I'm new to this board and just have a question about taking Wellbutrin SR. I've been taking it for just over a week now. I'm taking the 100mg SR tablets. Directions on bottle say to take 1 tab twice a day and after a week take 1 tab 3 times a day. But from what I've read on the internet, the "SR" version is just taken twice a day, at least 8 hours apart. I was wondering if the person who prescribed it, a clinical nurse specialist, was having me take it like the regular (immediate release) tablet. And do you think this is a problem.
> > By the way, I'm taking it to treat both depression and ADD.
> > Thanks very much for any help.
> > Mark
> >
> >
>
>
> Typically, someone on 300 mg Wellbutrin SR/day would be taking 2 x 150 mg/day. When I was on it, my doctor had me start out at 150 mg in the morning for a week and then add the 2nd pill at night after that. A lot of people have insomnia problems on this drug, which winds up being one of the major factors governing when people take it during the day. The maximum one should take at once of the SR is 200 mg; a person taking 400 mg/day would generally take 200 mg twice a day (the 200 mg would be composed of either 1 x 200 mg or 2 x 100 mg).
>
> If I were in your place, I suppose I would spread the dosage out over the day, perhaps at breakfast, lunch, and dinner. When I was on 2 x 150 mg/day, I actually took the last dose right at bedtime, but many people seem to feel this increases insomnia. For me, it almost seemed to help me sleep better, but this would probably be considered somewhat atypical.
>
> Todd
Posted by Thereishope on March 6, 2004, at 16:32:03
In reply to Re: How to take Wellbutrin SR, posted by HappyGirl on March 6, 2004, at 14:55:47
So my 200mg. SR will only last 8 hours? Why would my doctor prescribe it for once a day?
> Hi:
> Wellbutrin SR is a kind 'Slow Release' type of WB in comparison to 'regular' WB that causes
> spikes' right after taking. Then, WB sr version came to the market, not long ago.
> In regard to dosage, you NEVER take before going to the bed as this causes insomnia to most of folks, ... but there is always exception like the post, above.
> Yes, WB sr lasts 8 hours, but most of folks takes less than 8 hours, like breakfast, lunch and then dinner,... actually before dinner time, around 4 - 5 p.m. as seeing most people going to the bed around 10:30 p.m. - 11 : 00p.m.
> Also, 300 mg. is standard dosage for depression, .. but some people takes less or more, between 200 - 400 mg., but if more than 400 mg., there is a risk to cause 'seizure,' not serious, like severe dizziness form. Then, you need to be cautious not to go more than 300 mg.
> H.G.
Posted by HappyGirl on March 6, 2004, at 17:04:52
In reply to Re: How to take Wellbutrin SR » HappyGirl, posted by Thereishope on March 6, 2004, at 16:32:03
Hi Thereishope:
You've been taking *100mg.* WB sr 'Twice' a day that more likely, one 100mg. WB sr in the morning and another 100 mg. WB sr around 4 - 5 p.m.? If that is correct, then you're on the right track. Because, the effectiveness of WB sr lasts about 8 hours, ... but who else taking EXACTLY 8 hours' period. At least, I never obey this timely method. For me, taking 100 mg. in the morning after get up in the morning with some milk, lunch time and evening on which it's NOT 8 hours' apart. Just sometimes, 4 - 5 hours' seperately. Then, in my knowledge, as long as your system/body does NOT react strangely, such as dizzy spell and the loss of appetite(big), racing heart/beat and etc., then you need to consider about the EXACT 8 hours' WB sr regimen. Otherwise, whenever your brain/stomach tells you, just pop in another WB sr. That is fine with me.
H.G.
Posted by Thereishope on March 6, 2004, at 17:24:54
In reply to Re: How to take Wellbutrin SR//Thereishope, posted by HappyGirl on March 6, 2004, at 17:04:52
Thanks for replying. I'm taking the 200mg. SR tablet once a day in the morning. My doctor has me taking it once a day. Any input?
> Hi Thereishope:
> You've been taking *100mg.* WB sr 'Twice' a day that more likely, one 100mg. WB sr in the morning and another 100 mg. WB sr around 4 - 5 p.m.? If that is correct, then you're on the right track. Because, the effectiveness of WB sr lasts about 8 hours, ... but who else taking EXACTLY 8 hours' period. At least, I never obey this timely method. For me, taking 100 mg. in the morning after get up in the morning with some milk, lunch time and evening on which it's NOT 8 hours' apart. Just sometimes, 4 - 5 hours' seperately. Then, in my knowledge, as long as your system/body does NOT react strangely, such as dizzy spell and the loss of appetite(big), racing heart/beat and etc., then you need to consider about the EXACT 8 hours' WB sr regimen. Otherwise, whenever your brain/stomach tells you, just pop in another WB sr. That is fine with me.
> H.G.
Posted by mark57 on March 6, 2004, at 20:58:23
In reply to Re: How to take Wellbutrin SR//Thereishope » HappyGirl, posted by Thereishope on March 6, 2004, at 17:24:54
I have a question about Wellbutrin SR lasting just a certain length of time. I thought that drugs like Wellbutrin as well as the other newer antidepressants work by effecting the neurotransmitters in the brain and they take a while to build up, like several weeks or even months. So what does it mean that a single dose of Wellbutrin SR is only effective for 8 hours? I realize some drugs like Ritalin have an immediate effect and only last so long but I thought these type drugs worked differently. I don't understand much about brain chemistry or how these drugs work so maybe I'm just confusing things.
Mark
Posted by Thereishope on March 6, 2004, at 21:42:35
In reply to Re: How to take Wellbutrin SR//Thereishope, posted by mark57 on March 6, 2004, at 20:58:23
These are all good questions...I hope someone will post the answers :)
> I have a question about Wellbutrin SR lasting just a certain length of time. I thought that drugs like Wellbutrin as well as the other newer antidepressants work by effecting the neurotransmitters in the brain and they take a while to build up, like several weeks or even months. So what does it mean that a single dose of Wellbutrin SR is only effective for 8 hours? I realize some drugs like Ritalin have an immediate effect and only last so long but I thought these type drugs worked differently. I don't understand much about brain chemistry or how these drugs work so maybe I'm just confusing things.
>
> Mark
>
>
Posted by HappyGirl on March 6, 2004, at 21:43:52
In reply to Re: How to take Wellbutrin SR//Thereishope » HappyGirl, posted by Thereishope on March 6, 2004, at 17:24:54
Hi Thereishope:
Probably, a 200 mg. WB sr once a day regimen is that your pdoc. would suspect you might get 'insomnia,' if you'd take the WB during night-time, because those who are on 200 mg. WB sr take twice a day, more likely in the morning and at dinner time.
But, this must all depend,... whether your body/system reacts positively on this WB strategy, then leave this as it is. Because, any med. dosage is pretty tricky. Furthermore, as you might have known already, .... 'sleep well' is one of most important factors to get a relief from depression or any other ailments you have.
H.G.
Posted by Thereishope on March 6, 2004, at 22:00:19
In reply to Re: How to take Wellbutrin SR//Thereishope, posted by HappyGirl on March 6, 2004, at 21:43:52
Wellbutrin makes me sleepy...I know this isn't typical, but neither are my reaction to other medication.
I took the 200mg. this morning and felt dizzy. Around 5pm I started experiencing mood swings an a tingling sensation in my body. Since this is my second day on 200mg. of the SR I'm going to give it 5 more days before making some changes.
I was taking the XL since Oct. 2003 an I felt spacey all the time.
Any suggestions?
Thanks :)
> Hi Thereishope:
> Probably, a 200 mg. WB sr once a day regimen is that your pdoc. would suspect you might get 'insomnia,' if you'd take the WB during night-time, because those who are on 200 mg. WB sr take twice a day, more likely in the morning and at dinner time.
> But, this must all depend,... whether your body/system reacts positively on this WB strategy, then leave this as it is. Because, any med. dosage is pretty tricky. Furthermore, as you might have known already, .... 'sleep well' is one of most important factors to get a relief from depression or any other ailments you have.
> H.G.
Posted by HappyGirl on March 6, 2004, at 22:04:52
In reply to Minimum dose of WB? » HappyGirl, posted by katia on March 6, 2004, at 15:54:25
Hi katia:
First, WB sr works both, depression and ADD(if you have.)
As to the dosage of WB sr, I never heard/read the dosage of WB sr you've been on. It's so surprising to see the number you typed, ... so little/tininest dosage.
I just wonder why your pdoc. rxed this kind of dosage. Because, even 100 mg. WB sr at the beginning of my WB sr regimen, I didn't feel anything about improvement, even with other meds, as Bp II with ultra rapid cycler. However, there are always some unusual cases/dosage, like some massive dosage, 600 mg. WB sr someone taking. Then, in a way, I understand your case, an opposite one.
In regard to the effectiveness of WB sr, if there is dosage increase from 100 mg. to gradually brings it up to the 200 mg.,... this med. dosage would help. All depends on whether your system could tolerate to get the maximum relief to lift the depressive moods you're enduring.
H.G.
Posted by HappyGirl on March 7, 2004, at 0:13:26
In reply to Re: How to take Wellbutrin SR//Thereishope » HappyGirl, posted by Thereishope on March 6, 2004, at 22:00:19
Hi Thereishope:
In my opinion, the 200 mg. WB sr is a kind 'mass' dosage since you said you just started just a couple of days ago. If you can, it's better to take 100 mg. apart, like 100 mg. in the morning and another 100 mg. around 4 - 5 p.m. with some food(this is 'must,' otherwise you might experience 'stomach' related problem, just cautious to say, ...)
The reason why you're dizzy is because you're taking all of WB sr dosage just once. You should take 'Twice' a day, in order not to burden on your system, especially at the beginning of WB sr therapy.
As to 'mood swings' and 'tingling' sensation is probably this med. WB sr is a kind 'stimulant,' not like 'Ritalin' that has nothing but 'stimulant,' ... but WB sr has still 'stimulant' effect that causes some 'hyper' moods due to 'energyic feelings' you get from WB sr effect. Also, it's true that 'tingling' feelings, ... because there is some muscle related 'side effect' from WB sr.
But, as time goes by, those side-effects gradually go away. In the meantime, try to take WB sr 'twice a day,' 'not once a day,' if your pdoc. does not complain about this dosage strategy.
H.G.
Posted by katia on March 7, 2004, at 0:49:40
In reply to Re: Minimum dose of WB?/ katia, posted by HappyGirl on March 6, 2004, at 22:04:52
Happy Girl!
Where are you from?
Thank you for your input. I do appreciate it and I did understand it too! I will increase 100mg if that does not work. I'm only at 37.5mg at the moment. My pdoc didn't prescribe it - I did. I'm pretty head strong with my own dosages and he mostly just complies. Don't think that he doesn't know what he's doing, he does. It's just that I do too and I live in my own body and do my own research before going to him. I also have a psychic who knows my body and agrees with me - that my system needs less. And when I've ever taken meds before the reason why they didn't work is because i took too much for my system. Not too much in the spectrum of dosages, but just for my body.
I'm at 37.5 now. We'll see how 100mg affects me. I'm sure it's all I need.
thanks again and Ciao?
Katia
Posted by Sebastian on March 7, 2004, at 21:12:20
In reply to How to take Wellbutrin SR, posted by mark57 on March 6, 2004, at 4:54:44
I take 100 mg SR 3 times a day. I take one with each meal. 4 hours. What you were reading is for someone taking the 150 mg 2 times a day. You can take them when ever you want, but is best to evenly space them out to be effective when you are active.
Posted by hrtzr on June 15, 2007, at 10:42:48
In reply to Re: How to take Wellbutrin SR//Thereishope, posted by HappyGirl on March 6, 2004, at 17:04:52
I started out taking wb sr 150mg 2x a day and the 1st 2 weeks I couldnt sleep so I swithced to midday and then at bed time and now I sleep great but feel tired in the morning even after a good 8 hours night sleep. Wondering if I should try in the morning and then at night?
This is the end of the thread.
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