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Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
bob@dr-bob.orgShown: posts 1 to 9 of 9. This is the beginning of the thread.
Posted by raisinb on December 18, 2007, at 9:44:08
Hi everyone--
My depression has gotten to the point where I'm ready to try meds, and my doctor prescribed Wellbutrin (100 mg, twice a day). When I told my T, she said that I shouldn't drink while on the Wellbutrin.
My doctor, though, didn't say anything about that. I just had kind of a serious accident because I was drunk, and I'm wondering if my T is just worried about my alcohol use in general and was--not lying to me, by any means, but--sort of gently taking the opportunity to get to a point she'd like to make.
I googled it, and it seems like both drinking while on Wellbutrin, and *stopping* drinking while on it, can be dangerous, which is confusing. I drink pretty regularly--probably on weeknights, 1-3 drinks. I get pretty hammered (enough to be hung over) once a week or so, especially if I am upset. Oddly, though, I don't have any problems not drinking at all for several days or even weeks. I'm not sure how to assess how much of a problem it is. I don't feel physically addicted, but I do see that it has been destructive on a number of occasions.
Does anyone have knowledge about this?
Posted by Phillipa on December 18, 2007, at 12:01:11
In reply to Wellbutrin and Alcohol?, posted by raisinb on December 18, 2007, at 9:44:08
Sounds like drinking wouldn't be a good idea at this point. For clarification call your pdoc the one who ordered the wellbutrin. Is he aware of your drinking? Phillipa
Posted by Racer on December 18, 2007, at 12:06:19
In reply to Wellbutrin and Alcohol?, posted by raisinb on December 18, 2007, at 9:44:08
Wellbutrin can lower the seizure threshold, which is why drinking is a very, very bad idea when you're taking it. Your therapist isn't just making a point, and your doctor should have mentioned it.
One thing I notice, though, is that you're apparently taking the immediate release Wellbutrin, which has a greater risk of seizure than the various delayed release forms. While the risk is still not enormous -- about one in one thousand -- it might still be a good idea to discuss the other versions with your doctor. There's the SR and the XL, and both are available as generics, although they're likely still more expensive than the immediate release.
Good luck.
Posted by raisinb on December 18, 2007, at 15:20:25
In reply to Wellbutrin and Alcohol?, posted by raisinb on December 18, 2007, at 9:44:08
Thanks for the info.
Philippa--I don't have a pdoc since I've never really taken psych meds before. It was just some guy at my regular dr's ofice (she was unavailable) who prescribed it.
Racer--I think it is the SR, actually, which I'm glad about now that I read your post.
Posted by raisinb on December 18, 2007, at 15:45:01
In reply to Re: Wellbutrin and Alcohol?, posted by raisinb on December 18, 2007, at 15:20:25
I've been doing more research and I'm wondering if I ought to reconsider. I've already lost a bunch of weight due to depression, and one of the side effects of WB is apparently more weight loss. I'm not sure I have enough left to spare, without looking like a skeleton.
Then again, it's possible I'm looking for an excuse not to take meds. *Sigh* Wish ADs weren't such a crap shoot. The only thing to do is to try it for several weeks and see how it goes.
Posted by Phillipa on December 18, 2007, at 19:02:51
In reply to Re: Wellbutrin and Alcohol?, posted by raisinb on December 18, 2007, at 15:45:01
So you're not eating? Can you add something like a protein shake? The doc does know you've lost weight? As might use anoter ad if not? Phillipa
Posted by sunnydays on December 18, 2007, at 19:40:52
In reply to Re: Wellbutrin and Alcohol?, posted by raisinb on December 18, 2007, at 15:45:01
Yeah, I would try it out and see. The weight loss isn't a guarantee. I took Wellbutrin for only three days because of some weird stuff that may or may not have been side effects, not sure. But I'm wishing you well. I wish I had more than that to offer. Depression is so hard, and it takes so long for these drugs to work. Keep on trying. That's my mantra for myself these days.
sunnydays
Posted by raisinb on December 18, 2007, at 20:11:10
In reply to Re: Wellbutrin and Alcohol? » raisinb, posted by sunnydays on December 18, 2007, at 19:40:52
In answer to your question, Philippa, he did ask me some questions about my and my family's history.
I told him I took Zoloft once for a few weeks several years ago and it took away my appetite and my sex drive, so I lost weight and my dating life wasn't so good. I also felt really "flat" emotionally. My dad has serious depression and is on a cocktail of some AD plus Wellbutrin (WB to counteract side effects of the other one, which I always assumed were sexual, though I quickly cut off my mother when she started to discuss the issue!)
So I think the doc's rationale was perhaps that I might react as my dad does to meds, and that many other ADs might have the same side effects as Zoloft, so WB was a good one to try for me.
Posted by Phillipa on December 18, 2007, at 20:49:10
In reply to Re: Wellbutrin and Alcohol?, posted by raisinb on December 18, 2007, at 20:11:10
Yes they do say if one family member has responded well to a med that you will too. My Son, Sister, and her Daughter all take zoloft.
Good luck but lucky you don't have the problem a lot of other do their weight. Phillipa
This is the end of the thread.
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