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Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
bob@dr-bob.orgShown: posts 1 to 5 of 5. This is the beginning of the thread.
Posted by terra miller on May 3, 2001, at 11:38:14
Requesting info:how to wean off wellbutrin. Currently taking 75mg immediate release, three times a day.
I like the "lift" but not the upper/downer cycle this seems to be causing for me. Believe it or not I'm using it in the management of PTSD, so it's kind of crazy to be taking an anxiety-increasing med when you're trying to decrease your anxiety levels. But it has worked for me this far.
It's becoming too difficult to stay so aware and on top of when an ativan would be beneficial to balance out the wellbutrin's irritability effects, or if the irritability is from ativan attachment, or if the irritability is from PTSD symptoms, blablabla. But I'm too irritable, period. This is unacceptable, since I'm doing the "mom-thing."
I was doing just fine when I was only taking ativan on an as needed basis. Then it was suggested a more longer term med might be more beneficial than a benzo, and several meds. later I find myself in this spot.
If I choose to wean off the wellbutrin, can someone suggest a possible schedule? Getting on it was a bear to ride through that anger phase at the beginning when getting used to it.
BTW, would obviously check with my pdoc but he is unavailable at this time. Thus, this post.
Sorry so long. Appreciate any replies.
Sincerely, Terra
Posted by Elisabeth on May 3, 2001, at 12:43:16
In reply to How to come off wellbutrin???-Cam, others?, posted by terra miller on May 3, 2001, at 11:38:14
Terra...I really hear what you are saying...I was on benzos for a long time...
I ended up taking an awful lot after caring for a Parkison's+Bipolar mother in her last two years, plus many other horrid situations. Actually, after she died a very peaceful death, I started to improve and was able to cut way down on my benzos. They were still helpful in the lower doses for the anxiety.
Am very sensitive to Wellbutrin...in fact have to take one 100mg every other day...they have a 20 hour half life and I was not sleeping but a couple hours here and there. I felt good too during the day, and gave up the sleep but now it's wearing on me. The headaches are annoying but am trying to deal with that. I do feel more alert too! Still, I want some rest at night. Am using Valerian...but am drinking so much juice as I am using the tincture that I pee all night...hmmm. Tried the capsules...they don't work as fast, but am willing to stick with the Valerian.
I sort of have no choice...the UK doctors I will be returning to next week won't let me have Valium as they are on a big benzo-kicking scheme. While I agree they are abused world over...they are a life-saver for some...especially people who are sensitive to the stimulants...like you..and me I think. A Vallium in evenings does help me with the Wellbutrin, but it's spitting in the wind to go on with it as I won't have them in the UK...hell, I won't even have Wellbutrin. I was hoping not to stay on W forever...so am taking a supply for 3 months.
In the end...we are in the same boat...but I think your doctor will help you with the Ativan in the end...but Valium has a longer half life and you can taper better (IMHO) than on Ativan or Klonopin as they bind tighter to your receptors. I can up and down the valium as my needs changed...they also do not make you pee as much which Ativan does for me.
Good luck...and give your doc a go on this...he/she may well be willing to help you out if the Wellbutrin in truly helping you so you don't have to give it up yet after all your effort to give it a go.
Good luck!
Posted by Cindylou on May 3, 2001, at 15:20:23
In reply to How to come off wellbutrin???-Cam, others?, posted by terra miller on May 3, 2001, at 11:38:14
Hi Terra,
I am taking 300 mg Wellbutrin (150 sustained release twice a day). I have been on Wellbutrin in the past and came off of it to get pregnant -- had NO withdrawal symptoms at all! I would start by decreasing to two a day for a week, then one a day for a week, then one every other day ... then every few days ... and see how it goes. Good luck!
> Requesting info:how to wean off wellbutrin. Currently taking 75mg immediate release, three times a day.
>
> I like the "lift" but not the upper/downer cycle this seems to be causing for me. Believe it or not I'm using it in the management of PTSD, so it's kind of crazy to be taking an anxiety-increasing med when you're trying to decrease your anxiety levels. But it has worked for me this far.
>
> It's becoming too difficult to stay so aware and on top of when an ativan would be beneficial to balance out the wellbutrin's irritability effects, or if the irritability is from ativan attachment, or if the irritability is from PTSD symptoms, blablabla. But I'm too irritable, period. This is unacceptable, since I'm doing the "mom-thing."
>
> I was doing just fine when I was only taking ativan on an as needed basis. Then it was suggested a more longer term med might be more beneficial than a benzo, and several meds. later I find myself in this spot.
>
> If I choose to wean off the wellbutrin, can someone suggest a possible schedule? Getting on it was a bear to ride through that anger phase at the beginning when getting used to it.
>
> BTW, would obviously check with my pdoc but he is unavailable at this time. Thus, this post.
>
> Sorry so long. Appreciate any replies.
>
> Sincerely, Terra
Posted by sl on May 3, 2001, at 20:46:34
In reply to How to come off wellbutrin???-Cam, others?, posted by terra miller on May 3, 2001, at 11:38:14
You may want to start weaning yourself off but STOP partway. I found that I really only had side-effects for Wellbutrin at the higher dosage. I didn't have any noticeable side-effects when I was just taking 300mg/day. When I went up to 400mg/day, then it wasn't even bearable anymore (twitchy, crabby, light-sensitive, cottonmouth). Anyway, I went directly from Wellbutrin to Effexor, they had me do 4 days of half-doses of Wellbutrin and half-doses of Effexor, then no wellbutrin and whole-doses of Effexor.
I'd say start by eliminiating your third dosage (the evening one, if your'e having sleep-trouble) of Wellbutrin for a few days, see how you feel, physically and emotionally. If you still feel okay after a few days, try eliminating one more. Be careful, listen to your body, and consult your Dr as soon as you possibly can (maybe check if there's a knowledgeable nurse meanwhile...?).
Good luck!
sl
> Requesting info:how to wean off wellbutrin. Currently taking 75mg immediate release, three times a day.
>
> I like the "lift" but not the upper/downer cycle this seems to be causing for me. Believe it or not I'm using it in the management of PTSD, so it's kind of crazy to be taking an anxiety-increasing med when you're trying to decrease your anxiety levels. But it has worked for me this far.
>
> It's becoming too difficult to stay so aware and on top of when an ativan would be beneficial to balance out the wellbutrin's irritability effects, or if the irritability is from ativan attachment, or if the irritability is from PTSD symptoms, blablabla. But I'm too irritable, period. This is unacceptable, since I'm doing the "mom-thing."> I was doing just fine when I was only taking ativan on an as needed basis. Then it was suggested a more longer term med might be more beneficial than a benzo, and several meds. later I find myself in this spot.
>
> If I choose to wean off the wellbutrin, can someone suggest a possible schedule? Getting on it was a bear to ride through that anger phase at the beginning when getting used to it.
>
> BTW, would obviously check with my pdoc but he is unavailable at this time. Thus, this post.
>
> Sorry so long. Appreciate any replies.
>
> Sincerely, Terra
Posted by terra miller on May 5, 2001, at 15:26:46
In reply to Re: How to come off wellbutrin???-Cam, others? » terra miller, posted by Cindylou on May 3, 2001, at 15:20:23
Thanks for the good suggestions. I am going to take a week and take two spread out doses vs. the three doses I had been on. I'll give this a week so that I can make certain that I'm not going too quickly. Thank you. Very sincerely, Terra
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