Posted by torchgrl on February 17, 2000, at 0:40:09
In reply to Myoclonus, posted by Renee N on February 17, 2000, at 0:22:25
> > > > 1. Is there a risk of seizures with Wellbutrin at a lower dosage if it is taken in combination with other drugs (effexor and/or ritalin)?
> > > > 2. If Wellbutrin was discontinued because of allergic reaction (hives) is it safe to try it again at lower dosage?
> > > > Thanks
> > >
> > > 1. I take Wellbutrin SR 75mg once a day, Effexor XR 150 mg once a day and 75 mg once a day, and ADDerall(similar to ritalin)10 mg three times a day. I haven't been warned by my pdoc, pharmacist, or primary care physician of any greater possibilty of seizure. I do experience myoclonic jerks almost every night before falling asleep. Usually my legs or arms jerk, but one time my whole body jerked strongly. I wonder if these are related to seizures in any way?
> > >
> > > 2. What dosage of Wellbutrin were you on when you got hives? Was it the regular or SR(time released) version? I understand that there is less chance of allergic reaction with the regular formula. Some people are allergic to the substances added to make it release more slowly.
> >
> > I had the same myoclonus when I was on Wellbutrin, but still notice it to a certain degree now (I don't know what that's about!). I don't think it's directly related to seizures, in that it shouldn't lead to them, although may be induced by the same mechanism. I happen to know my EEGs are normal (from the study that I just participated in), so I'm trying not to worry. But the annoyance of the myoclonus is definitely keeping me away from trying Wellbutrin again.
> >
> > I would think that combining Wellbutrin with any other medication would only increase the risk of seizures if the other medication lowered the seizure threshold, or also posed a seizure risk. There seems to be enough awareness of this aspect of Wellbutrin that I would think that your doctor would avoid a dangerous combination, or at least warn you of the possibilities, but I suppose that's a bit of wishful thinking.
>
> I didn't experience the myoclonus until I started the Effexor. As I've increased my dosage, the myclonus has increased. I never had it with Wellbutrin before Effexor.
Myoclonus seems to be a potential side-effect for several meds -- I happened to notice mine coinciding with the Wellbutrin. No one had ever mentioned this to me before, though; it was kind of an accident that I wound up putting two and two together. Now if only I could figure out how to make it go away!
poster:torchgrl
thread:21812
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/20000209/msgs/21958.html