Posted by Caleb462 on August 27, 2003, at 18:45:28
In reply to Statins as antidepressants, posted by Iansf on August 27, 2003, at 16:00:43
> > From what I understand, the seizure risk of Wellbutrin is quite exaggerated. At *reccomended doses*, it has a seizure risk that is no different than other available anti-depressants. I believe the SR version of Wellbutrin actually has a LOWER seizure risk than most of the SSRIs. Granted, I could be wrong...>
>
> My psychiatrist also told me the risks of seizure from Wellbutrin are generally exaggerated. Furthermore, he said the seizures from Wellbutrin in and of themselves are not particularly dangerous, though ancillary effects -- such as losing control of your car -- obviously could be extremely dangerous.
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> In addition, he said Wellbutrin's true antidepressant effect does not kick in till the 800-1200mg/d range, and most doctors, including him, are unwilling to take the legal risk of prescribing it at those doses. He does, however, prescribe it at a dose of 600mg/d, which is 33% above the recommended upper limit.
However, at doses above 450 mg - the seizure risk DOES kick in. High doses (above 450 mg) were the doses used in the initial trials of Wellbutrin, and in those trials - Wellbutrin did show a heightened risk of seizures compared to other anti-depressants. I believe a dose of 800 mg showed a seizure risk double that of other anti-depressants. This is what got Wellbutrin the reputation as the "seizure drug". However, at currently prescribed doses (what is it... 150-450 mg daily?), the seizure risk is comparable to Zoloft, Celexa, etc.
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> As an alternative to boosting Wellbutrin beyond 600mg/d, he has suggested combining it with Strattera, since both meds work on norepinephrine. I haven't tried that, but I'm considering it. I take Wellbutrin at 600mg/d and find it moderately effective at reducing depression but far from satisfying. On the positive side, I experience absolutely no side effects from it.
>
That's cool... I believe many folks on this board would find 600 mg of Wellbutrin daily to be side-effect central. The strattera thing could work... but adding on a SSRI might work even better.
poster:Caleb462
thread:254440
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/20030823/msgs/254834.html