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Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
bob@dr-bob.orgShown: posts 1 to 3 of 3. This is the beginning of the thread.
Posted by Rick on July 8, 2001, at 16:50:46
I veered off topic from the "ADs and seizures" thread, so I'm creating a new subject for this. The new study I reference on Wellbutrin for dysthmia seems to be new news, although I'd imagine almost all AD's have been prescribed for that disorder.
Curiously, Medscape's profile of Wellbutrin SR(bupropion SR) says that it actually wipes out the cognitive deficits caused by alcohol (text attached). Yet the manufacturer still suggests avoiding this combo because of increased seizure risk. I wonder if some of the strong seizure warnings with Wellbutrin SR are leftover baggage from the non-sustained-release version. My understanding was that SR carried less seizure risk, presumably because the drug gets into the bloodstream more gradually.
Also with regard to Wellbutrin and alcohol, this newly released study of Wellbutrin for dysthmia suggests the med is quite effective (and quite tolerable), but a lot less so in patients with a history of alcohol or chemical abuse:http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?cmd=Retrieve&db=PubMed&list_uids=11386496&dopt=Abstract.
From Medscape:
While subjective assessment indicated impaired mental status (e.g., muzzy versus clearheaded, dreamy versus attentive, mentally slow versus quick-witted) with alcohol alone, such impairment was abolished generally with the combination of alcohol and bupropion. However, because of concerns that excessive use of alcohol or abrupt withdrawal from alcohol may be associated with an increased risk of seizures during bupropion therapy, the manufacturer states that patients receiving the drug should be advised to minimize or, if possible, avoid alcohol consumption.Rick
Posted by MM on July 8, 2001, at 17:14:23
In reply to Wellbutrin: alcohol, seizures, works for dysthmia, posted by Rick on July 8, 2001, at 16:50:46
Hey I was just wondering if you knew anything about serzone + alcohol's affects? Does it lower the seizure threshold (considerably?)
Posted by Rick on July 9, 2001, at 0:54:21
In reply to Re: Wellbutrin: alcohol, seizures, works for dysthmia, posted by MM on July 8, 2001, at 17:14:23
I use Serzone myself as part of a med combo for non-depressive social anxiety, and the info I've dug up re alcohol and seizure risk seems pretty consistent, specifically:
Serzone has no chemical interaction with alcohol. While most AD's (except MAOI's) can lower the seizure threshold to some degree, Serzone has rarely been associated with seizure risk. So it should not have an appreciable additive effect on the increased seizure risk that comes from from heavy drinking or a sudden change in drinking habits.
> Hey I was just wondering if you knew anything about serzone + alcohol's affects? Does it lower the seizure threshold (considerably?)
This is the end of the thread.
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