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
poster:Rick
thread:69419
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/20010708/msgs/69419.html