Posted by Nickengland on September 25, 2005, at 17:52:46
In reply to Re: Meridia Wellbutrin question / nick, posted by maddy4 on September 25, 2005, at 11:21:30
Hi Maddy,
>how does it cause prob.s w/ benzos??
I think it can cause problems because in a sense the drugs are completely the oppisite of one another, i.e a benzodiazepine is a sedative (downer) type drug used to treat seizures, whereas Wellbutrin is more like an upper stimulant substance in a sense and can in effect induce seizures...Although I think the 2 drugs can actually be taken together, but with care. Also I guess it would depend on the specific benzodiazepine you would be taking along side Wellbutrin. (theres a mention of diazepam - Valium below, although the actual interaction is about clonazepam and benzodiazepines in general)
Bupropion and Clonazepam (moderate Drug-Drug)
Description:MONITOR:
Excessive use or abrupt discontinuation of benzodiazepines and other sedatives after chronic ingestion may precipitate seizures in patients receiving bupropion. Conversely, bupropion may antagonize the central pharmacologic effects of sedatives. Bupropion can cause agitation, anxiety, and insomnia and has been shown to decrease the sedative effect of diazepam in healthy volunteers given single doses of the drugs.MANAGEMENT:
Although sedatives may be prescribed to treat agitation, anxiety, and insomnia associated with bupropion use, patients should be alerted to the possibility of an increased risk of seizures during excessive exposure to these drugs. Patients should not attempt to alter the dosages or discontinue the medications on their own without consulting with their physician. The use of bupropion is contraindicated in patients undergoing abrupt discontinuation of sedatives.That information is from an online drugs interactions checker at drugs.com
Hope that helps :-)
Kind regards
Nick
poster:Nickengland
thread:558927
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/20050921/msgs/559532.html