Shown: posts 1 to 22 of 22. This is the beginning of the thread.
Posted by grendel on September 7, 2001, at 3:44:00
I've started taking Wellbutrin, and this is my 5th day on the drug. I've been having few side effects - the weight loss is great, and noticeable already. The insomnia, however, is killing me. The only way I can get any sleep at all is to knock myself out with several Klonopin. Is this insomnia common with Wellbutrin? Does it go away?
I know next to nothing about this drug - I don't know what to expect.
Posted by JahL on September 7, 2001, at 7:40:22
In reply to Wellbutrin insomniac, posted by grendel on September 7, 2001, at 3:44:00
> I've started taking Wellbutrin, and this is my 5th day on the drug. I've been having few side effects - the weight loss is great, and noticeable already. The insomnia, however, is killing me. The only way I can get any sleep at all is to knock myself out with several Klonopin. Is this insomnia common with Wellbutrin? Does it go away?
> I know next to nothing about this drug - I don't know what to expect.I'm having the same problem. I take Klonopin anyway for night-waking but the Wellbutrin breaks thru & I'm lucky to get more than 3/4 hrs kip at a time. 3 weeks in & no improvement in this regard as yet.
J.
Posted by Simcha on September 7, 2001, at 8:02:07
In reply to Wellbutrin insomniac, posted by grendel on September 7, 2001, at 3:44:00
Grendel,
Look out for Beowulf. Make sure that you call your mother for help... (I love the handle. Anglo-Saxon Literature is so cool.)
All these drugs seem to do different things for different people. I can nap after taking my Wellbutrin and my insomnia is gone. Insomnia was a symptom of my depression though.
There are a lot of posts about the use of Klonopin with Wellbutrin to counteract the insomnia that some people have while taking Wellbutrin. From what I read many people have had success with this strategy. Dig around. You might find it interesting.
> I've started taking Wellbutrin, and this is my 5th day on the drug. I've been having few side effects - the weight loss is great, and noticeable already. The insomnia, however, is killing me. The only way I can get any sleep at all is to knock myself out with several Klonopin. Is this insomnia common with Wellbutrin? Does it go away?
> I know next to nothing about this drug - I don't know what to expect.
Posted by paxvox on September 7, 2001, at 8:09:12
In reply to Wellbutrin insomniac, posted by grendel on September 7, 2001, at 3:44:00
> I've started taking Wellbutrin, and this is my 5th day on the drug. I've been having few side effects - the weight loss is great, and noticeable already. The insomnia, however, is killing me. The only way I can get any sleep at all is to knock myself out with several Klonopin. Is this insomnia common with Wellbutrin? Does it go away?
> I know next to nothing about this drug - I don't know what to expect.Yes, unfortunately insomnia IS a major side effect of WB that does not seem to remit over time.The use of a benzo is well established as adjunct AD therapy with WB. Also, make sure you take your second does (if you ARE on B.I.D) at least 8 hours before you go to bed. Though it is recommeded to not take a second dose less than 8 hours after the first dose (due to seizure risks), I have found it OK to wait just 6 hours between dosing. Your mileage may vary.
PAX
Posted by Kathleen6674 on September 7, 2001, at 9:44:26
In reply to Wellbutrin insomniac, posted by grendel on September 7, 2001, at 3:44:00
I've been taking it for 3 days, and I've noticed the same thing.
I've been on it before, and it caused insomnia then. My doc gave me Ambien, although I think my current doc is iffy about sleeping pills. Thus far I've been taking OTC stuff - Benadryl, mostly, some melatonin.
The OTC stuff doesn't work as well as prescription sleep meds, in my experience; although also in my experience, a lot of doctors are reluctant to prescribe sleeping pills. I sure wish that weren't the case.
Posted by paxvox on September 7, 2001, at 12:17:24
In reply to Re: Wellbutrin insomniac, posted by Kathleen6674 on September 7, 2001, at 9:44:26
> I've been taking it for 3 days, and I've noticed the same thing.
>
> I've been on it before, and it caused insomnia then. My doc gave me Ambien, although I think my current doc is iffy about sleeping pills. Thus far I've been taking OTC stuff - Benadryl, mostly, some melatonin.
>
> The OTC stuff doesn't work as well as prescription sleep meds, in my experience; although also in my experience, a lot of doctors are reluctant to prescribe sleeping pills. I sure wish that weren't the case.Well, depending on if you are seeing a GP or a Pdoc, you should DEMAND a sleep aid when taking WB. Whereas I have used both Ambien and Sonata before getting back on benzos, my Pdoc reluctantly "allows" me to stay with the benzos. He has tried several other "mood stabilizers" to help me sleep, the best was trazadone, but it had adverse anticholinergic effects on me. Good luck!
PAX
Posted by Simcha on September 7, 2001, at 13:11:24
In reply to Re: Wellbutrin insomniac » Kathleen6674, posted by paxvox on September 7, 2001, at 12:17:24
Paxvox (PeaceVoice),
I wonder why I haven't had this insomnia. It seems so common among those who take Wellbutrin. I take mine at 3pm. I have been known to be in dreamland within an hour after taking it.
Don't you think that is bizarre? I've been on it for 6 weeks or so. Is it a side effect that will come later? Also do you think that the Celexa is sedating and negating the activating qualities of the Wellbutrin?
I dunno but I think it's weird.
-Simcha
àéï çãù úçú äùîù
> > I've been taking it for 3 days, and I've noticed the same thing.
> >
> > I've been on it before, and it caused insomnia then. My doc gave me Ambien, although I think my current doc is iffy about sleeping pills. Thus far I've been taking OTC stuff - Benadryl, mostly, some melatonin.
> >
> > The OTC stuff doesn't work as well as prescription sleep meds, in my experience; although also in my experience, a lot of doctors are reluctant to prescribe sleeping pills. I sure wish that weren't the case.
>
> Well, depending on if you are seeing a GP or a Pdoc, you should DEMAND a sleep aid when taking WB. Whereas I have used both Ambien and Sonata before getting back on benzos, my Pdoc reluctantly "allows" me to stay with the benzos. He has tried several other "mood stabilizers" to help me sleep, the best was trazadone, but it had adverse anticholinergic effects on me. Good luck!
> PAX
Posted by jane d on September 7, 2001, at 14:26:38
In reply to Re: Wellbutrin insomniac » paxvox, posted by Simcha on September 7, 2001, at 13:11:24
Grendel,
For me the insomnia got better after about 2 weeks. I did need to cut back on coffee a little as well. Try waiting it out before you insist on sleeping pills.
Jane
Posted by gdog on September 7, 2001, at 17:16:56
In reply to Wellbutrin insomniac, posted by grendel on September 7, 2001, at 3:44:00
for me the insomnia went away after about 5-6 weeks, although i seem to need less sleep now than in most other periods of my life. for example, 3/4/5 hours for a couple of days in a row and i feel fine, whereas before the last major depression one night of 4 hours sleep and i was wiped for a couple of days. anyway, i've seen folks suggest taking the second dose early in the day. . .it doesn't seem to make any difference whether i take it at 3pm or 8pm. (and the sleep that i do get is great!)
> I've started taking Wellbutrin, and this is my 5th day on the drug. I've been having few side effects - the weight loss is great, and noticeable already. The insomnia, however, is killing me. The only way I can get any sleep at all is to knock myself out with several Klonopin. Is this insomnia common with Wellbutrin? Does it go away?
> I know next to nothing about this drug - I don't know what to expect.
Posted by Tony P on September 7, 2001, at 21:48:39
In reply to Re: Wellbutrin insomniac » paxvox, posted by Simcha on September 7, 2001, at 13:11:24
I'm on day 14 of Wellbutrin SR (1st time), day 7 at 150 x 2 per day. I also have noticed that it can make me sleepy, rather than wakeful.
My first few days at b.i.d. I was taking the 2nd dose exactly 8 hrs. after the first. By the evening, I was almost manic, I just couldn't stop going, like that bunny! So I decided to experiment, took my second dose an hour or so before bedtime - that seems to work for me right now. This first 2 weeks have been quite a roller-coaster ride, though, so I'm prepared for it to change.
My Dr. has given me clonazepam (think that's same as Klonopin), 2 x .5 mg at night, plus Zopiclone/Imovane. The Zopiclone works fast but only really lasts about 4 hours, the clonazepam is slow and long acting, so it seems to be a good combination. I think the doc wants to wean me from the clonazepam fairly quickly, which I am a bit nervous about, but on the other hand don't want to stay on it so long that I have a hard time coming off it ... life's a balancing act sometimes!
I was having insomnia and taking the zopiclone already for a month or two before I started on the Wellbutrin, waking and getting up 2-3 times a night when it was worst. I was making it worse by rebound from the OTC drugs I was taking (especially Robaxin). I was also on Serzone (long-term) which seemed to have lost some of its sleep-stabilizing effect - so it's a bit complicated comparing then and now. But I've had 2 nights now where I more or less slept right through, and if I did waken, got back to sleep without taking anything extra. So I'm cautiously optimistic at this point!
Tony P
> Paxvox (PeaceVoice),
>
> I wonder why I haven't had this insomnia. It seems so common among those who take Wellbutrin. I take mine at 3pm. I have been known to be in dreamland within an hour after taking it.
>
> Don't you think that is bizarre? I've been on it for 6 weeks or so. Is it a side effect that will come later? Also do you think that the Celexa is sedating and negating the activating qualities of the Wellbutrin?
>
> I dunno but I think it's weird.
>
> -Simcha
Posted by Tony P on September 8, 2001, at 5:15:47
In reply to Re: Wellbutrin insomniac, posted by Tony P on September 7, 2001, at 21:48:39
Did my last post sound smug? Well, may Hypnos and Morpheus forgive me.
Different experiment this time: Wellbutrin dose #2 at supper time, i.e. ~11 hr. after 1st dose. Spent a calm evening and fell asleep OK (11PM+? not sure) with prescribed dose of 1 mg clonazepam, 7.5 mg zopiclone.
Awoke after skimming the surface of sleep for a while at 1 AM. Tomorrow's Saturday, I don't have to get up, so another .5 mg clonazepam, 7.5 mg zopiclone with some kava-kava in cocoa. Back to bed & try meditative techniques. Dozed for a maybe 10 minutes in a 40 min period, then fully wakeful. Took (somewhat regretfully) 200 mg Serzone - I was hoping for a longer period of trial just on WB without mixing the two. I feel the familiar gentle sleepiness from the Serzone as I type this, so here's hoping!
Tony P
> I'm on day 14 of Wellbutrin SR (1st time), day 7 at 150 x 2 per day. I also have noticed that it can make me sleepy, rather than wakeful.
>
> My first few days at b.i.d. I was taking the 2nd dose exactly 8 hrs. after the first. By the evening, I was almost manic, I just couldn't stop going, like that bunny! So I decided to experiment, took my second dose an hour or so before bedtime - that seems to work for me right now. This first 2 weeks have been quite a roller-coaster ride, though, so I'm prepared for it to change.
>
> My Dr. has given me clonazepam (think that's same as Klonopin), 2 x .5 mg at night, plus Zopiclone/Imovane. The Zopiclone works fast but only really lasts about 4 hours, the clonazepam is slow and long acting, so it seems to be a good combination. I think the doc wants to wean me from the clonazepam fairly quickly, which I am a bit nervous about, but on the other hand don't want to stay on it so long that I have a hard time coming off it ... life's a balancing act sometimes!
>
> I was having insomnia and taking the zopiclone already for a month or two before I started on the Wellbutrin, waking and getting up 2-3 times a night when it was worst. I was making it worse by rebound from the OTC drugs I was taking (especially Robaxin). I was also on Serzone (long-term) which seemed to have lost some of its sleep-stabilizing effect - so it's a bit complicated comparing then and now. But I've had 2 nights now where I more or less slept right through, and if I did waken, got back to sleep without taking anything extra. So I'm cautiously optimistic at this point!
>
> Tony P
>
Posted by Tony P on September 8, 2001, at 6:45:15
In reply to Re: Wellbutrin insomniac, posted by Tony P on September 8, 2001, at 5:15:47
4 AM - still wakeful, skin feels like it's burning but extremities cold (judging by my nose, if I were a dog I'd be very healthy< g >), general anxiety, shivery now that I'm out of bed - is this the dreaded Serotonin Syndrome? Not meaning to sound flippant, know it can be serious if severe. For the techy types, body temp 97.4F, about right for this time of night, sorry no sphygmomanomter at hand.
Tempted to take 1st Wellbutrin of day early, but no - would throw off schedule, and if indeed suffering serotonin crisis, would make worse.
Took 2mg clonazepam - well within max daily limits I think, and least I can be a sedated serotonin syndrome victim! Maybe some restful music will help - undoubtedly better than sitting typing at computer.
I know probably nobody but me is live on this BB at this hour of the AM, but thanks for being there just to let me type this and feel a little better ....
Tony P
> Did my last post sound smug? Well, may Hypnos and Morpheus forgive me.
>
> Different experiment this time: Wellbutrin dose #2 at supper time, i.e. ~11 hr. after 1st dose. Spent a calm evening and fell asleep OK (11PM+? not sure) with prescribed dose of 1 mg clonazepam, 7.5 mg zopiclone.
>
> Awoke after skimming the surface of sleep for a while at 1 AM. Tomorrow's Saturday, I don't have to get up, so another .5 mg clonazepam, 7.5 mg zopiclone with some kava-kava in cocoa. Back to bed & try meditative techniques. Dozed for a maybe 10 minutes in a 40 min period, then fully wakeful. Took (somewhat regretfully) 200 mg Serzone - I was hoping for a longer period of trial just on WB without mixing the two. I feel the familiar gentle sleepiness from the Serzone as I type this, so here's hoping!
>
> Tony P
>
> > I'm on day 14 of Wellbutrin SR (1st time), day 7 at 150 x 2 per day. I also have noticed that it can make me sleepy, rather than wakeful.
> >
> > My first few days at b.i.d. I was taking the 2nd dose exactly 8 hrs. after the first. By the evening, I was almost manic, I just couldn't stop going, like that bunny! So I decided to experiment, took my second dose an hour or so before bedtime - that seems to work for me right now. This first 2 weeks have been quite a roller-coaster ride, though, so I'm prepared for it to change.
> >
> > My Dr. has given me clonazepam (think that's same as Klonopin), 2 x .5 mg at night, plus Zopiclone/Imovane. The Zopiclone works fast but only really lasts about 4 hours, the clonazepam is slow and long acting, so it seems to be a good combination. I think the doc wants to wean me from the clonazepam fairly quickly, which I am a bit nervous about, but on the other hand don't want to stay on it so long that I have a hard time coming off it ... life's a balancing act sometimes!
> >
> > I was having insomnia and taking the zopiclone already for a month or two before I started on the Wellbutrin, waking and getting up 2-3 times a night when it was worst. I was making it worse by rebound from the OTC drugs I was taking (especially Robaxin). I was also on Serzone (long-term) which seemed to have lost some of its sleep-stabilizing effect - so it's a bit complicated comparing then and now. But I've had 2 nights now where I more or less slept right through, and if I did waken, got back to sleep without taking anything extra. So I'm cautiously optimistic at this point!
> >
> > Tony P
> >
Posted by Tony P on September 8, 2001, at 8:51:27
In reply to Re: Wellbutrin insomniac (3), posted by Tony P on September 8, 2001, at 6:45:15
6:30 AM here in lotus land. still hanging in. Music helps - Thank God for CBC-Stereo and CDs and ecstatic composers like des Prez and Gorecki.. "And so to bed" .... may be sufficiently tired/sedated by now to sleep despite serotonin overload symptoms persisting.
I will take my Wellbutrin SR 150 @ 7 AM per usual - not SSRI, so shouldn't make things appreciably worse (I hope). Will keep you posted, if anyone out there's reading this< g >.
Feel free to email me (&/or of course post response to the list).Thanks for being there, even if only in virtual espace at this time of night / AM wherever you are ....
Tony
> 4 AM - still wakeful, skin feels like it's burning but extremities cold (judging by my nose, if I were a dog I'd be very healthy< g >), general anxiety, shivery now that I'm out of bed - is this the dreaded Serotonin Syndrome? Not meaning to sound flippant, know it can be serious if severe. For the techy types, body temp 97.4F, about right for this time of night, sorry no sphygmomanomter at hand.
>
> Tempted to take 1st Wellbutrin of day early, but no - would throw off schedule, and if indeed suffering serotonin crisis, would make worse.
>
> Took 2mg clonazepam - well within max daily limits I think, and least I can be a sedated serotonin syndrome victim! Maybe some restful music will help - undoubtedly better than sitting typing at computer.
>
> I know probably nobody but me is live on this BB at this hour of the AM, but thanks for being there just to let me type this and feel a little better ....
>
> Tony P
>
> > Did my last post sound smug? Well, may Hypnos and Morpheus forgive me.
> >
> > Different experiment this time: Wellbutrin dose #2 at supper time, i.e. ~11 hr. after 1st dose. Spent a calm evening and fell asleep OK (11PM+? not sure) with prescribed dose of 1 mg clonazepam, 7.5 mg zopiclone.
> >
> > Awoke after skimming the surface of sleep for a while at 1 AM. Tomorrow's Saturday, I don't have to get up, so another .5 mg clonazepam, 7.5 mg zopiclone with some kava-kava in cocoa. Back to bed & try meditative techniques. Dozed for a maybe 10 minutes in a 40 min period, then fully wakeful. Took (somewhat regretfully) 200 mg Serzone - I was hoping for a longer period of trial just on WB without mixing the two. I feel the familiar gentle sleepiness from the Serzone as I type this, so here's hoping!
> >
> > Tony P
> >
> > > I'm on day 14 of Wellbutrin SR (1st time), day 7 at 150 x 2 per day. [snip remainder of background/history]
Posted by akrake on September 8, 2001, at 9:06:16
In reply to Wellbutrin insomniac, posted by grendel on September 7, 2001, at 3:44:00
> I've started taking Wellbutrin, and this is my 5th day on the drug. I've been having few side effects - the weight loss is great, and noticeable already. The insomnia, however, is killing me. The only way I can get any sleep at all is to knock myself out with several Klonopin. Is this insomnia common with Wellbutrin? Does it go away?
> I know next to nothing about this drug - I don't know what to expect.I've been on wellbutrin for 10 weeks, i think. it's finally starting to kick in....the insomnia didn't really effect me...it was good to have that boost in the morning when my kids woke me at 6a. i just made sure i didn't take the second pill after 3p. the klonopin helps to take the edge off the wellbutrin rages and will help you sleep. stick with it. i'm glad i did.
akrake
Posted by Tony P on September 9, 2001, at 0:20:32
In reply to Re: Wellbutrin insomniac (4), posted by Tony P on September 8, 2001, at 8:51:27
Made it through the day, somehow, half dozing, I'm sure I have a mild virus as well; my fever has been swinging between 99 and 100. I've read that serotonin sysndrome can cause both elevated and lowered body temperature, so it could be to blame, but I was also experiencing cold-like throat symptoms for a day or two before this all hit.
Was able to get up and get my energy going sufficiently to sing at a sort of mega- downtown block party - with chorus of about 15-20, so no huge pressure. The show must go on. Exhausted, have rested since, taking too many methocarbamol and kava cocktails.
As of 9:30PM, took my second Wellbutrin SR and 1.0 mg clonazepine - following dr.'s directions just this once ;-), and the pattern that worked for me two days ago. With luck, I'll sleep, and tomorrow everything will be back to the happy state I had come to expect from the Wellbutrin
Don't know if anyone is actually reading this blow-by-blow account -- but it helps me to type it out regardless.
Tony P
> 6:30 AM here in lotus land. still hanging in. Music helps - Thank God for CBC-Stereo and CDs and ecstatic composers like des Prez and Gorecki.. "And so to bed" .... may be sufficiently tired/sedated by now to sleep despite serotonin overload symptoms persisting.
>
> I will take my Wellbutrin SR 150 @ 7 AM per usual - not SSRI, so shouldn't make things appreciably worse (I hope). Will keep you posted, if anyone out there's reading this< g >.
> Feel free to email me (&/or of course post response to the list).
>
> Thanks for being there, even if only in virtual espace at this time of night / AM wherever you are ....
>
> Tony
>
> > 4 AM - still wakeful, skin feels like it's burning but extremities cold (judging by my nose, if I were a dog I'd be very healthy< g >), general anxiety, shivery now that I'm out of bed - is this the dreaded Serotonin Syndrome? Not meaning to sound flippant, know it can be serious if severe. For the techy types, body temp 97.4F, about right for this time of night, sorry no sphygmomanomter at hand.
> >
> > Tempted to take 1st Wellbutrin of day early, but no - would throw off schedule, and if indeed suffering serotonin crisis, would make worse.
> >
> > Took 2mg clonazepam - well within max daily limits I think, and least I can be a sedated serotonin syndrome victim! Maybe some restful music will help - undoubtedly better than sitting typing at computer.
> >
> > I know probably nobody but me is live on this BB at this hour of the AM, but thanks for being there just to let me type this and feel a little better ....
> >
> > Tony P
> >
> > > Did my last post sound smug? Well, may Hypnos and Morpheus forgive me.
> > >
> > > Different experiment this time: Wellbutrin dose #2 at supper time, i.e. ~11 hr. after 1st dose. Spent a calm evening and fell asleep OK (11PM+? not sure) with prescribed dose of 1 mg clonazepam, 7.5 mg zopiclone.
> > >
> > > Awoke after skimming the surface of sleep for a while at 1 AM. Tomorrow's Saturday, I don't have to get up, so another .5 mg clonazepam, 7.5 mg zopiclone with some kava-kava in cocoa. Back to bed & try meditative techniques. Dozed for a maybe 10 minutes in a 40 min period, then fully wakeful. Took (somewhat regretfully) 200 mg Serzone - I was hoping for a longer period of trial just on WB without mixing the two. I feel the familiar gentle sleepiness from the Serzone as I type this, so here's hoping!
> > >
> > > Tony P
> > >
> > > > I'm on day 14 of Wellbutrin SR (1st time), day 7 at 150 x 2 per day. [snip remainder of background/history]
Posted by paxvox on September 11, 2001, at 7:59:32
In reply to Re: Wellbutrin insomniac » paxvox, posted by Simcha on September 7, 2001, at 13:11:24
I'm not familiar enough, off hand, with the pharmodymanics of Celexa to answer that, but I'm sure someone who is will. I don't know, you may be one of the lucky few not hit with insomnis from WB. Keep your fingers crossed!
PAX
Posted by paxvox on September 11, 2001, at 8:10:51
In reply to Re: Wellbutrin insomniac (4), posted by Tony P on September 9, 2001, at 0:20:32
Tony, sounds like you are having normal adjustment period to Wellbutrin. Good thing your doc is giving you a benzo with it. It is not unusual to have hypothermia, especially in hands and feet, on WB. I don't know why. I highly recommend B.I.D dosing of 150 SR at the time you get up, and about 6-7 hours later. I have had real problems taking it anytime after 8 hours or so. This does not necessarily fall in line with medical recommendations of at least 8 hours between dosing, but I believe that is mostly "hangover" from the seizure risk school of teaching. Keep your benzo at all costs! I don't know about seratonin syndrome, but I don't think WB would affect that, as it is only a very weak inhibitor of seratonin reuptake, working more on dopamine.
PAX
Posted by Tony P on September 13, 2001, at 0:56:38
In reply to Re: Wellbutrin insomniac (4) » Tony P, posted by paxvox on September 11, 2001, at 8:10:51
Thanks, Pax.
That night I posted all night was the worst night ... don't know exactly what was going on physiologically, but sometimes I found in the past that Serzone would do much the same thing to me, all by itself, if I took it late at night when I was already a bit hyper. Partly my individual body chemistry no doubt, but I've seen a couple of posts some time ago on similar paradoxical experiences - critical timing of night-time doses, esp. the ones like Serzone and Remeron that are normally sleep-encouraging.
Anyhow, I'm not mixing any Serzone in for now - I want to get a good sense of where Wellbutrin is taking me by itself, plus I was overdue for a holiday from the Serzone.
Since then I've experimented with taking my 2nd 150 mg at bedtime, which works OK as far as getting to sleep goes, but I tend to wake up at 4 AM. Today I went back to breakfast time and suppertime, and so of course now at 11PM I'm feeling super energetic. I will try your suggestion - it sounds like it might be the best schedule for me too.
I was just looking at the Klonopin I have left, with no repeats, and hoping my Dr. will agree to keep me on it at least a bit longer - many people here seem to be taking it long-term, after all, it is an anti-seizure med., which is for the long haul for most people. Mostly I feel OK now with the speediness and jitters during the day, in fact one day I didn't feel the energy at all and missed it! But I'm worried about night time.
Thanks for posting.
Tony> Tony, sounds like you are having normal adjustment period to Wellbutrin. Good thing your doc is giving you a benzo with it. It is not unusual to have hypothermia, especially in hands and feet, on WB. I don't know why. I highly recommend B.I.D dosing of 150 SR at the time you get up, and about 6-7 hours later. I have had real problems taking it anytime after 8 hours or so. This does not necessarily fall in line with medical recommendations of at least 8 hours between dosing, but I believe that is mostly "hangover" from the seizure risk school of teaching. Keep your benzo at all costs! I don't know about seratonin syndrome, but I don't think WB would affect that, as it is only a very weak inhibitor of seratonin reuptake, working more on dopamine.
>
> PAX
Posted by KB on September 13, 2001, at 7:17:03
In reply to Re: Wellbutrin insomniac » paxvox, posted by Simcha on September 7, 2001, at 13:11:24
I just started Wellbutrin last thursday and started the full dosage on monday. I haven't had
insomnia, but during the day I feel incredibly jittery - shaking hands and all, just like I used to feel before a major test at school!I thought maybe yesterday it was just because I live in NYC, which is enough to shake anyone up right now, but I still feel it today.
Does this wear off?
Posted by paxvox on September 13, 2001, at 17:45:42
In reply to Re: Wellbutrin insomniac (4) » paxvox, posted by Tony P on September 13, 2001, at 0:56:38
Yeah, Tony, I have been on Wellbutrin for almost 3 years now, and have found the A.M. and lunch-time dosing of the WB 150 SR to be the ticket. I played with the schedule for quite a while. You should know that WB has a very low ceiling as far as what dose casues more negative side effects than positive attributes. For instance, my doc tried to up my dosing to 200 SR twice daily. That caused me to have chest tightening and pain, so I went back to the 150 SR x 2. I have found that to be true with a lot of folks, however some take 400mg with no worries, so I guess it is very individualized (as are most pyschoactive substances). I would "insist" that your Pdoc keeps your benzo as adjunct therapy. It helps with the jitters and sleep problems form WB. If I have taken it for as long as I have w/o losing those untoward effects, that suggests to me that it is not just a coincidence. Let me know how it goes.
PAX
Posted by Neal on September 16, 2001, at 22:07:25
In reply to Wellbutrin jitters, anyone? , posted by KB on September 13, 2001, at 7:17:03
Yeah, WB is giving me the jitters, anxiety peaks about 3 hours after taking it. It may be that I need more time on it. I took it before and it took some time to get used to. Anyway, Neurontin helps me with the anxiety.
Posted by shelliR on September 16, 2001, at 22:41:15
In reply to Wellbutrin jitters, anyone? , posted by KB on September 13, 2001, at 7:17:03
> I just started Wellbutrin last thursday and started the full dosage on monday. I haven't had
> insomnia, but during the day I feel incredibly jittery - shaking hands and all, just like I used to feel before a major test at school!
>
> I thought maybe yesterday it was just because I live in NYC, which is enough to shake anyone up right now, but I still feel it today.
>
> Does this wear off?Each time I raised my dose of wellbutrin, I experienced a surge of anxiety. I controlled this with klonopin or valium, but as I got use to the dose, I no longer needed to take either one. I titrated very slowly because of the anxiety effects; I stayed a week at 100, a week at 200, etc. I think if you hang in there, you will adjust to it.
And you're right. I don't imagine living in NYC is reducing your anxiety a bit. :-(
Shelli
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