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Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
bob@dr-bob.orgShown: posts 1 to 17 of 17. This is the beginning of the thread.
Posted by fires on January 5, 2006, at 16:45:56
I just discovered a Well XL 300mg pill in my stool that was intact. (I just happened to notice it).
Glaxo Smith Kline said that it is normal to see and find the outer shell (which I found on one occasion), but not an intact pill. They took down the bottles lot number and are having me send the remaining pills in my current bottle to them.
Maybe the fact that I'm taking Nexium has something to do with it. (stomach acid inhibitor).
Has anyone heard of this before?
I'm going to be examining my stools until I find out more from GSK. My concern is that the pills might be passing through intact often, or all the time.
It would be easy not to see them.
Posted by rjlockhart on January 5, 2006, at 22:43:47
In reply to Wellbutrin XL didn't dissolve, posted by fires on January 5, 2006, at 16:45:56
that is very myterious. I was on Wellbutrin XL 450mg for about 5 months, i stopped it becuase i started having bad anxiety on it.
But it passing your system.... I would always feel when the other "shell" was released in my system, it felt temporary stimulating.
Definenly talk to your doctor, or somekind of specialist about this.
Posted by fires on January 5, 2006, at 23:09:13
In reply to Re: Wellbutrin XL didn't dissolve, posted by rjlockhart on January 5, 2006, at 22:43:47
> that is very myterious. I was on Wellbutrin XL 450mg for about 5 months, i stopped it becuase i started having bad anxiety on it.
>
> But it passing your system.... I would always feel when the other "shell" was released in my system, it felt temporary stimulating.
>
> Definenly talk to your doctor, or somekind of specialist about thisYeh, not knowing if I'm getting the med in my system or not is not good.
I see my pdoc next Tues., but I think she may be stumped.
Posted by Sarah T. on January 6, 2006, at 0:04:46
In reply to Wellbutrin XL didn't dissolve, posted by fires on January 5, 2006, at 16:45:56
Hi fires,
I have not taken Wellbutrin XL (I took the immediate release years ago), but I have had problems dissolving several others meds, especially time-release formulations. The meds have passed through, intact. What a waste! I have never taken Nexium or anything like it, and I don't know why I have this problem.I haven't gotten much help from my physicians for this, other than their telling me that they have a few other patients with this problem. I once asked about the problem on this board, and Larry Hoover said he'd respond when he had time. Unfortunately, he was busy then, and even worse, he is blocked now. When he returns, which won't be for a while, you should ask him. I think he knows a lot about medication solubility. You might be able to find him on another message board. Try "googling" him.
Posted by Glydin on January 6, 2006, at 7:53:45
In reply to Wellbutrin XL didn't dissolve, posted by fires on January 5, 2006, at 16:45:56
Getting graphic - Was the intact shell not empty? I thought it was manufactured as a shell with a small plug-like hole that the very small covering to the hole dissolved to released the med and the shell would look entirely intact but if cut open would be empty.
Just asking.....
Posted by fires on January 6, 2006, at 11:10:52
In reply to Re: Wellbutrin XL didn't dissolve, posted by Sarah T. on January 6, 2006, at 0:04:46
>>I haven't gotten much help from my physicians for this, other than their telling me that they have a few other patients with this problem<<
This is my concern, too. I don't know if they can explain it.
>>I haven't gotten much help from my physicians for this, other than their telling me that they have a few other patients with this problem.<<I may print this out to show to my doc.
Thanks
Posted by fires on January 6, 2006, at 11:46:55
In reply to Re: Wellbutrin XL didn't dissolve, posted by Glydin on January 6, 2006, at 7:53:45
> Getting graphic - Was the intact shell not empty? I thought it was manufactured as a shell with a small plug-like hole that the very small covering to the hole dissolved to released the med and the shell would look entirely intact but if cut open would be empty.
>
> Just asking.....The pill found yesterday did still have the med. inside although the shell was somewhat "distorted."
Just this AM I found an empty shell like you describe. It was like a flat balloon, and it even felt rubbery. I couldn't see any opening, but since the med was gone, there must be a hole just like you described!
Thanks
Posted by HappyGirl on January 6, 2006, at 16:28:11
In reply to Wellbutrin XL didn't dissolve, posted by fires on January 5, 2006, at 16:45:56
Hi:
I, too taking WB, not XL but SR version, 300 mg.
Also, I have 'acid reflux' problem as you mentioned in your post.In my knowledge along with my 'real' experience, ... Wellbutrin does NOT go along with the Nexium, ... nor all of similar acid reflux med.
In my case, when my 'acid' problem flared-up, I took the Nexium 40 mg., one tab per day, then went even 3 tabs 40 mg. per day which is an awful dosage, to say the least. But, there was such a 'terrible' acid in my esophagus which causing terrible irritation in my system, even just drinking water. I ate one banana for the breakfast to make sure not to get 'acid' coming up into the throat. Afterwards, I switched the Prevacid 30 mg., per day to start, then two pills per day. Probably, I did this, 'drastic' acid med.regimen for about 2-3 weeks' period. Luckily, it seems to me the Prevacid helped ease my 'acid' problem eventually, although I still have one, when I eat 'undesirable' acid-related foods.
During the Prevacid/the Nexium with WB sr 300mg.,... I had NO problem to dissolve the WB sr. However, one thing about which I can remember is that those 'acid' meds are prone to bring you 'down' to make your depression get worse. Then, we, MI folks should avoid any acid meds. the best we can. Diet is #1 to fight back 'acid' problem, ... in my experience, tho'.
Lastly, this is my theory, ... WB is NEVER friendly to the stomach. It causes some 'indigetion'/gas in the digestive system.
H.G.
Posted by fires on January 6, 2006, at 16:42:57
In reply to Re: Wellbutrin XL didn't dissolve » fires, posted by HappyGirl on January 6, 2006, at 16:28:11
I had the laproscopic Nissen fundoplication back in Sept., but still take the Nexium. I might be able to stop it.
Effexor was really rough on me. I took Wellbutrin SR - not that long ago -- yet I'm not sure about how I took the 2 x 150mg. Seems like AM and lunch, to avoid making insomnia problems worse.
I hadn't heard that Nexium could make depression worse.
Did you take the Well. 300mg all at once? I thought one had to take it in divided doses.
Thanks
Posted by James K on January 6, 2006, at 17:04:57
In reply to Re: Wellbutrin XL didn't dissolve » HappyGirl, posted by fires on January 6, 2006, at 16:42:57
> I had the laproscopic Nissen fundoplication back in Sept., but still take the Nexium. I might be able to stop it.
>
---Wow you are the first person I've ever run into who's also had that surgery. It's been about 8 years and I've never needed any antacid or proton pump blah blah (my mind went blank on that class of meds) since. If your surgery was as successful as mine, I don't see why you would still need Nexium. (absent another related condition I don't know of). I believe the stomach acid is important to get nutrients and kill bacteria.I can't vomit, but I can have dry heaves, which came up this very morning because I took my wellbutrin and lamictal, and my asacol (for ulcerative colitis), and campral on an essentially empty stomach. I've gotten away with that in the past, but my stomach said enough is enough.
I'm just excited about your surgery. I think most people have already learned not to take a handful of pills without something in there.
good luck,
James K
Posted by HappyGirl on January 6, 2006, at 17:07:50
In reply to Re: Wellbutrin XL didn't dissolve » HappyGirl, posted by fires on January 6, 2006, at 16:42:57
Hi:
I take WB sr(generic version) twice a day, ... one for the mornings and another for later in the afternoon, around 3-4 p.m. But, I plan to cut it back a bit, around 250 mg.,... a 150 mg. in the morning and 100 mg. during afternoon-snack time. Because, as we all know, the WB is VERY notorious to bring up 'insomnia' along with 'irritability,' if you take more than your system needs/tolerates.When I was on the Nexium, ... I can remember, ... not as bad as the Prevacid in regard to 'induce' depressive episodes, but also, for me, not as potent as the latter. But, again this is just my 'personal' view.
I'm just glad not to need those acid meds. as knowing that the interaction causing by med. mix is quite unpredictable. Even, my 'renowned' and 'competent' GP and pdoc. both did not inform me on this unforseen problem. Both said that there is NO problem of taking both meds twice a day. Probably, we, need to find out through the 'real' experience.
H.G.
Posted by fires on January 6, 2006, at 20:13:52
In reply to Re: Wellbutrin XL didn't dissolve » fires, posted by James K on January 6, 2006, at 17:04:57
Your the first I've met also. My surgeon does lots of bariatric surgeries (UCLA Med Ctr). He does very tiny laprscop. Nissen's. (I don't really know how often he does them, but he did a good job -- also repaired my hernia)
I also take Lamictal, and I once took sulfasalzine (sp?) for "ulcerative colitis" which came on 21 days after taking an antibiotic. It took quite some time to go away. I've had at least 2 upper and lower endoscopies since then -- and no ulcerative colitis.
I take most of my meds with food, but have found that I can take some without.
Posted by fires on January 6, 2006, at 20:25:45
In reply to Re: Wellbutrin XL didn't dissolve » fires, posted by HappyGirl on January 6, 2006, at 17:07:50
I think I'll wait until I talk to my doc next week before I (we) decide what to do. In the mean time I'm actually "searching" my stool for the Well. pill coatings. (It's as gross as it sounds).
Yeh, I have a big problem with potential med interactions since I take about 9. No kidding.
I'm wondering if your SR brand is Watson? I'm pretty sure that Watson's Well SR is actually GSK's in a different wrapper.
Posted by HappyGirl on January 6, 2006, at 20:42:20
In reply to Re: Wellbutrin XL didn't dissolve » HappyGirl, posted by fires on January 6, 2006, at 20:25:45
Hi:
I understand your concern over this.
You do NOT need to embarass about this incident, because we, all have similar problem, if not the same as yours.In regard to the manufacturer of WB sr, ... both 150 mg. and 100 mg. are manufactured by 'Eon Labs' and about the same color as the brand one which is greenish with bluish-tint.
Right after having switched to the Generic version from the brand, I took 'Watson' and its color is 'whitish' to 'off-white,' if my recollection is correct. The reason I got 'Eon Lab' is due to its efficacy that is VERY close to the brand one. In 'Watson' brand, ... I got a problem, ... like 'headache,' or some form of dizziness, but I can not remember well.
Then, ... in my opinion through the experience, ... 'Eon' is a good one.
H.G.
Posted by fires on January 7, 2006, at 12:26:53
In reply to Re: Wellbutrin XL didn't dissolve » fires, posted by HappyGirl on January 6, 2006, at 20:42:20
> Hi:
> I understand your concern over this.
> You do NOT need to embarass about this incident, because we, all have similar problem, if not the same as yours.
>
> In regard to the manufacturer of WB sr, ... both 150 mg. and 100 mg. are manufactured by 'Eon Labs' and about the same color as the brand one which is greenish with bluish-tint.
>
> Right after having switched to the Generic version from the brand, I took 'Watson' and its color is 'whitish' to 'off-white,' if my recollection is correct. The reason I got 'Eon Lab' is due to its efficacy that is VERY close to the brand one. In 'Watson' brand, ... I got a problem, ... like 'headache,' or some form of dizziness, but I can not remember well.
>
> Then, ... in my opinion through the experience, ... 'Eon' is a good one.
> H.G.Eon appears to make their own meds. Yet, consider this:
"Finally one must also consider this. With the potential to lose millions of dollars to a generic company’s product, many brand name companies have now either bought smaller generic companies or created their own. What this means is that the generic drug you are taking could have come out of the same production facility as the brand name product. The only differences are the labeling, tablet or capsule design, and the price. They also continue research and development for new products. It is reported that almost 80% of generic drug products made in the United States are made by brand name firms7. Therefore, with regard to most generics made in the United States, the generic version is identical in all but perhaps appearance."
Posted by ed_uk on January 7, 2006, at 12:53:49
In reply to Re: Wellbutrin XL didn't dissolve » HappyGirl, posted by fires on January 7, 2006, at 12:26:53
When I was on lofepramine (Gamanil) I noticed that the generic was identical to the brand. Both were made by the same company - MSD.
One of the citalopram generics I sometimes get is made by Lundbeck - who make Cipramil, the brand.
Ed
Posted by HappyGirl on January 7, 2006, at 14:24:06
In reply to Re: Wellbutrin XL didn't dissolve » HappyGirl, posted by fires on January 7, 2006, at 12:26:53
Hi:
I am VERY glad to let us know in regard to the brand vs. the generic.In the beginning of the generic WB sr/Watson, it made me quite happy, particularly as to financial aspect. Because, as we, all know those psycho. meds. are quite expensive. Then, switching to the generic made me feel a 'smart consumer,' , but to be honest, ... I didn't like its color, ... whitish to off-white color. Some saying the color doesn't matter. But, for me, it matters a lot. Because, when I see my med. compartment(clear plastic med. organizer), my other med., Trazodone has VERY close color, whitish. Then, if I mixed-up both meds., I'd be a big problem. Because, the Trazodone is a kind, 'sleeping aid' to help me undisturbing sleep. On the otherhand, WB sr makes me wide-awake due to its stimulant efficacy. Simply, for me, the WB sr and the Trazodone is 'Day and Night' med., then I can NEVER afford to mix-up those 'two.'
All of those facts, ... a comparison between 'Eon' and 'Watson' might be my psychologic preference. But, as I mentioned above, its color is a significant factor for me to change from the Watson to the Eon brand.
As for the side-effects from taking 'Watson,' I can not recall well. However, I might be a bit 'bias' on this regard as well due to my other med., Trazodone.
H.G.
This is the end of the thread.
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