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Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
bob@dr-bob.orgShown: posts 1 to 6 of 6. This is the beginning of the thread.
Posted by cedarspring on August 20, 2014, at 6:58:11
I take the long acting Bupropion- 300mg daily. I've been taking this dose for 10 days. My Dr. started me on 75mg about 2mo ago, then had me go upto 150mg- then, like I mentioned, 300mgs. My concern/curiosity: 2 days ago I noticed a few red spots on my low back that were itching. I've been backpacking and thought maybe it was insect bites of some sort... or... flea bites from spreading barkdust these past few days. Anyway, I'm thinking (after looking side-effects of Bupropion up) that the itching seems like it could be related to taking Bupropion? The itching and red rashish like bumps have increased. Does anyone have info or experience regarding this? Thanks
Posted by ed_uk2010 on August 20, 2014, at 14:07:00
In reply to Bupropion, posted by cedarspring on August 20, 2014, at 6:58:11
>Anyway, I'm thinking (after looking side-effects of Bupropion up) that the itching seems like it could be related to taking Bupropion? The itching and red rashish like bumps have increased. Does anyone have info or experience regarding this?
I think you should give it a while to settle down on its own. Although some people are allergic to bupropion and develop a rash, this normally develops very soon after starting treatment and is not related to the dose. You could try a non-sedating antihistamine from the pharmacy.
Posted by 90%there on August 20, 2014, at 15:00:22
In reply to Bupropion, posted by cedarspring on August 20, 2014, at 6:58:11
Stop the bupropion for 2 or 3 days. It has a medium half life of 20-30hrs (even the SR version) so if the rash IS caused by the drug then I imagine the rash would settle by day 3. Also, been around any new materials or pets recently? Any shortness of breath? Best see ur doc with any worries. Or at least your local pharmacist.
What about other meds? Antibiotics or hay-fever pills (esp the non-drowsy ones)?
Saying that there are a million and 1 things that can cause a rash so could be coincidence. Just guessing.
There are 1 or 2 alternatives but I must admit nothings quite like bupropion (I take it). And are you taking it for for Smoking cessation, depression/mood disorder or both?
I can only think of a few alternatives. Slow-release low-dose methylphenidate, caffeine or a good caffeine source (take it with taurine to avoid jitters) or one of the TCAs of the NRI type. Not too sure but the TCA imipramine might increase DA too, either directly (re-uptake pump) or indirectly. It also works on opoid receptors. Not many pro-dopamines to choose from. Our reward centres tend to get a battering and yet rather neglected too. Good old MAOI or MAO-B inhibitors like selegiline will boost dopamine. Maybe better than bupropion but the beauty of bupropion is its accompanying strong NRI effect too, keeping the mind busy increasing focus, motivation and decreasing procrastination. All without a 'come-down'.
I'm ranting. I'm sure you'll be fine.
Gotta say tho, that's a rather slow way to start-up bupropion. Normally 150mg 1st week, then up to 300mg 2nd and up to 450mg after review. Are you prone to fits/convulsions or taking anything else?90
Posted by 90%there on August 20, 2014, at 15:33:37
In reply to Bupropion, posted by cedarspring on August 20, 2014, at 6:58:11
Nearly forgot. Siberian Ginseng. I've alway neglected Ginseng. The Korean kind over stimulates making me exhausted, the American type sends me to sleep. But Siberian Ginseng is a great natural long acting stimulant that (surprising to me) actually works. Has allowed me to reduce my caffeine intake considerably and u know when you've run out! I wouldn't call it addictive in the slightest and has no withdrawal effects I'm aware of. Make sure it a good make tho, standardized. Health Aid Siberian Ginseng is one-a-day potent pill that works for me tho there are of course many other excellent brands ;)
Worth a try if u get stuck or things get put on hold.
Nootropics, especially the racetams (ie, piracetam, aniracetam, phenylpiracetam) can do wonders for focus and wakefulness too but always take a good choline source with them like citicoline or at least lecithin granules. Forget choline bitartrate its crap. Large doses of inositol can work too.90%
Posted by ed_uk2010 on August 20, 2014, at 15:42:16
In reply to Re: Bupropion » cedarspring, posted by 90%there on August 20, 2014, at 15:00:22
> Stop the bupropion for 2 or 3 days. It has a medium half life of 20-30hrs (even the SR version) so if the rash IS caused by the drug then I imagine the rash would settle by day 3.
This could be misleading, because a mild rash is likely to have settled by day 3 whether the drug is continued or not. Considering it's mild nature, I would continue bupropion for now. I would only be concerned if the rash gets worse.
Posted by 90%there on August 20, 2014, at 16:41:18
In reply to Re: Bupropion, posted by ed_uk2010 on August 20, 2014, at 15:42:16
> > Stop the bupropion for 2 or 3 days. It has a medium half life of 20-30hrs (even the SR version) so if the rash IS caused by the drug then I imagine the rash would settle by day 3.
>
> This could be misleading, because a mild rash is likely to have settled by day 3 whether the drug is continued or not. Considering it's mild nature, I would continue bupropion for now. I would only be concerned if the rash gets worse.
>
I meant that if the rash settled within 3 days and came back on restarting, a possible indication? Could even be a filler. It wasn't mentioned if the drug had 'kicked in' or not yet. If not I don't see the problem. At least it could answer the question for sure.
Also the long term low dose might give a mild rash which might have been worse had it been started at the usual starting dose. I'm still puzzled as to why started on such a low dose. Is the doc being cautious for a reason? Or just unfamiliar with bupropion.Idk. Not an expert just thinking out aloud.
And as the questionnaire says at join up, nothing should be taken as 'gospel' on here. My words mean well and I don't think I'm acting dangerously by being over cautious.
90
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