Wellbutrin XL and SR side effects and use for depression, benefits by Ray Sahelian, M.D. Interactions with nutritional supplements

Wellbutrin is an antidepressant prescription medication. Wellbutrin is used to treat major depressive disorder and seasonal affective disorder. Wellbutrin is made by GlaxoSmithKline. The generic name of wellbutrin is bupropion.

How Wellbutrin Works
Wellbutrin is an antidepressant medication that affects neurotransmitters. Wellbutrin is unrelated to other antidepressants. It works by inhibiting the reuptake of dopamine, serotonin, and norepinephrine, an action which results in more dopamine, serotonin, and norepinephrine to transmit messages to other nerves. Bupropion is unique in that its major effect is on dopamine, an effect which is not shared by the selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors or SSRIs (e.g. paroxetine, Paxil; fluoxetine, Prozac; sertraline, Zoloft) or the tricyclic antidepressants or TCAs (e.g. amitriptyline, Elavil; imipramine, Tofranil; desipramine, Norpramin).

Side effects of Wellbutrin
In rare cases Wellbutrin side effects could be of an allergic nature such as hives; difficulty breathing; swelling of the face, lips, tongue, or throat. Another potential serious side effect is seizure (convulsions). And thirdly, an additional serious Wellbutrin side effect is heart palpitations or irregular heartbeats. Less serious Wellbutrin side effects include headache or migraine, difficulty with sleep, gastrointestinal symptoms such as nausea and vomiting, neurological symptoms such as confusion, agitation, restlessness, tremors and dizziness; changes in appetite such as weight loss or weight gain. Additional side effects from Wellbutrin could occur such as changes in libido.

Use with 5HTP
Q. Hi there. I didn't know who else to email but I don't trust just anyone on any old blog. I have been using 5-HTP for about a month and a half now. I was doing 100mg two times a day and then increased to 100 mg 3 times a day. What a difference. I was on Wellbutrin for years and just didn't want to put that junk in my body any more. I can't believe how amazing this stuff is. My eating has gotten better. I am think but have suffered from eating disorders for years, not extreme but I am just feeling so much more "light" and balanced. My question for you is: how long can I take 5-HTP before a) it becomes bad for me or b) I become used to it. I can't imagine not being able to use this now. The Wellbutrin was the only chemical anti depressant that didn't make me feel like I wasn't even me and also gain weight but it did make me rather snippy and aggressive which I got tired of (not to mention those around me).
   A. The website mentions all of our knowledge with 5-HTP and the potential cautions and side effects. Each person is unique on the amount that helps them and the potential problems with long term use.

Q. Enjoyed your site, very informative. Can you at least tell me where I can find info on any possible interactions between 5HTP and Wellbutrin. Since I have started taking Wellbutrin in the morning I stopped my 5-HTP at night. Have not had a good nights sleep in weeks but am afraid to combine the two. I would love to ask my Dr. but he has no idea what 5-HTP even is. So I'm on my own. Could you at least refer me to someone who can help and knows about Wellbutrin and 5-HTP information. I even contacted Glaxo Smith Kline and they were no help.
     A. Wellbutrin mostly influences dopamine levels while 5-HTP influences serotonin levels. It is difficult to predict the reaction of taking Wellbutrin and 5-HTP the same day. Sometimes lowering the dose of the medication improves sleep patterns. Good Night Rx may occasionally be used to help with sleep if your doctor approves.

Q. I just purchased a 5-htp supplement. I am currently taking 75 mg of Wellbutrin but have stopped Lexapro. i know there are no interactions between the two. just wondering how long i should wait since stopping Lexapro and starting 5-htp. also, should I start at lowest possible dose and titrate higher? i think I can open 50 mg capsule? pill? Can St. John's wort be added to the mix. I have heard it is a mild maoi and maois don't mix with Wellbutrin, however, i have read it is not a big deal.
   A. 5HTP, SAM-e, St. John's wort, and other natural supplements used for depression should be used as cautiously as a prescription medication. If your doctor approves you can begin with a portion of a capsule. It is preferable to learn how each supplement and medication works by itself before combining. A few days off the Lexapro should be sufficient before beginning a supplement such as 5HTP that converts into serotonin.

Wellbutrin medication Questions
Q. I am currently reducing my Wellbutrin from 300 mg which is way too much as it caused severe panic attacks and necessitated OTC sleeping pills every night. I want to eventually get off the Wellbutrin (which worked wonders at 200mg for bad post-partum depression but my son is almost 2 years old now and I think 300mg is too high) but my questions are this: a) I want to switch to sam-e and am wondering will Sam-e cause the same inability to sleep and panic attacks or is that be dose related in both? b) Should a person avoid light therapy when using either Wellbutrin or SAM-e or simply reduce dose when using?
   A. The side effects of SAM-e are dose related. Many people prefer to use 50 mg to 100 mg as opposed to the full 200 mg tablet. This may necessitate breaking the Sam-e tablet in half or less. Reducing dosage with light therapy works well for most people.

Q. Does Wellbutrin help libido?
   A. Wellbutrin could influence libido since it increases levels of dopamine which is one of the important neurotransmitters involved in libido enhancement.

Q. My husband takes Wellbutrin everyday. His Dr. said he should try Horny goat weed, which didn't work, so now we would like to try Passion Rx. Are there any herbs in Passion Rx shouldn't be taken with Wellbutrin?
   A. Many herbal sexual products don't work as well or have unpredictable effects when combined with antidepressants since antidepressant drugs alter brain chemistry. We don't suggest using Passion Rx the same day as an antidepressant.

Q. Can I take two Wellbutrin SR tablets (150mg each) at the same time of day? My doctor here in Hong Kong says yes I can, however the instructions for Wellbutrin say to take them one at a time with at least four hours between. I prefer to take them together in the morning, since I often forget to take the second one later. If I take the second one too late in the day, I have trouble sleeping. I'm an American living in Hong Kong, and they don't allow Wellbutrin XL (extended release) on the market. I used to take that and it was perfect, but now I don't have that option.
   A. Sorry but this is a treatment question your doctor would need to answer since he or she knows your condition best.