Depression Forum - Dealing with wellbutrin dosage changes

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Q: Dealing with wellbutrin dosage changes

asked by: DoctorQuestion on April 28th, 2009

I have been taking Wellbutrin SR 150mg tablets twice daily (300mg total) for 2.5 years. I have never once had a physical side effect of any kind from Wellbutrin. I recently went on a vacation to Europe. When I arrived I noticed that my Wellbutrin Rx bottle was a little low and I did not have enough to maintain my daily dose throughout the duration of the trip (9 day vacation). During the trip, several days I took 1 pill instead of my regular 2. I took my last pill before I left and upon returning home got my refill and began my normal dosing (I had about a 36-48 gap with no pills). I am dizzy, naseated, blurred vision, can't concentrate, mood swings (been like this for 1 week) - why is this hitting me out of nowhere - very confused and frusterated. I've weened down to 1 pill a day for the last few days, no change, and today i'm having bad depressiion swings for the first time in years. I should note that while in Europe I drank alot more than usual, but haven't had a drink in many days

Replies(1)

Dr. Goce Aleksovski , MD

replied on May 1st, 2009

Depression Answer A6458

The symptoms you reported might be related to the change in dosage of the wellbutrin (generic name bupropion). As you stated, you took a dosage less than that recommended by your doctor for one week and did not take the pills at all for several days. It might have given your body enough time to adjust to the new lower balance level. When you again took the medicine in the prescribed dosage, it might have been too much for your body. That might have induced the symptoms you experienced, which are well known side-effects of bupropion.
You might want to visit the doctor who prescribed you the bupropion and have him adjust the dosage.

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