Wellbutrin

Hi,

I have been suffering from depression for about 11 years now, since my mother died. I am currently 28 years old and am worse due to the death of a very close aunt. While I can get things done in my life (like go to work, school, etc)., it takes alot of energy to do so. My doctor recommends me going on an anti-depressant and suggested Wellburtin because I am trying to quit smoking. (we have really bad heart problems in my family). My question is, I am not an alcoholic but I do drink on the weekends when going out with my friends so I'm afriad of the sezuire risk. My doctor is not worried because my dosage is 300 mg and suggested if I know I'm going out that night not to take the second dose and we have no sezuires in any of my family history.

What are your thoughts?

[Roger Gould, M.D.]

Your doctor sounds like he knows what he is talking about. I would follow his advice.

[cashmere]

I'm not a doctor, but I've been taking Wellbutrin for depression for about 3 years now at the same dosage you've been prescribed.  I'm not an alcoholic either, but I do have a glass of wine, sometimes 2, with dinner nightly, and sometimes more on the weekends.  I've never even had the slightest sign of any kind of seizure, but since everyone's chemical makeup is different, I'd be careful initially. i've tried a couple of other antidepressants, and they both had unpleasant side effects.  not so with wellbutrin.  good luck

[klk444]

I have also been on Wellbutrin for 6 years.  I drink very rarely, however, I asked my Doctor about it and she said that it would be fine.  She only stated to not over do the alcohol. (I think that was as a concern, that a lot of people who are depressed turn to a way of forgetting)

[ontherecord]

Don't worry about mixing the alcohol and the wellbutrin if you do not have a history of seizures.  Contrary to what your psychiatrist told you, I would actually take the evening dose (so you always stay on schedule) and MINIMIZE the alcohol intake to 2-3 drinks maximum for a woman.  If you're getting sloshed (i.e. 6+ drinks) then you may want to skip the PM dose just to be on the safe side, but 1-3 drinks + 150mgs shouldn't be a problem in an otherwise healthy 28 year old with no seizure history.

[ontherecord]

By the way, let's hope you quit smoking, since that's a HUGE risk factor for heart disease.  I'm trying to quit myself, and I'll tell you, it's not easy.  If you're really intent on quitting, then you may want to supplement the Zyban/Wellbutrin with nicorette gum or the nicoderm CQ patch.  That increases your chances.  Tough habit to break, but good luck to us both.