Bupropion (zyban / Wellbution) & Eating Disorder - Anyone?

[NovemberStar]

Hi

My pdoc has given me a script for bupropion. She said there is an increased risk of seizure (1,000 - this is not taking into account the additional risk of an eating disorder). Everything I read says its contraindicated if you have an eating disorder as the seizure risk is higher. I did not know this when we talked about it. I can't find ANYTHING online as to HOW much higher this risk is. (Yes I have emailed my Dr so will wait for her to reply)

The little I found online suggested the risk of seizures was based on a small group of bulimics who had seizures while on it; they used much higher doses than the current recommendations (if I got it right, the FDA took it off the market after this happened but reintroduced it wit much lower dose recommendations). And that the bulimics on it has the instant release version, not the 'sustained release' one I've been presribed.

Due to my worsening depression, I feel it's a 'choice' between being very suicdial or have an increased risk of seizures. The other aspects of the drug do appeal to me - aside from the usual long list of hideous side effects, it seems it would have an 'upper' effect, which I think would help a lot with the depression. So I'm not writing it off as somwthing im not considering trying, just yet

Has anyone used this med and had an eating disorder?

Is there anything you did to reduce the risk of seizures while on it? (I have an app with my GP today as well) ie - ECGs, regular electrolyte checks?

 

[VioletButterfly]

I was told Wellbutrin was not a good drug for ED folks. Is there not another SSRI, SNRI, or other medication that you can try? Ask your pharmacist. They are invaluable sources of information. What about Lexapro? I wouldn't suggest Zoloft due to my "cravings" side effects, but that's just me. Advocate for yourself! EDs are nothing to fool around with. Good luck. VB

 

[NovemberStar]

Its def not the only med ive fried. Im already on vanlafaxine 300mgs day, lamotrigine 100mgs, quitapine 100mgs, clonidine 50mgs day... other optiin she said was to ijcr the vanlafaxine to 375; but I already feel a bit 'zappy' from it so keen for a different drug. She thought this was one good due to how my depression presents. Shes a really good dr and I do trust her - I see her privately and even though paying shouldnt mean its a better service than the public system, where I live it definitely is.

edited to add: ive tried in the past: respiradol (bad reaction); olanzapine, mirtazapine (excessive weight gain) - but those are anti psychotics / mood stabalisers of course.

im not familiar with the ones you've mentioned? What are the ingredient names???

 

[JEKBreatheandBelieve]

I did, though I am not sure that I have a true eating disorder, but the problems I have definitely connect to that category. I only lasted on Wellbutrin for 3 days so I can't really help much. I found that though it increased my energy level, I was more agitated and anxious. I also had to use the bathroom every 30 minutes or so and I can't live with that side effect and a a teacher. I also lost weight immediately after starting it and I know weight fluctuates, but I keep way too close of track of my weight so I know what was normal and the rate that I lost weight on Wellbutrin was faster so I don't think it's good when you already have an eating disorder. I tried a lot of meds through an outpatient program, but only the anti-anxiety one worked.

 

[joeylittle]

Is there anything you did to reduce the risk of seizures while on it?

You had it correct earlier in your post. The warning for bulimics is that inducing vomiting can actually initiate a seizure, when done too intensely, in someone who already has a predisposition to seizing. Wellbutrin lowers the seizure threshold, but that is again, only truly relevant for people who have reason to watch themselves for a seizure disorder. The concern for anorexics is the "upper" quality of the drug acts as an appetite suppressant.

You avoid the seizures by making sure you do not take it with a diagnosed seizure disorder, or history of seizure (even from childhood). You also don't purge, at all, ever. And you watch out for what @JEKBreatheandBelieve described - it can be too much of a stimulant for some people.

Please read this information about buproprion and the generic manufacturers. Make sure yours does not come from one of the ones on the 'do not use' list.
Wellbutrin Experience

For me, wellbutrin has been the only one that has not stopped helping after about 6 months. it's my constant. I'm currently on venlafaxine 375, wellbutrin 400.

I actually have had a few seizures, but because they weren't organic, they were induced, my psych felt OK about me trying WB - and it's never been a problem. They are strong about the warnings because it can be very dangerous for some people, but if you don't fit the criteria, don't worry. It's not going to give you an eating disorder or seizures if you don't have them already.

 

[NovemberStar]

I haven't heard back from my pdoc yet - frustratingly. I'm sure she had the best intention for me in prescribing it - but as I sturggle with both anoreixa and bulimia - on a daily basis - I'm not so sure it will be gt for me. Sigh.

I won't give up yet thogh - maybe she has further info not found online that's applicable for my situation. Asi said the infor fund was when bulimics were taking a different formation of it and at a much higher dose - a dose no one is given now

 

[joeylittle]

as I sturggle with both anoreixa and bulimia - on a daily basis - I'm not so sure it will be gt for me. Sigh.

Ah - honestly, I'd be concerned then, especially if you are actively purging. Still, it's a fairly low risk percentage.

Incidence of Seizure with Bupropion Use: Bupropion is associated with seizures in approximately 0.4% (4/1,000) of patients treated at doses up to 450 mg per day. The estimated seizure incidence for Wellbutrin increases almost 10-fold between 450 and 600 mg per day. The risk of seizure can be reduced if the dose of Wellbutrin does not exceed 450 mg per day, given as 150 mg 3 times daily, and the titration rate is gradual.

From http://www.drugs.com/pro/wellbutrin.html

 

[Deleted member 20280]

Having been on Bupropion Hydrochloride for an extended period of time I can safely say I would never consider taking this particular medication again. Lucky for me I am a bad hayfever sufferer as this particular medication (used to help you stop smoking) has nasty and life threatening side effects.

One in particular being linked to the seizures mentioned in that bupropion causes heart problems, it also causes massive anaphalactic shock. In my case I was lucky to survive the seizure that caused my throat to swell internally to twice it's normal size in under 5 minutes.

I had to take all of my anti-histamines followed by a huge injection of anti-histamine at the hospital. I would advise extreme caustion if considering taking this drug as the American Government knew prior to my being prescribed Zyban that these side effects were a huge threat to a patients life.it had already been published in the American press that Zyban had been confirmed as responsible for a dozen deaths in patients. Death having been caused by massive heart failure.

Thankfully I survived

 

[NovemberStar]

@Santa_Laurie did your have the reafion the first time you took it?

I'm still waiting to hear back from my pdoc. I need the glimmer of hope I had when she prescribed it for mon Tuesday. Maybe there is another drug. Or maybe I just ought to increase the venlafaxine.

Asi said - there's always side effects and risks with meds - it's all a balance between risk and benefit. I realy cannot carry on with this level of depression and suicidality for a lot longer

 

[Deleted member 20280]

The choice really is one for yourself @NovemberStar different patients react differently to different medications. I have a clear propensity towards heart issue's, I wish you every happiness in your recovery

 

[NovemberStar]

My pdoc did smeresach, phoned the hospital'so drug info resource - no one could come up with statistics as to the risk. She still believes it's worth me trying it - suggested I start at a smaller dose, and have an ECG and electrolytes done.

First ECG was abnormal. 2nd one was normal. So who knows what that means but GP seems to think it was ok. I'll have my blood 2moro. I did start it this morning - took half a tablet. I feel better trying it than increasing the venlafaxine again - that drug can increase the QT interval (heart function) as can quitapine - I have risk for prolonged QT (eating disorder being one, and most ECGs I have the QT interval is prolonged - abnormal -so I didn't want to add more risk to cardiac function. Seems less risk to have a higher risk of seizures right now than increasing my QT interval.