Wellbutrin/bupropion?

[dontsleepmuch]

I took SSRs for about 10 years before I switched over to bupropion. I since learned SSRs increase RLS symptoms, but at the time I switched because of adverse sexual side effects. In any case, bupropion works by increasing the brains capacity to absorb dopamine. I have been taking it in the morning for 15 years now. Based on what I have been reading in these blogs, RLS symptoms are caused by the brains inability to absorb dopamine. Does it make sense to start taking bupropion in the evening when taking all these RLS meds? Do I have my facts straight? Has anyone heard or read whether bupropion has any effect on RLS symproms?

[Parminter]

Wellbutrin is known to help WED/RLS in some cases because of its dopaminergic properties, and it is one of the very few anti-depressants that we can take.

But it seems that no systematic long-term studies have been done, so the only way to find out is to try it.

[dontsleepmuch in reply to Parminter]

Thank you for your thoughts. Will start the experiment this evening.

[Parminter in reply to dontsleepmuch]

I hope that you are one of those for whom it works - on all levels.

[Hidden]

Hi, I have read contradictory comments about Wellbutrin in terms of whether it does/does not aggravate RLS. It's not available in the UK where I am otherwise I would have tried it (rather than no anti-depressants which is the only option and a tough one because this d**n condition makes me very low). But what I have found is that dopamine agonists improve my mood and make me more motivated, even though I continue to be physically tired because they are not fixing my sleep. So I would second Parminter in saying give it a try.

[Restlesssinger]

I think that there's some research out there that says that wellbutrin is potentially helpful for RLS because of the dopamine factor. B U T I've also read that wellbutrin tends to be an "energizing" drug, not sedating, so I can't imagine that would do anyone any good in the evening. I personally decided against it for several reasons: 1) doesn't sound as if it would help insomnia 2) potential augmentation, just like other dopamine related drugs and 3) some of the side effects, e.g. increased pleasure-seeking behaviors, sounded risky for me. I currently take 1/2 to 1 hydrocodone tablet (325/5 mg.) at night about an hour before bedtime. Works for me. I am going to speak to my physician tomorrow about whether suboxone would be a better choice in the long run because there is less risk of tolerance developing, less constipation, etc. BUT apparently it's also not as sedating, which I need. Good luck to you!

[Pippins2]

If we had Wellbutrin in the UK i would be on it like a shot as all the other anti ds affect my legs except for Trazadone but i couldnt tolerate the high doses needed .I couldnt keep my eyes open and felt dizzy .So i am stuck on Fluoxetine which dosent seem to bother my legs too much but RLS would be more improved without it i have heard of 2 people who have been prescribed Wellbutrin in the UK on a private prescription from a Consultant Psychiatrist but it was a battle .Every doctor i have asked has said no it was pulled during clinical trials due to participants suffering seizures .However on researching it there does seem to be some controversy about that x

[dontsleepmuch]

Thank you Pippins2, "pulled during clinical trials" Wellbutrin or Trazadone?

[Restlesssinger]

I considered taking wellbutrin, but then read that it tends to be an energizing, rather than sedating. So I doubt it would be good to take it in the evening. Anyone else have thoughts or experience with this?

[GcrewDirector]

I began taking Wellbutrin last fall for depression... Doseage started at 150mg, later increased to 300mg. After the increase of medication, my RLS issues worsened dramatically! I'd never experienced such terrible symptoms! I immediately stopped the meds.