A question about a medication

[left-of-center2012]

I have had some memory problems the past year and my primary care doctor sent me to see a neurologist who says I have 'border line' dementia.
On one test I scored a 21 out of a possible 30,
and on another I scored a 25, where 26 and up is considered good.

She prescribed the anti-depressant Bupropion Sr 100 mg (Wellbutrin) for me, saying it has a side effect of helping improve memory.
When I picked the medication up at the pharmacy they gave me a handout with it and both sides of the sheet emphasized the possibility of having suicidal thoughts due to the medication.

The pharmacist was not present at the moment, and I didn't read the handout until I got home.

Has anyone here been on Bupropion Sr and how much of a concern is that?

I am not suicidal, but the thought that the med may cause such thoughts worries me to the point I don't know if I want to take the medication.

I do intend to follow up with my doctors and the pharmacist,
but would like to hear from any one who may have taken the drug.

Any input is appreciated.
Thanks

[Freddie]

1. I take it for low-grade depression

100 mg/day is a low dose. I take 200 mg (100mg 2x day). Wellbutrin is not as SSRI like Prozac or Paxil. It will give you more energy and a bit more motivation to do things rather than just sit around or sleep all the time, at least that's what it does for me. Back in the 90s my mom had a very severe depression and Wellbutrin was the one med that helped. 200 or 300 mg/day is the common dosage. Also it's the one depression med that does not cause weight gain!

[left-of-center2012]

4. "100 mg/day is a low dose. I take 200 mg (100mg 2x day)"

I'm to go up to 200 after 6 days.

[DK504]

2. I have been on it for depression.

Wasn't too terribly impressed, I finally got a genetic test for the efficacy of medications we take. It changed everything. I was able to get off 2 medications and got soemthing that acually helps break down the medications I take. It's all very genetic-y, so I can't explain it too well, it's a minute piece of folic acid that helps break down the necessary meds and absorb what we take.

It's called L-Methylolate.

[left-of-center2012]

3. "... genetic test for the efficacy of medications we take"

Thanks.
I'll ask my docs abo0ut that.

[TenHouseCats]

8. L-Methlyfolate is the "bioavailable" form of folate/folic acid.

This is the third time I''ve tried to write this, but tablet keeps eating it, so don't want to push my luck. Do a search for DEPLIN, which is branded version of L-Methyl, but does explain how it works. It requires a scrip, but as it's not technically a drug, it isn't covered by insurance, last I knew. You can get it online from many places, as well as drug-store chains.

I went to a "neurological institute" that stole 16 vials of blood from me, and tested it for all sorts of things--that's where i got the diagnosis of the folate processing problem.

as for wellbutrin. i tried it once years ago--no response at all. At least no bad side effects! (Didn't help me quit smoking, either.)

[left-of-center2012]

5. Thanks to each of you for your response

Remember, I said I have some problem with memory.

And now that I think of it,
it seems most of the talk about suicidal thoughts referenced young adults.

So as I am to begin at one a day, I'll give it a try.

Again, thanks!

[Warpy]

6. It's mostly used as an antidepressant and people who are deeply depressed

will often start having suicidal thoughts when the depression is starting to lift and they have more energy but they really aren't feeling better yet. That's the problem with our antidepressants, they take weeks to work well.

The handout isn't that much for people experiencing forgetfulness/borderline dementia. It will perk up your thought processes and make Sunday crosswords a little easier but you probably won't notice much else.

Just keep an eye on your blood pressure, it can raise it in some people. Other than that, it's one of the better drugs and has fewer side effects than most of them.

[left-of-center2012]

7. I talked to my pharmacist

She said the warnings about suicidal thoughts and seizures are targeted more to teens and young adults.
I'm 71.

She said I should be aware of any changes in mood, but did not specify.

Years ago I was on Prednisone and it made me bitchy,
so my friends said.