Question:
Off Wellbutrin after surgery - do I need gradually decrease dosage?

My surgeon told me I would not need to take wellbutrin (200mg) after surgery. I recall hearing that wellbutrin needs to be decrease in increments to avoid problems. <br><br> My surgery is Dec. 17th, 2002 and I'm trying to take care of everything I can think of...plus shopping for Xmas!<br><br> Does anybody have experience with Wellbutrin decreases prior to surgery?<br><br> Thanks much.    — Deborah N. (posted on November 29, 2002)

November 29, 2002
Deborah, If you are taking Welbutrin for depression, you will probably still need it after surgery. I was taking it before and 6 months post-op am still taking it. I did cut back to none prior to surgery and, because of complications, did not get back on it till about 4 months out. However, your question was whether you needed to gradually reduce the dose. The answer is 'YES'. Please talk to the doctor who prescribed it for you. My psychiatrist is very familiar with the various anti-depressants and had me gradually reduce the dose leading up to surgery. When I was finally able to eat and drink again, we gradually increased the dose back up.
   — garw

November 29, 2002
Hey... Surgery Twin... my date is Dec. 17th also! Just wanted to say I have done the same thing with Celexa. It was just slowly tapered down until I was completely off of it. No problem with it at all. Congratulations on your surgery... wishing you a speedy recovery too!
   — Sheryl W.

November 29, 2002
I have been on Wellbutrin for a few years now and I spoke with my doc about getting off it due to the fact that the extended release will pose a problem after surgery. I stopped taking it all together about a week ago am I feel fine. There really aren't any side effects when going off it, but check with your doc to be certain.
   — Rachel W.

November 29, 2002
I, too, take Wellbutrin and plan on continuing it. I have not spoken to one person or doctor that say WLS cures depression. I don't see how it could. Is the doctor you are referring to a GP or your Psychiatrist. I would get the advice of my Psych doctor first. Mine did not say a thing about my Wellbutrin, but was concerened about my Lithium because of where it is absorbed in the intestine. You may want to do more research.
   — Kim DeHart

November 30, 2002
I was taking wellbutrin prior to surgery. I am 17 months out now. I just recently learned that my wellbutrin were "sr" surpressed release.Those don't work on people with gastric bypass. They are not in your system long enough to get the benefits.. So i have discontinued them. Definately check with your dr.There are many other pills out there that would be just as effective... thanks Sharon S.
   — Sharon S.

November 30, 2002
<br> Thanks so much for the answers to this question. Since I knew that some medicine could not be used after gastric bypass, I asked my surgeon which ones from my list I would continue to use. He named a few but mentioned I probably wouldn't use the Wellbutrin. It was one of those quicky questions that I plan to follow-up with my primary doctor. <br><br> I guess I was just as concerned with getting pills "stuck" in my pouch and wondered which ones to be concerned about. I had heard that pills needed to have a "dissolve" factor to work well.<br><br> I know I'll need to spend some time learning more about the malabsorption process to keep myself informed. <br><br> I have met a few people undergoing the surgery that do not have the opportunity to find info on the internet or from groups like this one. I appreciate being able to ask questions here. It's a recognized resource that many people have no access. I wonder how they can be comfortable in getting all their answers from their doctors.<br><br>
   — Deborah N.

December 1, 2002
SERIOUSLY - you need to work with the doctor that prescribed the Wellbutrin. DO NOT take yourself off this drug. It needs to be weaned. AND you may still need Wellbutrin after the surgery. WLS does not CURE depression. Alot of folks experience MORE depression after surgery and still need the anti-depressants.
   — Marianne K.