Question:
Wellbutrin SR - any good for long term posties?

Hi folks, my physician just prescribed Wellbutrin SR for me today. She is starting me off with 75 mgs and wants to build me up to 200 mgs over 10-14 days. I was reading in the library that the SR may not be good for those of us with gastric bypass as it is time released. Are there any of you longer term posties (2 or more yrs) taking this med without problems? This is my first expirience with antidepressants and I know sometimes it takes a few tries to find one that works...Also, does this med affect appetite in anyway? Any input would be greatly appreciated. Thanks. -Kim open RNY 7/17/01 282/140/125    — KimBo36 (posted on October 20, 2003)

October 20, 2003
I have been on anti-depressants for 12 years or so. A year ago, because my previous medicine quit working properly, I was switched to Wellbutrin SR with good results. HOwever, 1 month prior to my surgery, my PCP switched it to regular Wellbutrin. He said, and my surgeon agreed, that we bypass patients do not absorb timed released medicine and I was put on the regular. I take 2 Wellbutrin morning and evening, and I have had no problems whatsoever. I didn't even have the "First Month Depression" that I was warned about. I wouldn't take any chance with the timed release. It is a stressful enough time without having your medicine not work. Most surgeons agree that you should not use timed released medicine or vitamins for that matter. Good luck!
   — Denise B.

October 20, 2003
I have been on Wellbutrin for two years now. Almost 1 year post-op. I have had no problems and think it must be working as I am experiencing absolutely no depression. In fact, it is scary how really great I am feeling. I am treating myself better than I ever have in my life! I love the way I look and feel thanks to WLS. RNY 11/14/02 down 130lbs.
   — cathy G.

October 20, 2003
NO! I was taking the SR before WLS... my depression got worse afterward. The SR was the problem. I was taking 150 mg Welbutrin SR twice a day. Now I take Welbutrin 100 mg twice a day. Welbutrin is NOT time release, but the SR form is. GET OFF OF IT!
   — Danmark

October 20, 2003
My husband is 6 months post RNY and our doctor put him on Wellbutrin SR 250mg once a day, then up to 2 x per day after a couple of weeks. He had no problems taking it once a day. (I was concerned about the sustained release aspect.) However, when he upped it to two a day, he started having some mild but annoying side effects, so dropped back to once a day. I can tell you, it has given me back my "old" husband, so I think he will be on this a long time. He also dropped about 4 lbs after staying the same for a few weeks, and he notices no difference in his appetite. My advice: give it a try! (I think sometimes we read things on this board that are repeated so often they are treated as fact, when there may not be any scientific research to back up the statements.)
   — koogy