14 replies to this topic

[tarbtl]

Hey guys,

I tried my friend's Wellbutrin SR recently (at 150mg 2x day) and the difference between that and the 300mg XL I've been taking for months now has been night and day! I immediately had my doc switch me to the SR.

Unfortunately, after a few days of taking it, I developed a severe allergic reaction to the stuff. Here's what happens;

1) Skin dries up all over my face especially my nose.
2) I get BAD hives all over my hands, feet and ass.
3) EXTERMELY painful cysts on and between my fingers, toes and even on my TONGUE. These hurt VERY bad and take a long time to go away.

The severity of these symptoms gradually go away upon discontinuation of the SR. None of this happens when I take XL.

What could this be caused by? The coating on the SR? Fillers?

As a side-note; the only other supplement or product that causes similar symptoms for me is ephedrine HCL, after about 2 weeks of continued use.

Any info is appreciated, guys.

Edited by tarbtl, 06 November 2007 - 11:11 PM.

[purerealm]

im guessing the SR is generic and the XR is brand name

[tarbtl]

No. Both brand-name.

[theta]

I'm not sure I follow what you mean. If you mean the SR causes
problems and the XL does not that likely is the result of reaching
faster and higher plasma levels of wellbutrin with the SR formula.
The XL would release over a longer time keeping blood levels lower
than the SR formula. If you mean the opposite situation I have no idea.

[tarbtl]

Don't think it has anything to do with the actual Bupropion.

I was wondering if anyone has any experience with what kind of fillers XR uses, etc.

SR = gives me severe allergic reactions. XL = does not. simple as that. both brand names.

Edited by tarbtl, 06 November 2007 - 11:10 PM.

[theta]

XR = gives me severe allergic reactions. XL = does not. simple as that. both brand names.

Oh I see I processed XR and XL as the same thing.

[tarbtl]

My bad. There is no such thing as "XR" I meant "SR". Brain-fog induced typo.. I didn't even notice.

[davidjhodson]

For what it's worth, it's probably whatever coating is on the time-release portion of the capsule... though I have no clue what that coating would be...

[theta]

My bad. There is no such thing as "XR" I meant "SR".  Brain-fog induced typo.. I didn't even notice.

It's called Wellbutrin XL in the US and Wellbutrin XR in some other
countries I think. My original hypothesis likely explains the reason for
the different reactions then.

[tarbtl]

Could it be the purple coating? What if I dropped it in a glass of whatever for a few minutes. Bad idea?

[theta]

Skin irritation is a common side effect from wellbutrin I had itchy skin on 450 mg SR daily (I took generic).

[niner]

If you google wellbutrin and hives, you get a lot of hits. It sounds as though allergic-type reactions are not unheard of with it. My first inclination was the same as yours; that it was a component of the SR controlled release material. In principle you're getting the same dose of wellbutrin, but the night and day response you had relative to the XL suggests that you're really getting more with the SR. I seem to recall hearing that the XL is a less efficient delivery system, i.e. some of the wellbutrin doesn't get out, so your dose might be lower there. So... it might be the drug itself, or maybe it's something specific to the SR. Here's some info from the manufacturer: ( http://us.gsk.com/pr...ellbutrinSR.pdf )

Allergic Reactions: Anaphylactoid/anaphylactic reactions characterized by symptoms such as pruritus, urticaria, angioedema, and dyspnea requiring medical treatment have been reported in clinical trials with bupropion. In addition, there have been rare spontaneous postmarketing reports of erythema multiforme, Stevens-Johnson syndrome, and anaphylactic shock associated with bupropion. A patient should stop taking WELLBUTRIN SR and consult a doctor if experiencing allergic or anaphylactoid/anaphylactic reactions (e.g., skin rash, pruritus, hives, chest pain, edema, and shortness of breath) during treatment.
Arthralgia, myalgia, and fever with rash and other symptoms suggestive of delayed hypersensitivity have been reported in association with bupropion. These symptoms may resemble serum sickness.

So that doesn't sound too promising...

Could it be the purple coating? What if I dropped it in a glass of whatever for a few minutes. Bad idea?

Could be, or maybe not. I think trying to wash it off is probably not a good idea. You can get a non-sustained release version. It's cheap, at least. You'd have to take it four times a day though. Another possibility is a lower dose of SR. You can get 100mg. Or maybe a higher dose of XR? The problem with messing with it is the allergic response is pretty gnarly. You should have some benedryl on hand at the very least. You might want some steroids too. From the sound of things, I'd use prednisone. (short course only.) It really sucks to be cut out of a drug that's working well for you because of a weird side effect.

[tarbtl]

I'll give the SR one last shot starting tomorrow morning to see if the allergic reaction returns. If it does, then it's back to good ol' XL... I'd love to go for 450mg of XL but the maximum prescribed dose in Canada is 300mg unfortunately...

My friend does have a bottle of 30x150mgXL. Would it be safe to take 300mgXL in the morning and a 150mgXL in the afternoon?

Hrmm... anyways. We'll see. I'll update soon. Thanks for the help guys.

[rebuild101]

I'll give the SR one last shot starting tomorrow morning to see if the allergic reaction returns. If it does, then it's back to good ol' XL... I'd love to go for 450mg of XL but the maximum prescribed dose in Canada is 300mg

So even if you went to another doctor, he wouldn't prescribe 450 mg? Is it essentially illegal to prescribe more than 300 mg or is just the recommended limit? Remember you seizure risk goes up the higher you go. I definitely do not recommend over 450 mg.

[tarbtl]

I'll give the SR one last shot starting tomorrow morning to see if the allergic reaction returns. If it does, then it's back to good ol' XL... I'd love to go for 450mg of XL but the maximum prescribed dose in Canada is 300mg

So even if you went to another doctor, he wouldn't prescribe 450 mg? Is it essentially illegal to prescribe more than 300 mg or is just the recommended limit? Remember you seizure risk goes up the higher you go. I definitely do not recommend over 450 mg.

Yes it is essentially illegal. We have weird laws here in Canada (doctors can prescribe Adderall XR, but not XL, etc.)