wellbutrin

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Permalink Reply by Karen L on November 12, 2009 at 12:08am

I think you'll definitely need to keep an open mind and stay positive. Wellbutrin has been used for treating ADHD but it's not as effective as stimulants. It may take up to two months to really see a difference with the wellbutrin, whereas stimulants are immediate. Give it a try and see what happens. I also strongly recommend getting into therapy/counseling to help you cope with all the ups and downs of this crazy condition. I believe therapy and medication goes hand in hand. Good luck and keep us posted!

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Permalink Reply by youseetherealme on November 12, 2009 at 4:59pm

Elisa:
When I started taking Wellbutrin 150 mg I noticed some difference pretty soon after. It helped me be more alert. The dosage was increased to 300mg and that is where it is at now. It is an antidepressant with a stimulant. It helped me alot-but it does take 8 weeks for full effectiveness. I am now taking Concerta as well-but if I wasn't able to take Concerta-Wellbutrin alone made a significant difference in my life.
As Karen L stated meds and therapy go hand in hand. I started meds first then therapy after meds kicked in.
Take Care and keep us posted.
Janice

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Permalink Reply by Elisa James on November 13, 2009 at 9:18pm

Thanks to you both Janice and Karen,
Yes I will try to stay positive.
What kind of therapy do you know about? I looked into one coach on line but it cost a small fortune.
I don't really know if anykind of therapy is covered by insurance - I will need to check.

Does any one use the psychiatrist as their therapist? THey are covered of course.

thanks again,


Janice said:

Elisa:
When I started taking Wellbutrin 150 mg I noticed some difference pretty soon after. It helped me be more alert. The dosage was increased to 300mg and that is where it is at now. It is an antidepressant with a stimulant. It helped me alot-but it does take 8 weeks for full effectiveness. I am now taking Concerta as well-but if I wasn't able to take Concerta-Wellbutrin alone made a significant difference in my life.
As Karen L stated meds and therapy go hand in hand. I started meds first then therapy after meds kicked in.
Take Care and keep us posted.
Janice

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Permalink Reply by Karen L on November 13, 2009 at 10:29pm

Elisa - My therapist is a Licensed Clinical Psychologist. It is my experience that Psychologists provide better emotional support while Psychiatrists provide medical support. Typically, Child Psychologists are best equipped to treat ADHD because typically ADHD is a childhood condition (although I think this thinking is slowly changing as more and more adults are being diagnosed and treated).

ADHD Coaches can help you with organization problems and be a strong source of positive reinforcement and give you tips and suggestions to help get your life on track. However, I don't have a coach so I am just giving my opinion based on what I've read.

Most insurance policies have some sort of mental health provisions. My insurance only provides 20 visits annually with my therapist. But they do cover 90% of each visit. So, when my therapist costs $160/visit, it only costs me $16 out of pocket. Every policy is different so check with your insurance company. And if they don't cover a Psychologist, there are other options. Sometimes colleges have reduced cost counseling. Sometimes a local public health organization can provide services. It takes research but worth it.

Good luck, Elisa. Keep us posted. :)

Karen

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Permalink Reply by youseetherealme on November 14, 2009 at 12:07am

I see a psychiatrist in Brantford for therapy and meds. I am going through Workbook called "Mind Over Moods" done at home a few chapters a month and discuss at next appt. At this time Coaches and other options that have a fee aren't an option for me.

Elisa James said:

Thanks to you both Janice and Karen,
Yes I will try to stay positive.
What kind of therapy do you know about? I looked into one coach on line but it cost a small fortune.
I don't really know if anykind of therapy is covered by insurance - I will need to check.

Does any one use the psychiatrist as their therapist? THey are covered of course.

thanks again,


Janice said:

Elisa:
When I started taking Wellbutrin 150 mg I noticed some difference pretty soon after. It helped me be more alert. The dosage was increased to 300mg and that is where it is at now. It is an antidepressant with a stimulant. It helped me alot-but it does take 8 weeks for full effectiveness. I am now taking Concerta as well-but if I wasn't able to take Concerta-Wellbutrin alone made a significant difference in my life.
As Karen L stated meds and therapy go hand in hand. I started meds first then therapy after meds kicked in.
Take Care and keep us posted.
Janice

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Permalink Reply by C. on November 18, 2009 at 9:23pm

I was given Wellbutrin for depression and it did let me focus a little bit better, but its not anything close to what dexedrine is already doing. It can take a few weeks for it to kick in...but I had no real problems with it and thought it was a great med.

Just an FYI though, the generic and brand-name extended release Wellbutrin's have the same bioequivalency, but how the medicine is released in your body can vary between brands, i.e. one brand releases more medicine more quickly than another does. Most people have *no* effects from this, but if you are titrating up and start feeling worse, see if you are taking the med made by the same manufacturer as the lower dose. The names/manufacturers are: Wellbutrin/GSK, Budeprion/Teva, BuPROpion/Watson (my spelling could be off and more companies may make it now).

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