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    #1

    Wellbutrin

    Hi, I am ready to quit drinking and I have been reading some of the threads here. I like what I have found so far and hope to find support to help me through this rough time.
    I have a question:
    I have been taking Wellbutrin for several years and have been drinking the whole time. The warnings are to not stop drinking abruptly as there is a risk of seizures. I don't think it's a good idea for me to try to cut back gradually, that hasn't worked out for me. Does anyone have experience with this? Should I be concerned stopping col turkey? My drinking has been daily, moderate to heavy with occasional black outs.

    :new:
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    #2
    Wellbutrin

    Hi, amethyst:
    Wellbutrin itself has a risk of seizures and alcohol withdrawal has that risk too. Combined, the risk is of course greater. So definitely don't go cold turkey. I would consult w your physician. Hope that helps.
    Alcoholic (or Ally)

    "Only a fool knows everything.
    A wise man knows how little he knows."

    Please feel free to block/ignore my posts through your control panel.

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      #3
      Wellbutrin

      Thanks Alcoholic!
      That's what I'm thinking but my problem is stopping once I have had even a single drink.
      ... and I was trying to avoid the talk with the Dr. I'm recently unemployed and concerned about being uninsurable.

      Comment

        #4
        Wellbutrin

        Amerhyst:

        Oh wow, that's a tough one. Do you plan on getting Cobra? If obamacare stands (not advocating you vote one way or another though.... ) you won't be denied coverage. Another way is to see physicians out of pocket and that way insurance companies cannot track you based on previous records.
        Alcoholic (or Ally)

        "Only a fool knows everything.
        A wise man knows how little he knows."

        Please feel free to block/ignore my posts through your control panel.

        Comment

          #5
          Wellbutrin

          Sorry Alcoholic, that's not true. If the insurance company asks the doctor, they will respond, whether they were paid by the insurance company, another insurance company or cash.
          You might be able to go to a different doctor for just this problem, and as long as your primary care physician never finds out, you might be okay. But as doctor's generally tell the primary care physician what they are doing, that might not work.

          I wouldn't want to see you get yourself in a pickle. Your concern about affecting your future eligibility is well founded. However, if you find you cannot do it "on your own", you may have no other choice.
          Wally22:confusedmonkey::confusedmonkey::confusedmo nkey:
          If I don't want to brag but I can still wear the earings I wore in highschool
          November 2, 2012

          Comment

            #6
            Wellbutrin

            Yea, Wally is right about the insurance co asking the primary physician, they will reveal it.
            And if you go to a specialist they may contact your pcp and reveal it.

            So, the other way around it find a new pcp and pay cash for this pcp, once detoxed (assumes they will detox outpatient), then you can go back to your old pcp. It's a horrible mess isn't it?! What a pain.
            Alcoholic (or Ally)

            "Only a fool knows everything.
            A wise man knows how little he knows."

            Please feel free to block/ignore my posts through your control panel.

            Comment

              #7
              Wellbutrin

              hi aj,i think in this situation you have no choice but to go to the dr,you dont wanna have a seizure! im surprised you still drank on wellbutrin,my dr tried to give me that to quit smoking and drinking,i was too afraid of the side effects,welcome and good luck to you!
              I have too much shit to do today and tomorrow to drink:sohappy:

              I'm taking care of the "tomorrow me":thumbsup:
              Drinkin won't help a damn thing! Will only make me sick for DAYS and that ugly, spacey dumb feeling-no thanks!

              Comment

                #8
                Wellbutrin

                Hi amethyst, and welcome to MWO. I don't know much about the meds, but sounds like a double whammy so I would find another temp. doctor also. I personally went to mine and asked for help, and also am unemployed at the moment, so hope it doesn't screw me later, but it was so worth it at the time. I couldn't take the symptoms of withdrawal, it was HELL. Good luck and let us know how you are doing!
                Kdog:welcome:
                Reflect upon your present blessingings, of which every man has many; not on your past misfortunes, of which all men have some

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                  #9
                  Wellbutrin

                  Dear Amythyst,

                  I've been on Wellbutrin for six years and have stopped/cut back drinking at least a dozen times. I also have an rx for ativan which helps with panic attacks but have only had that for two years. I've never had a seizure. I'm not advising you medically, but want to let you know that if may be absolutely fine. If you're afraid, maybe mention to your md your fear of panic and get an rx for a mild sedative.

                  Comment

                    #10
                    Wellbutrin

                    Raven2012;1406403 wrote: Dear Amythyst,

                    I've been on Wellbutrin for six years and have stopped/cut back drinking at least a dozen times. I also have an rx for ativan which helps with panic attacks but have only had that for two years. I've never had a seizure. I'm not advising you medically, but want to let you know that if may be absolutely fine. If you're afraid, maybe mention to your md your fear of panic and get an rx for a mild sedative.
                    :welcome: Amythyst,

                    This is what's great about these threads we get ta talking & more keeps rolling out. I think I see where Raven may be headed here. Your already Rxd Wellbutrin, but were not sure what diagnosis is for, we can assume it's for depression, tho it's none of our business. If it is depression, anxiety & panic often are close cousins.

                    Maybe your GP will RX the Antivan, also some BP meds. Tho librium or diazepam are better Med's for detoxing. I did this 3 times at home over the yrs. Last couple of times I used beer as I'd pretty much said Sayonara to the hard stuff. I've been able to titrate down using beer a few times. Believe me I do understand about having one & the whole craving shite starts & can't stop usually. Eat a big meal first & using beer to come down & have somebody stay with you. Stay on your Wellbutrin.

                    Feel very bad that you've lost your Ins. depending whether or not you can afford Cobra or not. Your drinking history, medical history, age should all be factored into your decision. Really you should be under a Dr's supervision. I'm sure you know this, but very understandable why you don't want in your records in case you may have to take out a personal policy down the road. You could be denied. If in US, unless Obama care 2014 is implemented, pre-existing still exists.

                    We have some very smart & caring people on our Meds forums here at MWO that you may pose your questions to as well.

                    I was an every which way type of drinker, for way too many years. Yes, blackouts were part of my resume. I know you have some obstacles to over come, but you can do this!!!... I swear you can!... We just need you to be safe!... Have somebody with you!... :l

                    Comment

                      #11
                      Wellbutrin

                      Hi Amythyst.

                      One more thought as I read about your insurance situation. You could just go to a walk in clinic - not ER - and pay cash. They are about $100-$150 for an office visit (in my area, prices vary) and the RX. The generic for ativan is fairly inexpensive if I recall. CVS has a walk in clinic, many cities have "urgent care" facilities where you just pay cash for a Dr's visit. This may be easier and less costly than taking out a policy for your immediate needs, plus, you get to protect your privacy on this one.

                      Comment

                        #12
                        Wellbutrin

                        Thank you everyone for your replies. I'm doing better today (so far). I have my reasons why I am not going to any Dr with this. I do know you all mean well but my question was if anyone had had any experience with this medication, the potential seizures are a real threat. I am not having panic attacks and I am not BP so I don't need additional meds for other conditions. I will find "my way out" of this. I actually discussed it with hubby last night and we have a plan to gradually decrease my al intake and it will be administered by him, like a med I have to take given by him. He and I both know that it could be a challenge but with his help I am going to just do this. Again, thanks for your replies, I know that everyone is trying to be so helpful and I sincerely appreciate that.

                        Comment

                          #13
                          Wellbutrin

                          Good. I'm glad you got a plan going! Sounds like your husband will be there to support you and you won't be alone! So happy for you!
                          Alcoholic (or Ally)

                          "Only a fool knows everything.
                          A wise man knows how little he knows."

                          Please feel free to block/ignore my posts through your control panel.

                          Comment

                            #14
                            Wellbutrin

                            I'm also glad you have a plan of action & that you have support!...

                            I did take Wellbutrin once yrs back for about 4-6wks. Think I was drinking pretty good at the time, but like I said before, I have drank every which way for 30+ yrs & can't remember my complete time line, history. I will have to write this all out at some point. But, since I didn't take it long, it didn't have any effect on me coming off of it. I just didn't like Wellbutrin, but know it helps many.

                            I think you will be OK, your hubs will be there to. I think many times it's all this fear that is really the main part of it. Of course the manufacture's have to put everything possible on the labels.

                            You are on the road to sobriety ~ recovery now. A healthier & happy life awaits you! You can & will do this!!!....

                            My best wishes for you! :h

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