Bupropion (Wellbutrin SR) for quitting methamphetamine

[merlion497]

Swim got a prescription for Wellbutrin SR 150mg from the doctor 2 weeks ago to help quit smoking meth. Swim got no adverse side effects (lucky huh) and it really has helped. 2 weeks clean so that speaks for itself. Now Wellbutrin SR apparently helps quit cigarettes as well, and through that swim can provide more information because swim still occasionally smokes. Swim finds that he’s smoking out of habit more than craving. Just as something to do. Swim did not even go into this with the plan of quitting cigarettes, it just came. The relaxation and "high" normally provided by cigarettes was not the same as when swim wasn't on Wellbutrin SR. Swim cannot say for sure because he has yet to relapse on meth, but figures that it works similar with meth, and that it just isn't the same high on Wellbutrin. The best part of Wellbutrin is that swim found himself with moderate energy in the first week, after quitting cold turkey. Swim had tried previously without the help of medication and the lethargy and sleepiness was completely unbearable. Not sure if anyone else can relate, but swim would sit on the couch and think, "damn, the bathroom is far... damn far..."
Swim feels like for the first time in a long time, he finally showing some signs towards feeling normal. Swim couldn't even remember what normal felt like 2 weeks ago. Now don’t misunderstand, Swim has a long long long way to go. But swim is getting what could be described as a déjà vu of what it feels like to be normal.
Some days are amazing, huge energy (comparatively speaking). Then the next day, way less. But anyway, my point is to say, Wellbutrin seems to be helping swim a lot. And swim would recommend it to anyone whose main hindrance in quitting is the lethargy/ sleepiness. Plus it helps the blues too.

merlion497 added 16 Minutes and 48 Seconds later...

swim forgot to mention the effects on sleeping and appetite. swim wouldn't say that hes having trouble sleeping, because swims sleeping habits are the same as they have always been. about 2am swim can get to sleep and it is pretty sound sleep. The appetite is the downside of quitting. Swim can't say if it is the Wellbutrin, or just quitting meth in general. But the donut store knows swims name now. Swim craves sugary food like there is nothing else. And despite all the posts swim has read about avoiding these and going organic, is there anything more comforting then an apple fritter and a few glazed twists? Swim doesn't think so.

Reputation Comments on this post:

	Interesting experience, thanks for sharing this as another tool that can aid recovery
	Informative post.

[missparkles]

Swim was pleased to read this as she's been thinking of using this to help her quit smoking. She's heard that swim will have to be careful as it does have some major side effects. Thanks for posting swiys experience, all swim has to go on are the "official" contraindications for this drug. She much prefers to hear about it from others that have used it. Can swiy pm swim with more detailed info, when they have time? The more she knows the better prepared she'll be, if she decides to use this meds. Thanks.
Oh and swim is heavily into donuts, comfort food...mmmmm.

Sparkles.

[DecoyPencil]

That is great news! SWIM is always glad to read of SWIMmers who are fighting to break free of meth. SWIM has read a lot of info suggesting that bupropion might be useful in helping people quit meth. This is because bupropion (Wellbutrin) is unique in the antidepressant world because it is a dopamine reuptake inhibitor. There is also some precedence for why it would help SWIY quit smoking as well. In fact some studies showed that it reduces the cravings by quite a bit.

Also glad to see that SWIY isn't experiencing any major side effects. It seems like the Wellbutrin is really helping SWIY with the crippling lethargy that many people experience when trying to quit meth. Congrats on two weeks of being clean and keep it up . Best of luck,

DecoyPencil

Reputation Comments on this post:

Good advice about bupropion and depression.

[kailey_elise]

Just need to chime in here about a potentially major side effect. SIK suffers with depression, and was interested in trying Welbutrin because it also helped with the smoking thing.

SIK first took it at about age 15, and nearly checked into a psych hospital after 3 weeks with serious suicidal ideations.

SIK took it again at age 30 (while in a psych ward), and within an hour started crying uncontrollably. This started to subside some, and started again within an hour of taking the day's second dose. Not sure if it was just a bad day, SIK took it again the next morning and AGAIN the crying started within the hour. SIK then discontinued the medication.

However, SIK's mother takes Welbutrin (she suffers with depression and ADD) and does quite well on it (one of the reasons the doctors decided to try SIK on it). So everyone's different.

Just thought I'd mention it as something to watch out for when starting this medication.

~Kailey