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What Are The Side Effects Of Wellbutrin Overdose?

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Posted on Thu, 25 May 2017
Question: My doctor who prescribes Wellbutrin for ADHD said that too much of it can cause a "cripple" in an enzyme (thinking kidney) that controls the level of Fluvoxamine and Seroquel in my blood and can cause a large surge in these drugs.
I am taking 300 mg. of Bupoprion (Wellbutrin) for ADHD and psych doctor will not go up on dose as he warned me. I cannot tolerate stimulants due to heart and blood pressure issues. I have Bradycardia, so the old b.p. pill guanfacine seems to be out of the question...though my heart rate is a bit higher than previously. Now it is about 45 - 66, depending on activity or stress. I take Lisinopril (30 mg. in a.m.) and Amlodipine Besylate if Systolic is over 140 early in the day.

My doctor has diagnosed ADHD In my mid/late 50s. For 30 years many doctors had a bipolar diagnosis, or Hypomania...I have major depression but the hyperactivity seemed to mimic Mania, though I sleep fine after taking Trazedone at night. If really tired I don't need much (3-6 mg) of Melatonin.

There is an enzyme that a higher dose of Wellbutrin could affect in my liver or kidneys, that, if there is too much of a dose (I am now taking 300 mg. mainly for ADHD), like an increase to 450 mg., it can cause extremely high blood readings of my Fluvoxamine (300 mg.) and Seroquel (25-50 mg). And that would (could) be dangerous.

Does any of this sound familiar? Can you tell me which enzyme this is? I still have trouble with hyperactivity, especially talkativeness and tardiness. The only remote possibility there could be is the old guanfacine blood pressure drug now being used for ADHD (I cannot remember its new name, but I already have Bradycardia (45-66 pulse). I have seen a new PCP Internist and she has my old records from all UW clinics at her disposal. My former doctor refused to work with my blood pressure meds. He is no longer covered by my insurance company.
Any suggestions?

Thank you in advance, XXXXXXX



doctor
Answered by Dr. Dr. Ashok Kumar Choudhary (20 hours later)
Brief Answer:
The enzyme is called CYP2B6

Detailed Answer:
Dear XXXXXXX
Thanks for using Healthcaremagic.

I read your query with keen interest and understand your concerns.

The metabolism of seroqul, fluvoxamine and bupropion is done by liver enzyme called as CYP2B6. Although bupropion do not inhibit the enzyme but fluvoxamine dose it. In that situation the level of bupropion can reach a level which could lead to development of seizures.

The possibility is high as seroquel, fluvoxamine, wellbutrin all decrease the seizure threshold for most of us.

In my opinion your doctor is taking right approach as increasing the dose of wellbutrin can cause more harm than the expected benefits.

I hope this answers you.
If you have more questions feel free to write back to me.
Thanks and regards.
Note: For more detailed guidance, please consult an Internal Medicine Specialist, with your latest reports. Click here..

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
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Answered by
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Dr. Dr. Ashok Kumar Choudhary

Psychiatrist

Practicing since :2000

Answered : 3351 Questions

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What Are The Side Effects Of Wellbutrin Overdose?

Brief Answer: The enzyme is called CYP2B6 Detailed Answer: Dear XXXXXXX Thanks for using Healthcaremagic. I read your query with keen interest and understand your concerns. The metabolism of seroqul, fluvoxamine and bupropion is done by liver enzyme called as CYP2B6. Although bupropion do not inhibit the enzyme but fluvoxamine dose it. In that situation the level of bupropion can reach a level which could lead to development of seizures. The possibility is high as seroquel, fluvoxamine, wellbutrin all decrease the seizure threshold for most of us. In my opinion your doctor is taking right approach as increasing the dose of wellbutrin can cause more harm than the expected benefits. I hope this answers you. If you have more questions feel free to write back to me. Thanks and regards.