Goss: Zyban

[Goss]

Goss

 

I need tapering help for zyban 150mg extended release which I take in the UK for depression. Thanks.

Edited May 10, 2020 by Gridley

[Gridley]

Welcome to SA, Goss.

 

We recommend tapering by no more than 10% of your current dose every four weeks.

 

Why taper by 10% of my dosage?

 

The following link gives very specific instructions about tapering Zyban (Wellbutrin).  Please read it carefully,

 

 

Tips for tapering off Wellbutrin, SR, XR, XL (buproprion)

 

The link contains instructions on how to taper SR.  

 

We don't recommend a lot of supplements on SA, as many members report being sensitive to them due to our over-reactive nervous systems, but two supplements that we do recommend are magnesium (glycinate is a good form) and omega 3 (fish oil). Many people find these to be calming to the nervous system. 

 

Magnesium, nature's calcium channel blocker 

 

Omega-3 fatty acids (fish oil) 

 

Add in one at a time and at a low dose in case you do experience problems.

 

This is your Introduction topic, where you can ask questions and connect with other members.  We're glad you found your way here.

 

 

 

Edited May 10, 2020 by Gridley

[Goss]

The Zyban I have is 150mg SR.   I understood you can't cut SR pills.  Do I need to get IR Buproprion?

[Gridley]

  @Goss

 

The following link gives specific instructions about tapering Zyban (Wellbutrin).  Please read it carefully,

 

Tips for tapering off Wellbutrin, SR, XR, XL (buproprion)

 

The link contains instructions on how to taper SR.  From the link:

 

How to taper off bupropion SR (sustained release)
From FDA information: http://dailymed.nlm.nih.gov/dailymed/lookup.cfm?setid=b5d286ce-e23f-4dde-b400-cb4832172ece
- Available as brand-name or generic in 100 mg, 150 mg, 200 mg sustained-release tablets
- To be taken twice daily, "at least 8 hours between successive doses." (This is equivalent to 3-times daily immediate-release bupropion.)

According to Merck http://www.merckmanuals.com/professional/print/lexicomp/bupropion.html
 

  Quote

"Data from the manufacturer states that dividing Wellbutrin SR® tablets resulted in an increased rate of release at 15 minutes: “However, the divided tablet retained its sustained-release characteristics with similar increases of released bupropion at each sampling point beyond 15 minutes when compared to the intact Wellbutrin SR® tablet...” Bupropion is hydroscopic and therefore should be stored in a dry place. Splitting of large quantities in advance of administration is not advised since loss of potency may result. If necessary, splitting should be done cleanly without crushing."

 
In the name-brand Wellbutrin SR, the sustained-release quality is in the binder, the glue that holds the tablet together. Generic versions (which would be called bupropion SR, not Wellbutrin SR) may be made differently. Contact the manufacturer to find out exactly how the tablet is formulated, or talk to a pharmacist specializing in psychopharmacology.
 
I personally found you CAN cut Wellbutrin SR (sustained release) tablets up -- the timed-release mechanism is mixed in with the drug. Put the pieces in a water-tight container and use them up within 24 hours because the time-release binder can absorb humidity and degrade.

For a short time, I cut up generic 100mg bupropion SR and took 50mg in the morning, Wellbutrin XL 150mg a couple of hours later, and another SR 50mg in the early evening for a total of 250mg/day. (I never tolerated Wellbutrin very well.)

To taper, convert your dosage to 100mg SR tablets, cut up the 100mg tablets, make reductions by 25mg or less, take 2 times a day.
 
(Note: If you cut an SR tablet in very small fragments or crush it, it won't to continue to be sustained-release -- the binder is extensively damaged. Take in divided doses as though it was immediate-release.)

Taper with a mix of sustained-release (SR) and immediate-release (IR) tablets
As immediate-release tablets come in the smallest dosage of 75mg, which can be quartered into pieces of 18.75mg, you might want to convert part of your daily dose to IR tablets.

This will enable you to taper by 18.75mg at a time.

You might be able to get by with taking the SR tablet in the morning and the IR tablet at night.
 

 

 

Edited May 10, 2020 by Gridley

[Goss]

Admin:   I need information on how to safely stop taking Zyban 150mg?   The manufacturer says not to cut the pill so I can't do the 10% tapering.  Advise please.

[ChessieCat]

Hi Goss,

 

I've moved your new post to your Introduction topic.  Gridley has provided the link to tapering Zyban which is also known as Wellbutrin  The common drug name is bupropion.

 

Please ask questions about your own specific situation here in your Introduction topic.