Expert: Dr. Ravindra Bhaskar Ghooi - 7/8/2009

Question
QUESTION: For years I've taken Wellbutrin XL at 150 mg a day as well as 300mg a day. I'm of the mind now that a dosage somewhere in between such as 250mg would be optimal, yet it doesn't exist from GSK. My question then is 1) Would a combination of Wellbutrin SR 150mg and 100 mg provide the desired effect? 2) would the two dosages be taken together in the morning and night, or separately as 150mg in the morning then 100mg at night, and 2) Would a compounding pharmacy be able to offer Wellbutrin XL in dosage not available from GSK?
Any thoughtful suggestions will be appreciated,
Silas


ANSWER: Hi Silas,
One will have to try out different schedules. Presently there is no way to tell which one would be better. Your question is very similar to one asked by another person and I think you can try out these schedules and decide for yourself.
Whether a compounding pharmacy can help you , will depend on whether the product has been made using bead technology or matrix technology. In case of matrix it would be easier to help you, with beads it might be more complicated. I have not seen the GSK product, I have seen it listed in my country so it is difficult for me to comment.
Ravi

---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: Do you mean to say that Wellbutrin XL is listed as an product available for compounding in India? It seems not to be here available as such in India.  Thanks Ravi

Answer
Hi Silas,
Wellbutrin is available in India under a different brand name from a different company. The technology used for formulation may or may not be similar to that used by GSK. If one wanted to reformulate the product it is possble will depend upon the availability and expertise of the compounding pharmacist. Since i have been working in this industry for over 35 years, I have friends who could do it for me, but that facility may or may not be available to you. That is what I meant.
Ravi