Brand Names: Wellbutrin, Zyban
Generic Name: Bupropion
This medication is not meant for treatment without a specialist's intervention.
Common Uses:
Wellbutrin (Bupropion) is an atypical antidepressant used to treat major depressive disorder (MDD), seasonal affective disorder (SAD), and to assist with smoking cessation. It works differently than common SSRIs by inhibiting the reuptake of dopamine and norepinephrine, which can improve energy, motivation, and mood without causing weight gain or sexual dysfunction.
How to Take
Wellbutrin is available in extended-release (XL) and sustained-release (SR).
Wellbutrin XL (Extended-Release) has to be taken once daily; typically used for long-term management of depression.
Wellbutrin SR (Sustained-Release) has to be taken twice daily; often used for depression or smoking cessation.
Tablets should be swallowed whole; they should not be crushed or chewed.
Many people start to notice improvements in energy levels within 1 - 2 weeks, but full antidepressant effects typically develop over 4 - 6 weeks.
Side Effects
Possible side effects of Wellbutrin (Bupropion) include dry mouth, headache, increased sweating, constipation, anxiety and fatigue may occur. If these effects persist or worsen, notify your doctor. Side effects other than those listed here may also occur. Talk to your doctor about any side effect that seems unusual or that is especially bothersome.
Warning and Precautions
Before taking Wellbutrin (Bupropion), tell your doctor if you have a history of seizures, head injury, brain tumor; heart, liver or kidney disease, an eating disorder or any mental conditions, diabetes or if you have any allergies. Do not take Wellbutrin (Bupropion) if you have epilepsy or another type of seizure disorder, or if you have ever been diagnosed with anorexia or bulimia. Alcohol can increase your risk of seizures. Limit or avoid consumption of alcoholic beverages. Chronic alcohol users who suddenly stop the intake of alcohol while taking Wellbutrin (Bupropion) may increase the risk of having seizures. Suddenly stopping certain tranquilizers (e.g., Diazepam, Clordiazepoxide) is not recommended because doing so may increase the risk of having seizures. Elderly patients may be more sensitive to the effects of this drug. Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant before taking this drug. Do not take Wellbutrin (Bupropion) without first talking to your doctor if you are breast-feeding a baby.
Drug Interactions
Do not take Wellbutrin (Bupropion) if you have taken a monoamine oxidase inhibitor (MAOI), such as Isocarboxazid (Marplan), Phenelzine (Nardil), or Tranylcypromine (Parnate) in the last 14 days. Many drugs can interact with Wellbutrin (Bupropion), resulting in side effects and/ or decreased effectiveness of the medication. Talk to your doctor and/or pharmacist before taking any prescription or over-the-counter medicines, including herbal products.
Missed Dose
If you miss a dose of this medicine, skip the missed dose and take only your next regularly scheduled dose. Do not take a double dose.
Notes
Do not share Wellbutrin (Bupropion) with others for whom it was not prescribed, since they may have a problem that is not effectively treated by this drug.
Storage:
Store Wellbutrin (Bupropion) at room temperature away from moisture, heat, and light. Remove any cotton from the bottle of disintegrating tablets, and keep the bottle tightly closed.
All the information given above is a summary. You have visit your doctor to get more information about this medicine. Do not share Wellbutrin (Bupropion) with others for whom it was not prescribed. Do not use this medicine for other health conditions. Do not store the medication with an end term of its storage.
