Brand Names: Aplenzin, Budeprion, Wellbutrin, Wellbutrin SR, Wellbutrin XL, Zyban

Generic Name: Bupropion (oral) (byoo PRO pee on)

What is Wellbutrin?

Wellbutrin is used to treat major depressive disorder and seasonal affective disorder. At least one brand of bupropion (Zyban) is used to help people stop smoking by reducing cravings and other withdrawal effects.

Wellbutrin is an antidepressant medication. It works in the brain to treat depression.

Important information about Wellbutrin

Call your doctor at once if you have any new or worsening symptoms such as: mood or behavior changes, anxiety, panic attacks, trouble sleeping, or if you feel impulsive, irritable, agitated, hostile, aggressive, restless, hyperactive (mentally or physically), more depressed, or have thoughts about suicide or hurting yourself. Avoid drinking alcohol while taking Wellbutrin. Alcohol may increase your risk of a seizure while you are taking Wellbutrin.

You may have thoughts about suicide when you first start taking an antidepressant, especially if you are younger than 24 years old. Your doctor will need to check you at regular visits for at least the first 12 weeks of treatment.

Wellbutrin may cause seizures, especially in people with certain medical conditions or when using certain drugs. Tell your doctor about all of your medical conditions and the drugs you use.

Do not take Wellbutrin if you have taken a monoamine oxidase inhibitor (MAOI) such as isocarboxazid (Marplan), phenelzine (Nardil), rasagiline (Azilect), selegiline (Eldepryl), or tranylcypromine (Parnate) in the last 14 days. You should not take Wellbutrin if you have seizures, an eating disorder, if you are using a second form of bupropion, or if you have suddenly stopped using alcohol or sedatives.

How Taken

Wellbutrin SR comes as a tablet to take it orally. It is usually taken one to three times a day and may be taken with or without food. Do not crush, chew, or divide Wellbutrin SR. Do not stop taking Wellbutrin SR without talking to your doctor, especially if you have taken large doses for a long time. Your doctor probably will want to decrease your dose gradually. This drug must be taken regularly for a few weeks before its full effect is felt.

Warnings/Precautions

Before taking Wellbutrin SR, tell your doctor if you have: history of seizures or head injury or brain tumor, heart disease, liver or kidney disease, eating disorder, diabetes, alcohol dependence, any allergies, the intent to quit smoking. Because of the possibility this drug will make you dizzy and affect coordination, do not drive or operate machinery until you get used to the drug\'s effects. Limit or avoid consumption of alcoholic beverages; alcohol can increase your risk of seizures. Chronic alcohol users who suddenly stop the intake of alcohol while taking Wellbutrin SR may increase the risk of having seizures. Suddenly stopping certain tranquilizers is not recommended because doing so may increase the risk of having seizures. If you are over 65 years old you 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. This drug passes into breast milk. Because of the potential risk to the infant, breast-feeding while using this drug is not recommended. Consult your doctor before breast-feeding.

Missed Dose

Take any missed dose as soon as possible but not if it is within 4 hours of the next dose. If it is time for the next dose, skip the missed dose and resume your regular schedule. Do not "double-up" the dose.

Possible Side Effects

This medication is generally well tolerated. Dry mouth, headache, increased sweating, nausea/vomiting, constipation, anxiety, fatigue and blurred vision may occur. If these effects persist or worsen, notify your doctor. Report promptly: unusual weight loss or gain, palpitations, agitation, trouble sleeping. Unlikely but report promptly: tremor, dizziness, fainting, mood changes, slowed movements, difficulty urinating, decreased sex drive, and drowsiness. Very unlikely but report promptly: seizures, mental problems, fever, muscle aches, yellowing of the eyes or skin. In the unlikely event you have an allergic reaction to this drug, seek medical attention immediately. Symptoms may include trouble breathing, rash, itching, swelling, or severe dizziness. If you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor or pharmacist.

Storage

Store at controlled room temperature, 20° to 25°C (68° to 77°F). Dispense in a tight, light-resistant container.

Overdose

Seek emergency medical attention if an overdose is suspected. Symptoms of a Wellbutrin SR overdose include seizures, hallucinations, loss of consciousness, weakness, a fast heartbeat, and heart attack.

More Information

Dizziness may be more likely to occur when you rise from a sitting or lying position. Rise slowly to prevent dizziness and a possible fall. Too much of this medicine can increase the risk of a seizure. Limit the consumption of caffeine while taking Wellbutrin SR.

Where can I get more information?

Your pharmacist can provide more information about Wellbutrin.