| Wellbutrin
Generic Name:
Bupropion
Typical Brand Name(s): Wellbutrin
What Is It
Used For?
Wellbutrin SR is a pharmaceutical prescription antidepressant which
acts directly on the brain and other nerve cells. It is also used
to treat ADHD (Attention Deficit Disorder), Bipolar depression,
chronic fatigue syndrome, cocaine addiction, nicotine addiction,
and lower back pain. Also, aids in quitting smoking (identical to
Zyban). It is chemically unrelated to tricyclic, tetracyclic, selective
serotonin re-uptake inhibitor, or other known antidepressant agents.
Fact about this Drug
Wellbutrin is an antidepressant that works
by affecting two chemicals in the brain that are believed to help
regulate your mood (dopamine and norepinephrine).
How Is It Used?
Wellbutrin SR may be taken with food if stomach
upset occurs. Take doses at regularly scheduled times each day.
Do not take more or less medication than prescribed and follow your
doctor's instructions carefully. Taking more than the recommended
dose of bupropion will increase your risk of having a seizure. Do
not stop taking this medication without notifying your doctor. Since
this drug may cause sleeplessness at first, it is best not to take
this near bedtime. It may take 4 weeks or more before the full effects
of this medication are noticed.
What side effects can this medication cause?
Wellbutrin SR 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,
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.
What special precautions
should I follow?
Before taking bupropion, 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 bupropion may increase the
risk of having seizures. Suddenly stopping certain tranquilizers
(e.g., diazepam, chlordiazepoxide) 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. 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.
What About Interactions
With Other Drugs?
Before taking Wellbutrin SR tell your doctor
of all nonprescription and prescription medications you may use
especially: MAO inhibitors (e.g., isocarboxazid, phenelzine, tranylcypromine,
pargyline, selegiline, linezolid, furazolidone), levodopa, ritonavir,
corticosteroids (e.g. prednisone), sedatives, adrenaline-like stimulants
(e.g., ephedrine), products containing nicotine (e.g., patches or
gum). Also report use of drugs which might increase seizure risk
(decrease seizure threshold) such as: phenothiazines (e.g., chlorpromazine),
tricyclic antidepressants (e.g., amitriptyline), isoniazid (INH),
theophylline. Excess caffeine intake can increase the chance of
seizures with this drug. Check all nonprescription/prescription
drug labels for caffeine. Consult your doctor or pharmacist. A certain
product used to help quit smoking contains bupropion. Do not take
that product while using this one. Do not start or stop any medicine
without doctor or pharmacist approval.
Medical Notes
If overdose is suspected, contact your local
poison control center or emergency room immediately. Symptoms of
overdose may include seizures, hallucinations, rapid heart rate,
and loss of consciousness. Do not allow anyone else to take this
medication.
What If I Miss A 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.
How Should It Be Stored?
Store at room temperature and keep away from
moisture and sunlight. Do not store in the bathroom. NOTE: The above information
is intended to supplement, not substitute for, the expertise and
judgment of your physician, pharmacist, or other healthcare professional.
It should not be construed to indicate that the use of the product
is safe, appropriate, or effective for you. Consult your healthcare
professional before taking the product.
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