| Generic Name:
Bupropion HCL
|
|
| Drug Class:
Bupropion HCL
|
|
| Description |
Wellbutrin
SR® is used to treat depression. It works by helping
to restore the balance of natural chemicals in the brain.
OTHER USES: This medication may also be used for quitting
smoking.
|
 |
| Proper
Use |
Take Wellbutrin
SR by mouth, usually twice daily with or without food.
If nausea occurs, you may take this drug with food. It
is important to take your doses at least 8 hours apart
to decrease your risk of having a seizure.
Do not crush, chew or break the tablets. Swallow tablets
whole.
Since Wellbutrin SR may cause sleeplessness at first,
it is best not to take near bedtime.
The dosage is based on your medical condition and response
to therapy. Your dose should be slowly increased to the
most effective dose.
Do not take more or less medication than prescribed. Taking
more than the recommended dose will increase your risk
of having a seizure. The maximum dose is 300-450 milligrams
per day, depending on your medical condition (stop smoking
therapy vs. psychiatric conditions). If you have very
severe liver disease, the maximum dose is 150 milligrams
every other day.
Do not stop taking Wellbutrin SR without notifying your
doctor. Use this medication regularly in order to get
the most benefit from it. Remember to use it at the same
time each day.
It may take 4 weeks or more before the full effects of
Wellbutrin SR are noticed.
Read the Patient Information Leaflet available from your
pharmacist. If you have any questions, consult your doctor
or pharmacist.
|
|
| Side
Effects |
Dry mouth,
nausea, vomiting, stomach/abdominal pain, flushing, headache/migraine,
loss of appetite, trouble sleeping, increased sweating,
strange taste in mouth, weakness, drowsiness, or blurred
vision may occur. If any of these effects persist or worsen,
notify your doctor or pharmacist promptly.
Tell your doctor immediately if any of these unlikely
but serious side effects occur: dizziness, fainting, chest
pain, fast heartbeat, severe headache, tremor, unusual
weight loss or gain, ringing in the ears, mental/mood
changes (e.g., hallucinations, anxiety, nervousness, agitation,
confusion, restlessness), decreased sex drive, difficulty
urinating.
Seek immediate medical attention if the following infrequent
but serious side effect occurs: seizures.
Wellbutrin SR should be stopped permanently if you have
a seizure during treatment.
An allergic reaction to Wellbutrin SR is unlikely, but
seek immediate medical attention if it occurs. Symptoms
of an allergic reaction include: rash, itching, swelling,
severe dizziness, trouble breathing, muscle aches, joint
pain, fever.
An empty tablet shell may appear in your stool. This is
harmless.
If you notice other effects not listed above, contact
your doctor or pharmacist.
|
|
| Precautions |
Before taking
Wellbutrin SR, tell your doctor or pharmacist if you are
allergic to it or if you have any other allergies.
This medication should not be used if you have certain
medical conditions. Before using this medicine, consult
your doctor or pharmacist if you have: seizures, eating
disorders (e.g., bulimia, anorexia nervosa).
Wellbutrin SR should not be used if you are suddenly stopping
regular use of sedatives (e.g., benzodiazepines such as
diazepam) or alcohol, which can cause a higher risk of
seizures.
Before using Wellbutrin SR, tell your doctor or pharmacist
your medical history, especially of: head injury, brain
tumor, liver problems, heart problems, high blood pressure,
kidney problems, any mental conditions, diabetes, alcohol/drug
dependence, intention to quit smoking.
This drug may make you dizzy or drowsy; use caution engaging
in activities requiring alertness such as driving or using
machinery.
Limit or avoid consumption of alcoholic beverages. Alcohol
can increase your risk of seizures.
Do not take Wellbutrin SR with any other product containing
bupropion (e.g., drugs to help quit smoking) since large
doses of bupropion are more likely to cause seizures.
Though uncommon, depression can lead to thoughts or attempts
of suicide. Tell your doctor immediately if you have any
suicidal thoughts, worsening depression, or any other
mental/mood changes (including new or worsening anxiety,
agitation, panic attacks, trouble sleeping, irritability,
hostile/angry feelings, impulsive actions, severe restlessness,
rapid speech). Keep all medical appointments so your healthcare
professional can monitor your progress closely and adjust/change
your medication if needed.
Wellbutrin SR should be used only when clearly needed
during pregnancy. Discuss the risks and benefits with
your doctor.
If this medication is used during the last 3 months of
pregnancy, infrequently your newborn may develop symptoms
including feeding or breathing difficulties, seizures,
muscle stiffness, jitteriness, or constant crying. However,
do not stop taking this medication unless your doctor
directs you to do so. Report any such symptoms to your
doctor promptly.
Wellbutrin SR passes into breast milk. Because of the
potential risk to the infant, breast-feeding is not recommended
while using this drug.
|
|
| Drug
Interactions |
Wellbutrin
SR should not be used with the following medications because
very serious interactions may occur: MAO inhibitors (e.g.,
furazolidone, linezolid, moclobemide, phenelzine, procarbazine,
selegiline, isocarboxazid, tranylcypromine).
If you are currently using or have recently stopped taking
an MAO inhibitor within the last 14 days, tell your doctor
or pharmacist before starting Wellbutrin SR.
Before using Wellbutrin SR, tell your doctor or pharmacist
of all prescription and nonprescription products you may
use, especially of: adrenaline-like stimulants (e.g.,
ephedrine), amantadine, diabetes medications (e.g., hypoglycemic
agents such as glyburide, glipizide, or insulin), levodopa,
products containing nicotine (e.g., patches, gum, or spray),
regular use of sedatives (e.g., diazepam), ritonavir,
warfarin.
Also tell your doctor if you are taking any drugs which
are affected by certain liver enzymes (CYP 2D6 or CYP
2B6 substrates, inhibitors, or inducers), such as certain
SSRI antidepressants (e.g., paroxetine, fluoxetine, sertraline),
beta-blockers (e.g., metoprolol), antiarrhythmics (e.g.,
propafenone, flecainide), orphenadrine, thiotepa, cyclophosphamide,
carbamazepine, phenobarbital, phenytoin, valproic acid.
Report the use of drugs which might increase seizure risk
(decrease seizure threshold) when combined with bupropion
such as phenothiazines (e.g., thioridazine), tricyclic
antidepressants (e.g., amitriptyline), isoniazid (INH),
or theophylline among others. Consult your doctor or pharmacist
for details.
Excess caffeine intake can increase the chance of seizures
with Wellbutrin SR. Check all nonprescription/prescription
drug labels for caffeine. Consult your doctor or pharmacist.
Do not start or stop any medicine without doctor or pharmacist
approval.
|
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| Overdose |
|
If overdose
is suspected, contact your local poison control center
or emergency room immediately. US residents can call the
US national poison hotline at 1-800-222-1222. Canadian
residents should call their local poison control center
directly. Symptoms of overdose may include: seizures,
severe confusion, hallucinations, rapid heart rate, loss
of consciousness.
|
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| Missed
Dose |
|
If you miss
a dose, skip the missed dose and resume your usual dosing
schedule. Do not double the dose to catch up. Taking too
much of this medication can increase your chance of having
a seizure.
|
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| Storage |
|
Store at
room temperature between 68-77 degrees F (20-25 degrees
C) away from light and moisture. Do not store in the bathroom.
Keep all medicines away from children and pets.
|
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| Disclaimer |
| 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 use of the drug is safe, appropriate,
or effective for you. Consult your healthcare professional
before using this drug. |
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