Generic Name: bupropion (oral) (byoo PROE pee on)
Typical Brand Names: Wellbutrin, Wellbutrin SR, Wellbutrin XL,
Zyban SR
What Is It Used For?
Wellbutrin is used to mitigate symptom of depression such as feelings
of sadness, worthlessness or guilt, loss of interest in daily
activities, changes in appetite, tiredness, sleeping too much,
insomnia, and thoughts of death or suicide.
How Is It Used?
Take each dose of Wellbutrin with a full glass of water. Swallow
the whole tablet, do not crush, chew, or break the sustained-release
tablets. Do not take the medication without consulting your doctor.
Do not take more than the prescribed dose.
Are There Possible Side Effects?
Stop taking the medication and immediately contact your doctor
if you face any of these uncommon but serious problems like difficulty
in breathing, closing of throat, swelling of your lips, tongue,
or face or seizures. Other less serious adverse effects are also
likely to occur for instance- headache, insomnia, dry mouth, tremors,
restlessness, agitation, or anxiety, dizziness or drowsiness,
sweating, skin rash, ringing in the ears, flu like symptoms such
as aching muscles, fatigue, and discomfort; frequent urination
or weight loss or gain.
Is It Safe?
Wellbutrin can cause common problems like headache, insomnia etc
but the chances of serious adverse effects are very rare.
What About Interactions With Other Drugs?
Wellbutrin is not advised if you have taken monoamine oxidase
inhibitor (MAOI) such as isocarboxazid, phenelzine, or tranylcypromine
(Parnate) within the last 14 days. Wellbutrin can cause side effects
or can be less effective if taken along with other medications.
Do not take any other prescription or over-the-counter medicines,
including herbal or natural products, without consulting your
doctor during treatment with Wellbutrin drug.
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?
Keep Wellbutrin at controlled room temperature, 20° to 25°C
(68° to 77°F). Dispense in a tight, light-resistant container.
Store Wellbutrin away from moisture and heat.
Anything Else I Should Know?
Do not leave the medication without your doctor's advice. It may
be several weeks before you begin to feel better, and you may
require continuous treatment for quite some time. Alcohol may
increase the chances of seizure if you are taking the medication
therefore it is advisable to drop alcohol while you take Wellbutrin.
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.
