Wellbutrin

What is Wellbutrin?

Wellbutrin is an antidepressant which is effective for treating seasonal affective disorder and major depressive disorder.

What is the most important information I should know about Wellbutrin?

In case you suffer from an eating disorder (e.g. bulimia, anorexia), seizure disorder, epilepsy, have a recent history of alcohol or sedatives abuse, or are taking a second form of Wellbutrin, you aren’t recommended to use Wellbutrin. The drug is likely to interact with monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAO inhibitors) like phenelzine (Nardil), isocarboxazid (Marplan), rasagiline (Azilect), tranylcypromine (Parnate) or selegiline (Eldepryl), so do not use Wellbutrin if you have been taking one of these drugs within two last weeks.

Keep in mind that at the beginning, taking an antidepressant may result in suicidal thoughts, especially if you are under 24 years old. Visit your doctor on a regular basis during at least first 12 weeks of treatment with Wellbutrin.

You should contact your health care provider right away in case you notice such side effects as trouble sleeping, panic attacks, changes in behavior and mood, anxiety, suicidal thoughts and also are feeling aggressive, agitated, hyperactive, irritable, restless, depressed, hostile or impulsive.

Give up alcohol when you are taking the drug, as the risk of seizure increases when you mix Wellbutrin with it.

Before you start treating depression with Wellbutrin, you should inform your doctor whether you have one of the following conditions: cirrhosis or other liver diseases, too high blood pressure, heart disease, bipolar disorder, kidney disease, tumor of spinal cord or brain, diabetes, head injury; recently drank alcohol, diet tablets, narcotic pain drugs, sedatives or street drugs; or are currently taking steroids, medications for mental illness and depression and theophylline (Bronkodyl Theolair, Theo-Dur, Respbid, Slo-Bid).

In case you have one of the conditions mentioned above, you shouldn’t take Wellbutrin or you’d have to adjust your dose properly and to pass special medical tests while undergoing treatment.

Wellbutrin isn’t recommended for use in people who are younger than 18 years old.

FDA pregnancy category C. Wellbutrin may have a negative effect on an unborn baby. The drug passes into breast milk and can affect a nursing baby. Consult with your doctor if you are pregnant, going to become one or are breastfeeding.

How should I take Wellbutrin?

Use Wellbutrin with or without food.

Do not break, chew or crush the pill that should be swallowed whole.

You aren’t recommended to stop using Wellbutrin without informing your health care provider first.

The drug should be stored at room temperature, away from heat and moisture.

What happens if I miss a dose?

If you occasionally missed a dose, take it as soon as you notice it. Never double a dose to catch up.

What happens if I overdose?

If you notice such overdose symptoms as shallow breathing, coma, seizures, hallucinations, heart failure, muscle stiffness, fast or uneven heartbeat or fainting, you should seek emergency medical help. Drug Uses

Wellbutrin SR (Anti Depressant) 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.

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.

Disclaimer

This drug information is for your information purposes only, it is not intended that this information covers all uses, directions, drug interactions, precautions, or adverse effects of your medication. This is only general information, and should not be relied on for any purpose. It should not be construed as containing specific instructions for any particular patient. We disclaim all responsibility for the accuracy and reliability of this information, and/or any consequences arising from the use of this information, including damage or adverse consequences to persons or property, however such damages or consequences arise. No warranty, either expressed or implied, is made in regards to this information.