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CHEMICAL NAME
BUPROPION.
INDICATIONS
Wellbutrin SR is used to treat depression. It works by helping to restore the balance of natural chemicals in the brain. This medication may also be used for quitting smoking.
DIRECTIONS
Take Wellbutrin SR Tablets 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 this drug 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 this medication 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 this medication 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. Bupropion should be stopped permanently if you have a seizure during treatment. An allergic reaction to this drug 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 bupropion, 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). This medication 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 this medication, 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 this medicine 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. This medication 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. Bupropion passes into breast milk. Because of the potential risk to the infant, breast-feeding is not recommended while using this drug.
OVERDOSAGE
If overdose is suspected, contact your local poison control center or emergency room immediately. 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.
INFORMATION
If your symptoms do not improve or if they get worse, contact your doctor. Bupropion tablets may have an unusual smell. This is normal. Do not share this medicine with others for whom it was not prescribed. Do not use this medicine for other health conditions. Keep this medicine out of the reach of children. If using this medicine for an extended period of time, obtain refills before your supply runs out.
NOTES
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.
DRUG INTERACTIONS
This drug 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 bupropion. Before using this medication, 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 this drug. 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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