Drug Title

Wellbutrin SR (Bupropion)

Drug Uses

Wellbutrin SR is a prescription antidepressant that is used in the treatment of depression and smoking.

Mode of Application

Read the patient information sheet or the medication guide carefully that comes along with the medicine. Read it each time you get the medication refilled. Wellbutrin SR must be taken by mouth with or without food.

Swallow the pill whole without crushing, breaking or chewing it. It may take several weeks for you to notice the effects of the drug but do not stop taking it.

Drug Class & Mechanism

Wellbutrin SR is an antidepressant that is used to treat depression. Its exact working is not known.

Missed Dosage

If you miss a dose of Wellbutrin SR then you may take it as soon as you remember and adjust the remaining doses accordingly. However, if it is nearly time for the next dose then you may skip this dose and continue with the regular dosage. Do not take a double dose to make up for the missed dose.

Storage

Store it at room temperature (between 68 and 77 degrees F (20 and 25 degrees C) in an air tight container protecting it from direct exposure to light, heat and moisture. Keep away from pets and children.

Precautions

Discuss with your doctor about any prior medical condition that you may have including allergies to medicines, food or other substances, you or a family member has a history of bipolar disorder (manic depression), other mental or mood problems (eg, depression), suicidal thoughts or attempts, or alcohol or substance abuse, you have diabetes, kidney problems, high blood pressure, heart problems (eg, congestive heart failure), or a recent heart attack, you have a history of seizure, head injury, tumor in the brain or spinal cord, or liver problems (eg, cirrhosis).

You must not take if you are allergic to any ingredient in it or you are taking any other medicine that contains bupropion, you have a history of an eating disorder (e.g., anorexia, bulimia) or seizures (e.g., epilepsy), you are suddenly stopping the use of alcohol or sedatives (e.g., benzodiazepines).

If you are pregnant or suspect that you are, then stop using Wellbutrin SR and contact your doctor immediately.

It is unknown whether Wellbutrin SR is secreted in breast milk. Avoid breast feeding while using the drug.
Certain drugs can interact with Wellbutrin SR and hence, mention clearly to your doctor or pharmacist all medicines, dietary supplements and herbal prescriptions that you are taking, especially any of the following

Amantadine, antipsychotics (eg, haloperidol, risperidone), corticosteroids (eg, prednisone), insulin, levodopa, MAOIs (eg, phenelzine), nicotine patches, oral hypoglycemics (eg, glipizide), other antidepressants (eg, fluoxetine, amitriptyline), sympathomimetics (eg, pseudoephedrine), theophylline, or tiagabine because it increases the chances of experiencing side effects of the drug

Carbamazepine, phenobarbital, or phenytoin because they decrease the effectiveness of Wellbutrin

Antiarrhythmics (eg, propafenone, flecainide), beta-blockers (eg, metoprolol), phenothiazines (eg, thioridazine), selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI) antidepressants (eg, fluoxetine), or tricyclic antidepressants (eg, nortriptyline) because Wellbutrin increases their side effects.

Side Effects

Some of the common side effects of are constipation, dizziness, headache, indigestion, nausea, tiredness or weakness, vomiting. Please contact your doctor if the symptoms persist or become bothersome.

Other severe side effects include severe allergic reactions (rash, hives, itching, difficulty breathing, tightness in the chest, swelling of the mouth, face, lips, or tongue), behavior changes (eg, aggression), chest pain, confusion, cough, depression, fainting, hallucinations, irregular heartbeat, mood or mental changes, shortness of breath, swelling of hands or feet, vision disturbances.

You must seek medical attention immediately if any of these side effects occur.