Wellbutrin has a stimulant type of effect and is used primarily for the treatment of major depression. Wellbutrin can also be used to treat ADHD, Bipolar depression, to treat chronic fatigue syndrome, in reducing cocaine craving, to help kick smoking, and to reduce lower back pain.
Prescribed by U.S. doctors and dispensed by U.S. pharmacists.
Tablets
Chemical Name: BUPROPION (byoo-PROE-pee-on)
Common uses
Wellbutrin is an antidepressant used to treat depression. It may
also be used to treat other conditions as determined by your doctor.
Before using
Some medicines or medical conditions may interact with Wellbutrin.
INFORM YOUR DOCTOR OR PHARMACIST of all prescription and over-the-counter medicine
that you are taking. DO NOT TAKE Wellbutrin if you are already taking bupropion
to stop smoking, taking a monoamine oxidase inhibitor (MAOI), or thioridazine.
ADDITIONAL MONITORING OF YOUR DOSE OR CONDITION may be needed if you are taking
other antidepressants or psychiatric medicines, certain high blood pressure medicines
(e.g.,"beta-blockers"), certain heart medicines (e.g., propafenone, flecainide),
decongestants, diabetes medicine, diet pills, levodopa, HIV protease inhibitors
(e.g., ritonavir), quinolone antibiotics (e.g., ciprofloxacin, ofloxacin), seizure
medicine, theophylline, tranquilizers, tramadol, warfarin, narcotic pain relievers
(e.g., acetaminophen with codeine), or products containing nicotine (e.g., patches
or gum). Also 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 pharmacist for details. Inform your
doctor of any other medical conditions, including kidney disease, liver disease,
diabetes, head injury, tumors (e.g., brain or spinal cord), or history of drug
or alcohol addiction, allergies, pregnancy, or breast-feeding. DO NOT USE Wellbutrin if you have a history or eating disorders (e.g., anorexia, bulimia).
USE OF Wellbutrin IS NOT RECOMMENDED if you have suddenly stopped using alcohol
or other drugs which you have become dependent on, muscle or nerve conditions,
or a history of seizures. Discuss the use of alcohol with your doctor or pharmacist
before taking Wellbutrin. Contact your doctor or pharmacist if you have any
questions or concerns about using Wellbutrin.
Directions
Follow the directions for using Wellbutrin provided by your doctor. Space your
doses evenly throughout the day. STORE Wellbutrin at room temperature in a
tightly-closed container, away from heat and light. CONTINUE TO TAKE Wellbutrin
even if you feel better. Do not miss any doses. IF YOU MISS A DOSE OF Wellbutrin,
take it as soon as you remember. Take the remaining doses for the day at evenly
spaced intervals at least 4 hours apart. DO NOT take 2 doses at once.
Cautions
SEVERAL WEEKS MAY PASS before your condition improves. Continue to use Wellbutrin
for the full time recommended by your doctor. Wellbutrin MAY CAUSE DIZZINESS.
DO NOT DRIVE, OPERATE MACHINERY, OR DO ANYTHING ELSE THAT COULD BE DANGEROUS until
you know how you react to Wellbutrin. Using Wellbutrin alone, with other
medicines, or with alcohol may lessen your ability to drive or to perform other
potentially dangerous tasks. DO NOT EXCEED THE RECOMMENDED DOSE of bupropion;
doing so will increase your risk of having a seizure. BEFORE YOU BEGIN TAKING
ANY NEW MEDICINE, either prescription or over-the-counter, check with your doctor
or pharmacist. 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 may increase the risk of having seizures.
FOR WOMEN: Wellbutrin IS EXCRETED IN BREAST MILK. DO NOT BREAST-FEED while
taking Wellbutrin.
Possible side effects
SIDE EFFECTS, that may go away during treatment, include restlessness, agitation,
dizziness, dry mouth, difficulty sleeping, headache, nausea, vomiting, constipation,
change in weight, or tremor. If they continue or are bothersome, check with your
doctor. CHECK WITH YOUR DOCTOR AS SOON AS POSSIBLE if you experience confusion,
rash, itching, or seizures. If you notice other effects not listed above, contact
your doctor, nurse, or pharmacist.
Drug interactions
Drug interactions can result in unwanted side effects or prevent a
medicine from doing its job. Use our drug interaction checker to find out if your
medicines interact with each other.
If you take too much
If overdose is suspected, contact your local poison control center
or emergency room immediately. Symptoms of overdose may include blurred vision,
lightheadedness, hallucinations, seizures, loss of consciousness.
Additional information
DO NOT SHARE Wellbutrin with others for whom it was not prescribed. DO NOT
USE Wellbutrin for other health conditions. KEEP Wellbutrin out of the reach
of children. IF USING Wellbutrin FOR AN EXTENDED PERIOD OF TIME, obtain refills
before your supply runs out.
