Drug Name

Wellbutrin SR (Bupropion)

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.

Drug Class and Mechanism

Bupropion is an antidepressant medication that affects chemicals within the brain that nerves use to send messages to each other. These chemical messengers are called neurotransmitters. The neurotransmitters that are released by nerves are taken up again by the nerves that release them for reuse. (This is referred to as reuptake.) Many experts believe that depression is caused by an imbalance among the amounts of neurotransmitters that are released. Bupropion is unrelated to other antidepressants. It works by inhibiting the reuptake of dopamine, serotonin, and norepinephrine, an action which results in more dopamine, serotonin, and norepinephrine to transmit messages to other nerves. Bupropion is unique in that its major effect is on dopamine, an effect which is not shared by the selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors or SSRIs (e.g. paroxetine, Paxil; fluoxetine, Prozac; sertraline, Zoloft) or the tricyclic antidepressants or TCAs (e.g. amitriptyline, Elavil; imipramine, Tofranil; desipramine, Norpramin).

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.

Storage

Store at controlled room temperature, 20° to 25°C (68° to 77°F). Dispense in a tight, light-resistant container.

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.

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.

More Information

• If you experience any of the following uncommon but serious side effects, stop taking bupropion and seek emergency medical attention or contact your doctor immediately:
  • an allergic reaction (difficulty breathing; closing of the throat; swelling of the lips, tongue, or face; or hives);
  • seizures; or
  • fast or irregular heartbeats.
• Other, less serious side effects may be more likely to occur. Continue to take bupropion and talk to your doctor if you experience
  • headache;
  • insomnia;
  • dry mouth;
  • tremors, restlessness, agitation, or anxiety;
  • dizziness or drowsiness;
  • sweating;
  • skin rash;
  • ringing in the ears;
  • flulike symptoms such as aching muscles, fatigue, and discomfort;
  • frequent urination; or
  • weight loss or gain.
• Side effects other than those listed here may also occur. Talk to your doctor about any side effect that seems unusual or that is especially bothersome.