Wellbutrin

Wellbutrin Information

Brand Name: Wellbutrin

Generic Name: Bupropion HCl

Other Common Names: Anfebutamona, Wellbutrin SR, Wellbutin SR

Wellbutrin (Bupropion HCl) 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 (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 the neurotransmitters dopamine, serotonin, and norepinephrine, resulting in more of these chemicals being available to transmit messages to other nerves. Bupropion is unique in that its major effect is on dopamine. Wellbutrin and Wellbutrin SR are used for the management of depression. It is also used to treat ADHD (Attention Deficit Disorder), Bipolar depression, chronic fatigue syndrome, cocaine addiction, nicotine addiction, and lower back pain. Similar to Zyban, it has been approved as an aid to patients who want to quit smoking. Generic is not available.

How To Take Wellbutrin and Wellbutrin Dosage and Administration

Wellbutrin may be taken with food if stomach upset occurs. Take doses at regularly scheduled times each day. Do not take more or less medication than prescribed and follow your doctor's instructions carefully. Taking more than the recommended dose of Wellbutrin will increase your risk of having a seizure. Do not stop taking Wellbutrin without notifying your doctor. Since this drug may cause sleeplessness at first, it is best not to take this near bedtime. It may take 4 weeks or more before the full effects of Wellbutrin are noticed.

Wellbutrin Structural Formula and Composition

Wellbutrin Side Effects

Wellbutrin Precautions and Contraindications

Before taking Wellbutrin, 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 Wellbutrin 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 may increase the risk of having seizures. Suddenly stopping certain tranquilizers (e.g., diazepam, chlordiazepoxide) is not recommended because doing so may increase the risk of having seizures. Elderly patients may be more sensitive to the effects of Wellbutrin.

Taking Wellbutrin during Pregnancy or Breast-feeding

Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant before taking this drug. Wellbutrin passes into breast milk. Because of the potential risk to the infant, breast-feeding while using Wellbutrin is not recommended. Consult your doctor before breast-feeding.

Wellbutrin Drug Interactions

Before taking Wellbutrin tell your doctor of all nonprescription and prescription medications you may use especially: MAO inhibitors (e.g., isocarboxazid, phenelzine, tranylcypromine, pargyline, selegiline, linezolid, furazolidone), levodopa, ritonavir, corticosteroids (e.g. prednisone), sedatives, adrenaline-like stimulants (e.g., ephedrine), products containing nicotine (e.g., patches or gum). Also report use of drugs which might increase seizure risk (decrease seizure threshold) such as: phenothiazines (e.g., chlorpromazine), tricyclic antidepressants (e.g., amitriptyline), isoniazid (INH), theophylline. 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. A certain product used to help quit smoking contains bupropion. Do not take that product while using Wellbutrin. Do not start or stop any medicine without doctor or pharmacist approval.

If you suspect a Wellbutrin Overdose

If overdose of Wellbutrin is suspected, contact your local poison control center or emergency room immediately. Symptoms of overdose may include seizures, hallucinations, rapid heart rate, and loss of consciousness.

If You Miss a Dose of Wellbutrin

Take any missed dose of Wellbutrin 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.

Storing Wellbutrin

Store Wellbutrin at room temperature and keep away from moisture and sunlight. Do not store in the bathroom.