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.

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.

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.

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.

Storage

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

Overdose

Seek emergency medical attention if an overdose is suspected. Symptoms of a Wellbutrin SR overdose include seizures, hallucinations, loss of consciousness, weakness, a fast heartbeat, and heart attack.

More Information

Dizziness may be more likely to occur when you rise from a sitting or lying position. Rise slowly to prevent dizziness and a possible fall. Too much of this medicine can increase the risk of a seizure. Limit the consumption of caffeine while taking Wellbutrin SR

Wellbutrin History

Bupropion was first synthesized by Burroughs Research in 1966, and patented by Burroughs-Wellcome (later Glaxo-Wellcome) in 1974. It was approved by the FDA in 1985 and marketed under the name Wellbutrin as an antidepressant, but clinical trials indicated that incidence of seizure was two to four times greater than other antidepressants and the drug was quickly pulled from the market. Glaxo, realizing that seizure risk was a function of dosage, then developed and marketed a sustained-release (SR) version of Wellbutrin which, when ingested, releases bupropion hydrochloride at a constant, gradual rate into the body. Because of this altered mechanism of delivery, incidence of seizure with Wellbutrin-SR is comparable to, and in some cases, lower than that of other antidepressants.

In 1997, bupropion HCl was approved by the FDA for use as a smoking cessation aid. Because the name Wellbutrin was still associated with high seizure risk, the drug was subsequently marketed by Glaxo under the name Zyban to help people stop smoking tobacco by reducing the severity of withdrawal symptoms. It can be used in combination with nicotine replacement therapies. Bupropion treatment course lasts for seven to twelve weeks, the patient halting the use of tobacco around ten days into the course.(Source: Bupropion )

Disclaimer

This drug information is for your information purposes only, it is not intended that this information covers all uses, directions, drug interactions, precautions, or adverse effects of your medication. This is only general information, and should not be relied on for any purpose. It should not be construed as containing specific instructions for any particular patient. We disclaim all responsibility for the accuracy and reliability of this information, and/or any consequences arising from the use of this information, including damage or adverse consequences to persons or property, however such damages or consequences arise. No warranty, either expressed or implied, is made in regards to this information.