See also How to Use and Warning Sections
Before taking Wellbutrin SR (bupropion), tell your doctor or pharmacist if you are allergic to it or if you have any other allergies.
Wellbutrin SR (bupropion) should not be used if you have certain medical conditions. Before using this medicine, consult your doctor or pharmacist if you have: seizures, eating disorders (e.g., bulimia, anorexia nervosa).
Wellbutrin SR (bupropion) should not be used if you are suddenly stopping regular use of sedatives (e.g., benzodiazepines such as lorazepam) or alcohol, which can cause a higher risk of seizures.
Before using Wellbutrin SR (bupropion), tell your doctor or pharmacist your medical history, especially of: personal or family history of psychiatric disorder (e.g., bipolar/manic-depressive disorder), personal or family history of suicide thoughts/attempts, head injury, brain tumor, liver problems, heart problems, high blood pressure, kidney problems, diabetes, alcohol/drug dependence, intention to quit smoking.
Wellbutrin SR (bupropion) may make you dizzy or drowsy; use caution engaging in activities requiring alertness such as driving or using machinery.
Limit or avoid consumption of alcoholic beverages. Alcohol can increase your risk of dizziness and seizures.
Do not take this medicine with any other product containing Wellbutrin SR (bupropion) (e.g., drugs to help quit smoking) since large doses of Wellbutrin SR (bupropion) are more likely to cause seizures.
Kidney function declines as you grow older. Wellbutrin SR (bupropion) is removed by the kidneys. Therefore, elderly people may be more sensitive to Wellbutrin SR (bupropion) and to side effects.
Wellbutrin SR (bupropion) should be used only when clearly needed during pregnancy. Discuss the risks and benefits with your doctor. Infrequently, newborns whose mothers have used certain newer antidepressants during the last 3 months of pregnancy may develop symptoms including persistent feeding or breathing difficulties, jitteriness, seizures or constant crying. Promptly report any such symptoms to the doctor. However, do not stop taking Wellbutrin SR (bupropion) unless your doctor directs you to do so.
Wellbutrin SR (bupropion) passes into breast milk. Because of the potential risk to the infant, breast-feeding is not recommended while using Wellbutrin SR (bupropion).
IMPORTANT NOTE: The preceding information is intended to heighten awareness of health information and does not suggest diagnosis or treatment. This information is not a substitute for individual medical attention and should not be construed to indicate that use of the drug is safe, appropriate, or effective for you. See your health care professional for medical advice and treatment.
Store at room temperature between 68-77 degrees F (20-25 degrees C) away from light and moisture. Wellbutrin SR (bupropion) tablets may have a strange odor. This is normal and the medication is still okay to use. Do not store in the bathroom. Keep all medicines away from children and pets.
Properly discard this product when it is expired or no longer needed. Consult your pharmacist or local waste disposal company for more details about how to safely discard your product.
IMPORTANT NOTE: The preceding information is intended to heighten awareness of health information and does not suggest diagnosis or treatment. This information is not a substitute for individual medical attention and should not be construed to indicate that use of the drug is safe, appropriate, or effective for you. See your health care professional for medical advice and treatment.
Read the Medication Guide and Patient Information Leaflet available from your pharmacist before you start using Wellbutrin SR (bupropion) and each time you get a refill. If you have any questions regarding the information, consult your doctor or pharmacist.
Take Wellbutrin SR (bupropion) by mouth, usually twice daily with or without food. If nausea occurs, you may take Wellbutrin SR (bupropion) with food. It is important to take your doses at least 8 hours apart or as directed by your doctor to decrease your risk of having a seizure.
Wellbutrin SR (bupropion) must be swallowed whole. Do not crush, chew or break the tablets. Doing so will destroy the slow release of the drug and may increase your risk of side effects, including seizures.
You may have trouble sleeping when you start taking Wellbutrin SR (bupropion). Do not take your evening dose too close to bedtime. Let your doctor know if sleeplessness becomes a problem.
Your dosage is based on your medical condition and response to therapy. Your dose should be slowly increased to limit side effects such as sleeplessness and decrease the risk of seizures.
Do not take more or less medication than prescribed. Taking more than the recommended dose will increase your risk of having a seizure. The usual maximum dose is 300-400 milligrams per day (maximum single dose 150-200 milligrams).
Do not stop taking Wellbutrin SR (bupropion) without notifying your doctor. Use Wellbutrin SR (bupropion) regularly in order to get the most benefit from it. Remember to use Wellbutrin SR (bupropion) at the same time each day.
It may take 4 weeks or more before the full effects of Wellbutrin SR (bupropion) are noticed. Talk to your doctor if your condition persists or worsens.
IMPORTANT NOTE: The preceding information is intended to heighten awareness of health information and does not suggest diagnosis or treatment. This information is not a substitute for individual medical attention and should not be construed to indicate that use of the drug is safe, appropriate, or effective for you. See your health care professional for medical advice and treatment.
See also the Warning section.
Dry mouth, sore throat, nausea, vomiting, stomach/abdominal pain, flushing, headache, loss of appetite, constipation, trouble sleeping, increased sweating, strange taste in mouth, muscle/joint aches, dizziness, or blurred vision may occur. If any of these effects persist or worsen, notify your doctor or pharmacist promptly.
Remember that your doctor has prescribed Wellbutrin SR (bupropion) because he or she has judged that the benefit to you is greater than the risk of side effects. Many people do not have serious side effects.
Tell your doctor immediately if any of these unlikely but serious side effects occur: fainting, chest pain, fast heartbeat, severe headache, uncontrolled movements (tremor), unusual weight loss or gain, ringing in the ears, mental/mood changes (e.g., agitation, anxiety, hallucinations, nervousness, confusion, restlessness).
Tell your doctor immediately if any of these rare but very serious side effects occur: muscle pain/tenderness/weakness, change in the amount of urine.
Wellbutrin SR (bupropion) may rarely cause seizures. Seek immediate medical attention if you have a seizure while taking Wellbutrin SR (bupropion). If you have a seizure while taking Wellbutrin SR (bupropion), you should not take Wellbutrin SR (bupropion) again.
A severe allergic reaction to Wellbutrin SR (bupropion) is unlikely, but seek immediate medical attention if it occurs. Symptoms of a severe allergic reaction include: rash, itching, swelling, severe dizziness, trouble breathing.
An empty tablet shell may appear in your stool. This is harmless.
This is not a complete list of possible side effects. If you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor or pharmacist.
Click HERE to learn more about Wellbutrin SR side effects.
IMPORTANT NOTE: The preceding information is intended to heighten awareness of health information and does not suggest diagnosis or treatment. This information is not a substitute for individual medical attention and should not be construed to indicate that use of the drug is safe, appropriate, or effective for you. See your health care professional for medical advice and treatment.
If you miss a dose of Wellbutrin SR (bupropion), skip the missed dose and resume your usual dosing schedule. Do not double the dose to catch up. Taking too much of Wellbutrin SR (bupropion) can increase your chance of having a seizure.
IMPORTANT NOTE: The preceding information is intended to heighten awareness of health information and does not suggest diagnosis or treatment. This information is not a substitute for individual medical attention and should not be construed to indicate that use of the drug is safe, appropriate, or effective for you. See your health care professional for medical advice and treatment.
Your healthcare professionals (e.g., doctor or pharmacist) may already be aware of any possible drug interactions and may be monitoring you for it. Do not start, stop or change the dosage of any medicine before checking with them first.
Wellbutrin SR (bupropion) should not be used with the following medications because very serious interactions may occur: MAO inhibitors (e.g., furazolidone, linezolid, moclobemide, phenelzine, procarbazine, selegiline, isocarboxazid, tranylcypromine), certain x-ray dyes such as iomeprol, sibutramine, thioridazine.
If you are currently using any of these medications listed above, tell your doctor or pharmacist before starting Wellbutrin SR (bupropion).
If you are currently using or have recently stopped taking an MAO inhibitor within the last 14 days, tell your doctor or pharmacist before starting Wellbutrin SR (bupropion).
Before using Wellbutrin SR (bupropion), tell your doctor or pharmacist of all prescription and nonprescription products you may use, especially of: amantadine, diabetes medications (e.g., hypoglycemic drugs such as glyburide, glipizide, or insulin), HIV drugs (e.g., efavirenz, nelfinavir, ritonavir), levodopa, nicotine products (e.g., patches, gum, or spray), regular use of sedatives (e.g., alcohol, alprazolam), stimulants (e.g., amphetamine, cocaine, ecstasy, ephedrine), warfarin.
Also tell your doctor if you are taking any drugs which are affected by certain liver enzymes, such as antidepressants (e.g., desipramine, paroxetine, fluoxetine), antipsychotics (e.g., haloperidol), beta-blockers (e.g., metoprolol), antiarrhythmics (e.g., propafenone, flecainide), orphenadrine, cyclophosphamide, thiotepa, carbamazepine, phenobarbital, or phenytoin.
Report the use of drugs which might increase seizure risk (decrease seizure threshold) when combined with Wellbutrin SR (bupropion), such as antipsychotics (e.g., chlorpromazine), tricyclic antidepressants (e.g., amitriptyline), corticosteroids (e.g., prednisone) or theophylline, among others. Consult your doctor or pharmacist for details.
Large amounts of caffeine and other stimulants, such as those found in weight loss and cold/sinus medications, can increase the chance of seizures with Wellbutrin SR (bupropion). Check all nonprescription/prescription/herbal drug labels for caffeine and other stimulants (e.g., ephedra). Consult your doctor or pharmacist.
This document does not contain all possible interactions. Therefore, before using this product, tell your doctor or pharmacist of all the products you use. Keep a list of all your medications with you, and share the list with your doctor and pharmacist.
IMPORTANT NOTE: The preceding information is intended to heighten awareness of health information and does not suggest diagnosis or treatment. This information is not a substitute for individual medical attention and should not be construed to indicate that use of the drug is safe, appropriate, or effective for you. See your health care professional for medical advice and treatment.