Wellbutrin SR

The active ingredient in Wellbutrin SR is bupropion hydrochloride. This medication belongs to a group of medications called atypical antidepressants. It increases norepinephrine and dopamine in the brain, which are hormones that help regulate mood.

Follow all directions given to you by your doctor and read all documents provided, including the full Prescribing Information, FDA-Approved Product Labeling, Instructions for Use, and Medication Guide before using Wellbutrin SR. However, the following is a synopsis of the general guidelines for the use of Wellbutrin SR:

• Take this medication orally exactly as directed by your physician.
• The starting dose of bupropion will include taking one (150mg) tablet orally once daily. It will typically be increased to be taken twice daily after 3 days.
• It is important to note that Wellbutrin SR may cause false-positive results on certain urine drug screenings for amphetamines.
• If a dose is missed, skip the missed dose and go back to your regular dosing schedule.

The most common side effects of Wellbutrin SR include:

• Tremor.
• Mood changes (agitation, anxiety).
• Trouble sleeping (insomnia).
• Nausea.
• Headache.
• Dizziness.
• Increased sweating.
• Weight gain or weight loss.
• Sore throat.
• Dry mouth.
• Constipation.

Some individuals may experience serious side effects while using Wellbutrin SR. These side effects may require immediate medical attention. If you experience any of the following, contact your healthcare provider or seek emergency medical help:

• Severe skin or allergic reaction - hives, itching, swelling, chest pain, skin rash.
• Suicidal thoughts or changes in your mood or behaviors.
• Eye problems like blurred vision, glaucoma, or eye pain.
• Increased risk of seizures.
• Increased blood pressure (hypertension).

These are not all of the possible side effects of Wellbutrin SR. You should always seek medical advice from your healthcare provider for any questions or concerns about your medical condition or treatment. Read all patient information, medication guides, or drug information sheets that come with this medication. You can also report adverse effects to the Food and Drug Administration at www.fda.gov/medwatch or 1-800-FDA-1088.

Before starting Wellbutrin SR, it is crucial to discuss any existing health conditions with your healthcare provider. You should be sure that your healthcare provider is aware of all your medical conditions, including if you have:

• Bipolar disorder.
• Head injury.
• Weight loss.
• Glaucoma.
• Hypertension (high blood pressure).
• Mania.
• Eating disorders (anorexia, bulimia).
• Psychosis.
• Schizophrenia.
• Kidney disease.
• Liver disease.

Boxed Warning

• Monitor for worsening and emergence of suicidal thoughts and behaviors in patients taking antidepressants.

• Seizure disorder.
• Current or prior diagnosis of bulimia or anorexia nervosa.
• Abrupt discontinuation of alcohol, benzodiazepines, barbiturates, sedatives, or antiepileptic drugs.
• Do not use Wellbutrin SR within 14 days of stopping a monoamine oxidase inhibitor (MAOI) intended to treat psychiatric disorders.
• Previous hypersensitivity/allergic reaction to bupropion.

Wellbutrin SR can take several days to show initial benefits and up to 6 weeks to reach full effect.

When Wellbutrin SR is taken with other prescription drugs, over-the-counter medications, vitamins, and supplements, it may change how they work or increase the frequency or severity of side effects. Make sure that you tell your healthcare professional about anything that you are taking to avoid any negative drug interactions, including:

• MAOIs (methylene blue, linezolid, phenelzine).
• Other medications that contain bupropion (Zyban).
• Metoprolol.
• Medications for seizures (carbamazepine, phenytoin, phenobarbital).
• Medications for HIV or AIDS (ritonavir).
• Theophylline.
• Medications for irregular heartbeat (digoxin, flecainide).
• Clopidogrel.
• Tamoxifen.
• Stimulant medications.
• Medications for Parkinson's disease (amantadine, levodopa).

Wellbutrin SR comes in a variety of dosage forms, including:

• Sustained-release oral tablets - 100 mg, 150 mg, 200 mg.
• Other brand names of this medication include Aplenzin, Zyban, Forfivo XL, and Wellbutrin XL.

Store this medication at room temperature and keep it out of reach of children.

GlaxoSmithKline (GSK) is the pharmaceutical company that manufactures Wellbutrin SR.

There are lower-cost generics available of the brand name Wellbutrin SR.

Do not stop or adjust your use of this medication without consulting your doctor. Stopping this medication abruptly can worsen your depression.

It is unknown if Wellbutrin SR could affect your pregnancy or harm your unborn baby. Talk to your doctor if you are already pregnant or if you have any plans to become pregnant. They will know or recommend what is best for you.

Wellbutrin SR is known to pass into breast milk. Talk to your doctor if you are already breastfeeding or if you have any plans to breastfeed. They will know or recommend what is best for you.