Wellbutrin SR

Bupropion Hydrochloride SR Drug Information

• Wellbutrin SR Overview

  Wellbutrin SR is used to treat depression. It can improve your mood and feelings of well-being. It may work by restoring the balance of certain natural substances (dopamine, norepinephrine) in the brain.

• Wellbutrin SR Warnings

  Bupropion is an antidepressant used for smoking cessation and to treat a variety of conditions, including depression and other mental/mood disorders. Antidepressants can help prevent suicidal thoughts/attempts and provide other important benefits. However, a small number of people (especially people younger than 25) who take antidepressants for any condition may experience new or worsening depression, other mental/mood symptoms, or suicidal thoughts/attempts. Therefore, it is very important to talk with the doctor about the risks and benefits of antidepressant medication, even if treatment is not for a mental/mood condition. Tell the doctor right away if you notice new or worsening depression/other psychiatric conditions, unusual behavior changes (including possible suicidal thoughts/attempts), or other mental/mood changes (including new/worsening anxiety, panic attacks, trouble sleeping, irritability, hostile/angry feelings, impulsive actions, severe restlessness, very rapid speech). Be especially watchful for these symptoms when a new antidepressant is started or when the dose is changed. If you are using bupropion to quit smoking and experience any of these symptoms, stop taking it and contact your doctor right away. Also, tell your doctor right away if you have any of these symptoms after stopping treatment with bupropion.

• How to Use Wellbutrin SR

  Read the Medication Guide provided by your pharmacist before you start using bupropion and each time you get a refill. If you have any questions, ask your doctor or pharmacist. Take Wellbutrin SR by mouth with or without food as directed by your doctor, usually twice a day. If you have stomach upset, you may take Wellbutrin SR with or after a meal or snack. Take the first dose as soon as you wake up in the morning and the second dose at least 8 hours later, or take as directed by your doctor. Taking Wellbutrin SR late in the day may cause trouble sleeping (insomnia). Take Wellbutrin SR regularly to get the most benefit from it. To help you remember, take it at the same times each day. Do not crush or chew Wellbutrin SR. Doing so can release all of the drug at once, increasing the risk of side effects. Also, do not split the tablets unless they have a score line and your doctor or pharmacist tells you to do so. Swallow the whole or split tablet without crushing or chewing. The Dosage of Wellbutrin SR is based on your medical condition, liver function, and response to treatment. To reduce your risk of side effects, your doctor may direct you to start Wellbutrin SR at a low dose and gradually increase your dose. Do not increase your dose or use Wellbutrin SR more often or for longer than prescribed. Your condition will not improve any faster and your risk of side effects will increase. Do not stop taking Wellbutrin SR without consulting your doctor. Your dose may need to be gradually decreased. It may take 4 weeks or longer before you get the full benefit of Wellbutrin SR. Tell your doctor if your condition does not improve or if it worsens.

• Wellbutrin SR Precautions

  Before taking bupropion, tell your doctor or pharmacist if you are allergic to it; or if you have any other allergies. Wellbutrin SR may contain inactive ingredients, which can cause allergic reactions or other problems. Talk to your pharmacist for more details. Before using Wellbutrin SR, tell your doctor or pharmacist your medical history,diabetes, heart disease, high blood pressure, kidney problems, liver disease, use/abuse of drugs/alcohol, seizures or conditions that increase your risk of seizures (including brain/head injury, brain tumor, eating disorders such as bulimia/anorexia nervosa), personal or family history of glaucoma (angle-closure type). Wellbutrin SR should not be used if you are suddenly stopping regular use of sedatives (including benzodiazepines such as lorazepam), drugs used to treat seizures, or alcohol. Doing so may increase your risk of seizures. Wellbutrin SR may make you dizzy. Alcohol or marijuana (cannabis) can make you more dizzy. Do not drive, use machinery, or do anything that needs alertness until you can do it safely. Avoid alcoholic beverages. Talk to your doctor if you are using marijuana (cannabis). Alcohol can also increase your risk of seizures. Before having surgery, tell your doctor or dentist about all the products you use (including prescription drugs, nonprescription drugs, and herbal products). Older adults may be more sensitive to the side effects of Wellbutrin SR, especially dizziness and memory loss. Dizziness can increase the risk of falling. During pregnancy, Wellbutrin SR should be used only when clearly needed. Since untreated mental/mood problems (such as depression, seasonal affective disorder, bipolar disorder) can be a serious condition, do not stop taking Wellbutrin SR unless directed by your doctor. If you are planning pregnancy, become pregnant, or think you may be pregnant, immediately discuss with your doctor the benefits and risks of using Wellbutrin SR during pregnancy. Wellbutrin SR passes into breast milk and may have undesirable effects on a nursing infant. Consult your doctor before breast-feeding.

• Wellbutrin SR Misdose

  If you miss a dose of Wellbutrin SR, skip the missed dose. Take your next dose at the regular time. Do not double the dose to catch up.

• Wellbutrin SR Interactions

  See also Precautions section. Drug interactions may change how your medications work or increase your risk for serious side effects. This document does not contain all possible drug interactions. Keep a list of all the products you use (including prescription/nonprescription drugs and herbal products) and share it with your doctor and pharmacist. Do not start, stop, or change the dosage of any medicines without your doctor's approval.codeine, pimozide, tamoxifen. Taking MAO inhibitors with Wellbutrin SR may cause a serious (possibly fatal) drug interaction. Avoid taking MAO inhibitors (isocarboxazid, linezolid, methylene blue, moclobemide, phenelzine, procarbazine, rasagiline, safinamide, selegiline, tranylcypromine) during treatment with Wellbutrin SR. Most MAO inhibitors should also not be taken for two weeks before and after treatment with Wellbutrin SR. Ask your doctor when to start or stop taking Wellbutrin SR. Wellbutrin SR may interfere with certain medical/laboratory tests (including brain scan for Parkinson's disease, urine screening for amphetamines), possibly causing false results. Tell laboratory personnel and all your doctors you use Wellbutrin SR.

• Wellbutrin SR Side Effects

  What are Wellbutrin SR side effects?

  Side effects are physical, mental or emotional symptoms which occur in addition to or outside of the desired effect of a therapeutic treatment such as an over-the-counter or prescribed drug or medication. Side effects from Wellbutrin SR may occur at the beginning or at the end of treatment and may also depend on the length of time an individual remains on the treatment. Side effects, also known as adverse effects, are generally more likely to occur when starting treatment. Individuals may also experience side effects from Wellbutrin SR as a result of an interaction with other medications.

  Side Effects of Wellbutrin SR

  The side effects of Wellbutrin SR may vary in number and intensity for many different reasons. Factors such as age, weight, gender and ethnicity may influence the side effects of Wellbutrin SR. Also, an individual’s state of general physical health and seriousness of the disease or illness as well as an increase or decrease in dosage may lead to side effects. Further, side effects from Wellbutrin SR may also occur as a result of an interaction with certain herbal supplements, foods or drinks.

  Prescription drug side effects can be serious and may cause patients to stop the treatment. However, when side effects from the use of a prescription drug, such as Wellbutrin SR, do occur a patient should consult their physician. A physician may prescribe an additional treatment in order to control the symptoms or an adjustment in the dosage may be made. In addition, changes to diet, exercise or other lifestyle activities may help to lessen the side effects of Wellbutrin SR.

  By understanding side effects and the factors which may influence the occurrence of side effects patients are empowered to take an active role in their care. Patients who have specific questions about the side effects of Wellbutrin SR, or any other medication, should contact their physician. General information about Wellbutrin SR and the side effects associated with Wellbutrin SR are described in the following:

  Common Wellbutrin SR Side Effects

  Severe

  • agitation

  Less Severe

  • symptoms of anxiety
  • tinnitus
  • pharyngitis
  • xerostomia
  • constipation
  • arthralgias
  • concentration difficulty
  • dizziness
  • insomnia
  • hyperhidrosis
  • tremor
  • anorexia
  • weight loss
  • palpitations
  • nausea
  • diarrhea
  • acute abdominal pain
  • nervousness
  • dream disorder
  • headache disorder
  • rhinitis

  Less Frequent Wellbutrin SR Side Effects

  Severe

  • hypertension
  • urticaria
  • hypotension
  • infection
  • cardiac arrhythmia

  Less Severe

  • acute confusion
  • blurred vision
  • libido changes
  • pruritus of skin
  • myalgias
  • drowsy
  • fever
  • general weakness
  • skin rash
  • flushing
  • non-cardiac chest pain
  • vomiting
  • flatulence
  • increased urinary frequency
  • dysphagia
  • dyspepsia
  • menstrual disorder
  • hearing disorder
  • neck pain
  • increased appetite
  • bronchitis
  • dry skin
  • cough
  • epistaxis
  • irritability
  • migraine
  • stomatitis
  • ataxia
  • myoclonus
  • drug-induced hot flash
  • peripheral edema

  Rare or Very Rare Wellbutrin SR Side Effects

  Severe

  • delusional disorder
  • paranoid disorder
  • suicidal ideation
  • hallucinations
  • seizure disorder
  • pancreatitis
  • abnormal hepatic function tests
  • suicidal
  • manic disorder
  • drug-induced psychosis
  • homicidal ideation
  • anaphylaxis
  • erythema multiforme
  • Stevens-Johnson syndrome
  • angioedema
  • extrasystoles
  • akathisia
  • hypersensitivity drug reaction
  • hepatitis
  • SIADH syndrome
  • acute myocardial infarction
  • dyskinesia
  • acquired dystonia
  • ocular hypertension
  • accommodation disorder
  • secondary angle-closure glaucoma
  • complete atrioventricular block
  • orthostatic hypotension
  • colitis
  • esophagitis
  • leukocytosis
  • leukopenia
  • thrombocytopenic disorder
  • rhabdomyolysis
  • coma
  • parkinsonism
  • tardive dyskinesia
  • pulmonary thromboembolism
  • gastrointestinal perforation
  • gastrointestinal hemorrhage
  • pancytopenia
  • unconsciousness
  • bronchospastic pulmonary disease
  • hearing loss
  • atrioventricular block
  • gastric ulcer

  Less Severe

  • exfoliative dermatitis
  • hyponatremia
  • dyspnea
  • syncope
  • dysgeusia
  • hostility
  • behavioral disorders
  • aggressive behavior
  • panic disorder
  • abnormal vaginal bleeding
  • skin photosensitivity
  • facial edema
  • nocturia
  • mydriasis
  • hyperglycemia
  • hypoglycemic disorder
  • ecchymosis
  • muscle rigidity
  • muscle weakness
  • delirium
  • paresthesia
  • lymphadenopathy
  • gingival bleeding
  • malaise
  • hypomania
  • erectile dysfunction
  • polyuria
  • disorder of ejaculation
  • cystitis
  • dysuria
  • gynecomastia
  • salpingitis
  • urinary incontinence
  • urinary retention
  • vaginitis
  • dry eye
  • dyspareunia
  • increased libido
  • aphasia
  • euphoria
  • hirsutism
  • cramps in legs
  • tachycardia
  • anemia
  • glycosuria
  • abnormal electroencephalogram
  • dysarthria
  • pneumonia
  • phlebitis
  • sialorrhea
  • bruxism
  • alopecia

• Wellbutrin SR Storage

  Store at room temperature away from light and moisture. You may notice an odor from the tablets; this is normal and does not affect how they work. Do not store in the bathroom. Keep all medications away from children and pets. Do not flush medications down the toilet or pour them into a drain unless instructed to do so. Properly discard Wellbutrin SR when it is expired or no longer needed. Consult your pharmacist or local waste disposal company.