Wellbutrin SR

bupropion

Bupropion Sustained-Release Tablets

What is Bupropion?

Bupropion is a medication primarily used to treat major depressive disorder. It's also approved as a smoking cessation aid, helping people quit smoking. It works differently than many other antidepressants by affecting certain neurotransmitters in the brain, specifically dopamine and norepinephrine. This mechanism of action contributes to its effectiveness in both depression and smoking cessation.

Important Information to Share with Your Doctor

Before starting bupropion, it's crucial to inform your healthcare provider about your complete medical history. This includes, but isn't limited to:

• Eating disorders: Anorexia nervosa or bulimia
• Mood disorders: Bipolar disorder or psychosis
• Metabolic conditions: Diabetes or high blood sugar, especially if managed with medication
• Cardiovascular issues: Heart disease, history of heart attack, or irregular heartbeat
• Neurological conditions: Head injury, brain tumor, or seizures
• Hypertension: High blood pressure
• Organ dysfunction: Kidney or liver disease
• Suicidal thoughts: History of suicidal thoughts or attempts
• Neurological disorder: Tourette's syndrome
• Weight changes: Significant weight loss
• Allergies: Any allergies to bupropion, other medications, foods, dyes, or preservatives
• Pregnancy and breastfeeding: If you are pregnant, planning to become pregnant, or breastfeeding.

How to Take Bupropion

Bupropion sustained-release tablets are taken orally with a glass of water. Your doctor will prescribe a specific dosage and schedule, typically twice daily at regular intervals. It's important to adhere to this prescribed schedule. Never abruptly stop taking bupropion; your doctor will likely recommend a gradual dose reduction to avoid withdrawal symptoms. In case of overdose, seek immediate medical attention by contacting a poison control center or emergency room.

Important Note: This medication is prescribed for your individual use only. Do not share it with others.

Missed Dose

If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you remember. However, if it's less than four hours until your next scheduled dose, simply skip the missed dose and take your next dose as usual. Never double up on doses.

Potential Drug Interactions

Bupropion can interact with several other medications. It's absolutely critical to inform your doctor about all medications, supplements (including herbal remedies), and over-the-counter drugs you are taking. Some medications should not be taken with bupropion:

• MAO Inhibitors: Such as Nardil, Parnate, Marplan, and Eldepryl.
• Other Bupropion-containing medications: Like Zyban.
• Procarbazine: A chemotherapy drug.

Additionally, bupropion may interact with the following, potentially affecting its effectiveness or causing side effects:

• Amantadine
• Carbamazepine
• Cimetidine
• Corticosteroids
• Cyclophosphamide
• Efavirenz
• Levodopa or combination drugs containing levodopa
• Linezolid
• Weight control or appetite suppressant medications or herbal products
• Medications for mental depression, emotional, or psychotic disturbances
• Nelfinavir
• Nicotine
• Orphenadrine
• Phenobarbital
• Phenytoin
• Ritonavir
• Some medications for heart rhythm or blood pressure
• Theophylline
• Thiotepa
• Tramadol
• Warfarin

This is not an exhaustive list. Always provide your doctor with a comprehensive list of all substances you consume, including alcohol and illicit drugs.

Monitoring Your Progress

Regular checkups with your doctor are essential while taking bupropion to monitor your progress and adjust the dosage as needed. It may take several days or weeks to experience the full therapeutic effects.

Important: Closely monitor for worsening depression or suicidal thoughts, as well as sudden or severe changes in mood, such as anxiety, agitation, irritability, hostility, impulsivity, restlessness, hyperactivity, or sleep disturbances. Report these immediately to your doctor.

Alcohol can increase the risk of dizziness and drowsiness. Limit or avoid alcohol consumption while taking bupropion. Excessive alcohol use, along with the use of sleeping pills or anxiety medication, or abrupt cessation of these substances while on bupropion may increase the risk of seizures.

Dizziness and blurred vision are possible side effects. Avoid driving or operating machinery until you know how the medication affects you. Avoid sudden position changes (sitting or standing) to minimize dizziness or fainting.

Dry mouth is a common side effect. Chewing sugarless gum or sucking on hard candy, and drinking plenty of water may help. If the dry mouth is persistent or severe, contact your doctor.

Consult your doctor before using any over-the-counter medications for coughs, colds, allergies, or weight loss, as these may interact with bupropion.

Possible Side Effects

Side effects requiring immediate medical attention:

• Allergic reactions (rash, itching, hives, swelling of face, lips, or tongue)
• Breathing problems
• Vision changes
• Confusion
• Fast or irregular heartbeat
• Hallucinations
• Increased blood pressure
• Severe skin reactions (redness, blistering, peeling)
• Seizures
• Suicidal thoughts or other mood changes
• Unusual weakness or fatigue
• Vomiting

Side effects that usually do not require immediate medical attention (but should be reported to your doctor if they persist or are bothersome):

• Changes in sex drive or performance
• Constipation
• Headache
• Loss of appetite
• Nausea
• Tremors
• Weight loss

This list may not include all possible side effects.

Storage

Keep bupropion out of the reach of children. Store at room temperature (15-25°C or 59-77°F), away from direct sunlight and moisture. Keep the container tightly closed. Discard any unused medication after the expiration date.

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