WellbutrinŽ
WellbutrinŽ is an antidepressant that works
by affecting two chemicals in the brain that are
believed to help regulate your mood (dopamine
and norepinephrine).
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WellbutrinŽ
Important Note
The following information is intended to supplement,
not substitute for, the expertise and judgment of your
physician, pharmacist or other healthcare professional.
It should not be construed to indicate that use of the
drug is safe, appropriate, or effective for you. Consult
your healthcare professional before using this drug.
Uses
This medication is used to treat depression.
How to Use
This medication may be taken with food if stomach upset
occurs. Take doses at regularly scheduled times each
day. Do not take more or less medication than prescribed
and follow your doctor's instructions carefully. Taking
more than the recommended dose of bupropion will increase
your risk of having a seizure. Do not stop taking this
medication without notifying your doctor. Since this
drug may cause sleeplessness at first, it is best not
to take this near bedtime. It may take 4 weeks or more
before the full effects of this medication are noticed.
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, 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.
Precautions
Before taking bupropion, 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 bupropion may increase the risk of having seizures.
Suddenly stopping certain tranquilizers (e.g., diazepam,
chlordiazepoxide) is not recommended because doing so
may increase the risk of having seizures. Elderly patients
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.
Drug Interactions
Before taking bupropion tell your doctor of all nonprescription
and prescription medications you may use especially:
MAO inhibitors (e.g., isocarboxazid, phenelzine, tranylcypromine,
pargyline, selegiline, linezolid, furazolidone), levodopa,
ritonavir, corticosteroids (e.g. prednisone), sedatives,
adrenaline-like stimulants (e.g., ephedrine), products
containing nicotine (e.g., patches or gum). Also report
use of drugs which might increase seizure risk (decrease
seizure threshold) such as: phenothiazines (e.g., chlorpromazine),
tricyclic antidepressants (e.g., amitriptyline), isoniazid
(INH), theophylline. Excess caffeine intake can increase
the chance of seizures with this drug. Check all nonprescription/prescription
drug labels for caffeine. Consult your doctor or pharmacist.
A certain product used to help quit smoking contains
bupropion. Do not take that product while using this
one. Do not start or stop any medicine without doctor
or pharmacist approval.
Overdose
If overdose is suspected, contact your local poison
control center or emergency room immediately. Symptoms
of overdose may include seizures, hallucinations, rapid
heart rate, and loss of consciousness.
Notes
Do not allow anyone else to take this medication.
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.
Storage
Store at room temperature and keep away from moisture
and sunlight. Do not store in the bathroom.
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