Wellbutrin SR
Bupropion
Drug Class and Mechanism of Action of Wellbutrin SR
Wellbutrin SR is an antidepressant. It acts in the brain to treat depression. The exact mechanism of Wellbutrin SR is not known.
Therapeutic Uses of Wellbutrin SR
Wellbutrin SR is used for treatment of depression. It may also be used for other medical conditions as your doctor determines.
Direction of use of Wellbutrin SR
Use Wellbutrin SR as per direction of your doctor. Wellbutrin SR is taken by mouth with food or without food. If you experience stomach upset, take with food to reduce stomach irritation. Swallow Wellbutrin SR whole without breaking, crushing, or chewing it before swallowing.
Several weeks may pass before you get any symptomatic improvement. Do not stop taking Wellbutrin SR if you are not getting result after using it for few weeks, without checking with your doctor. You should take your doses of Wellbutrin SR at the same times each day at least 8 hours apart unless directed otherwise by your doctor. This may help to decrease the risk of seizures with this medicine.
Read the label on the medicine for exact dosing instructions. Wellbutrin SR comes with an extra patient information sheet called a Medication Guide. You should read it carefully and read it again each time you refill Wellbutrin SR.
Keep taking Wellbutrin SR even if you feel well without missing any dose.
If You Miss a Dose of Wellbutrin SR
If you miss a dose of Wellbutrin SR, you should skip the missed dose and go back to your regular dosing schedule. Do not take more than 1 dose within 8 hours. Do not take 2 doses at a time for missing a dose.
How to Store Wellbutrin SR
Wellbutrin SR should be stored at 77 degrees F (25 degrees C). Brief storage between 59 and 86 degrees F (15 and 30 degrees C) can be done without any problem. Store it away from heat, moisture, and light. Do not store in the bathroom and keep Wellbutrin SR out of the reach of children.
More Information About Wellbutrin SR
Wellbutrin SR is to be used only by the patient for whom it is prescribed. Do not share it with other people. Do not use it for other medical conditions.
Precautions to be Taken While Taking Wellbutrin SR
Do not use Wellbutrin SR if you are suffering from any medical conditions listed below and consult your doctor immediately:
- If you are allergic to any of the ingredients used in Wellbutrin SR.
- If you are taking any other medicine that contains bupropion.
- If you suddenly stop the use of alcohol or sedatives like benzodiazepines (used for treating insomnia) after long-term use.
- If you have a history of an eating disorder like anorexia nervosa, bulimia nervosa or seizures (e.g., epilepsy).
Some medical conditions may interact with Wellbutrin SR. Inform your doctor or other health care provider if you have any medical conditions that may interact with Wellbutrin SR, especially if any of the following:
- If you are pregnant, planning to become pregnant, or if you are breast-feeding your baby.
- If you are taking any prescription or nonprescription medicine, herbal preparation, dietary supplement etc.
- If you have allergic to ant other medicine, food, or any other substance.
- If you have a history of seizure, head injury, tumor in the brain or spinal cord, or liver problem (like cirrhosis).
- If you or any of your family member has a history of bipolar disorder (manic depression), other mental or mood problems (depression), suicidal thoughts, suicidal attempts, or alcohol or substance abuse.
- If you have diabetes, kidney problems, high blood pressure, heart problems (congestive heart failure), or a recent heart attack.
Some medicines may interact with Wellbutrin SR Sustained-Release Tablets. Inform your doctor or other health care provider if you are taking any other medicines that may interact with Wellbutrin SR, especially any of the following:
- Carbamazepine, phenobarbital, phenytoin etc. because they may decrease the effectiveness of Wellbutrin SR.
- Amantadine, antipsychotics (like haloperidol, risperidone), corticosteroids (like prednisone), MAOIs (mono amine oxydase inhibitors, e.g. phenelzine), nicotine patches, oral hypoglycemic drugs (like glipizide), other antidepressants (like fluoxetine, amitriptyline), sympathomimetics (like pseudoephedrine), theophylline, insulin, levodopa, tiagabine etc. because they may increase the risk of side effects of Wellbutrin SR.
- Antiarrhythmics (like propafenone, flecainide), beta-blockers (like metoprolol, atenolol), phenothiazines (like thioridazine), selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI) antidepressants (like fluoxetine), or tricyclic antidepressants (like nortriptyline) etc. because the risk of side effects of these drugs may be increased by Wellbutrin SR.
Possible Adverse Effects of Wellbutrin SR
- Nausea, headache, constipation, dizziness, indigestion, tiredness, weakness, vomiting etc. are the common and less serious side effects of Wellbutrin SR. if any of these most common and less serious side effects become persistent or become bothersome, consult your doctor.
- Severe allergic reaction (symptoms of serious allergic reaction are skin rash, hives, itching, difficulty in breathing, tightness in the chest, swelling of the mouth, face, lips, or tongue etc.); behavior changes (like aggression, depression), mood or mental changes; chest pain, confusion, cough, fainting; hallucinations, irregular heartbeats, shortness of breath; swelling of hands or feet; vision disturbances etc. are the serious side effects of Wellbutrin SR. Consult your doctor immediately if you experience any of these serious side effects of Wellbutrin SR.