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Antidepressants > Wellbutrin
Wellbutrin
 Bupropion
(Generic Wellbutrin®)
Important Note
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 Buspar, 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 Buspar 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
T ake 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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