Information About Wellbutrin
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.
BUPROPION - ORAL
(byou-PRO-pee-on)
COMMON BRAND NAME(S): Wellbutrin
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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