Wellbutrin

WELLBUTRIN DRUG INFO

BUPROPION - ORAL (byou-PRO-pee-on)

COMMON BRAND NAME(S): Wellbutrin

USES:

Bupropion (Wellbutrin) is used in the treatment of depression.

HOW TO USE:

This medication is taken in tablet form by mouth, and may be take with food in the case of upset stomach. It is important to take each dose at a regularly scheduled time each day. Follow your doctor’s instructions exactly, and never take more or less medication than is prescribed. Taking more than the recommended dosage can result in seizures. This medication may cause sleeplessness in the beginning; as a result it is better not to take this medication right before bedtime. This medication can take up to four weeks or more to feel the full effects. It is highly recommended to consult your doctor before you stop taking this medicine to avoid any serious side effects.

SIDE EFFECS:

While this medication is usually well tolerated in most patients there are some common side effects that may not need medical attention, however if they persist or get worse consult your doctor. The most common side effects are: nausea or vomiting; anxiety; dry mouth; increased sweating; headache; fatigue; and blurred vision. It is important to tell notify your doctor immediately if you experience unusual weight gain or loss, agitation, palpitations, or trouble sleeping. In rare cases it has been reported that some patients have experienced dizziness, mood changes, difficulty urinating, drowsiness, tremor, fainting, slowed movements, mood changes, and decreased sex drive these effects need to be reported to your doctor immediately. While the following side effects are highly unlikely it is vital that you report to your doctor if you experience seizures, mental problems, fever, muscle aches, and yellowing of the eyes or skin. If you experience an allergic reaction to this medication see emergency medical attention immediately. The symptoms of an allergic reaction include trouble breathing, rash, itching, swelling, or severe dizziness. If you notice any other symptoms contact your doctor or pharmacist.

PRECAUTIONS:

It is vital that you tell your doctor if you have or have had any of the following illnesses: 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. This medication may cause dizziness and affect coordination, therefore it is recommended that you do not drive or operate machinery until you know how this drug will affect you. It is important to avoid or limit the use of alcohol while on this medication to prevent the risk of seizures; however those who are chronic alcohol users may increase their risk of seizures by suddenly stopping the consumption of alcohol while on this medication. Consult a physician consuming your alcohol intake to best devise a plan to omit alcoholic beverages and to reduce the risk of seizures. Suddenly stopping certain tranquilizers such as, diazepam and chlordiazepoxide is not recommended because doing so may increase the risk of having seizures. Elderly patients should consult their doctor about all the risks and benefits of this medication because they can be more sensitive to its affects. Women who are pregnant or plan to become pregnant should consult a doctor before taking this drug. It is important that women who are nursing to consult their doctor before breast-feeding while on this medication, because it passed into the breast milk and can cause potential risk to an infant.

DRUG INTERACTIONS:

It is always important to inform you doctor of any medications that you are taking including both nonprescription and prescription medications you may use especially: MAO inhibitors such as, isocarboxazid, phenelzine, tranylcypromine, pargyline, selegiline, linezolid, and furazolidone; levodopa; ritonavir; corticosteroids including prednisone; sedatives; adrenaline-like stimulants such as, ephedrine; and products containing nicotine such as, patches or gum. It is also highly recommended to report the use of drugs which might increase seizure risk such as: phenothiazines such as, chlorpromazine; tricyclic antidepressants including, amitriptyline; isoniazid (INH), and theophylline. Excess caffeine intake can increase the chance of seizures with this drug it is important to check all nonprescription and prescription drug labels for caffeine. Since a certain product used to help quit smoking contains bupropion, it is vital not to take that product while using this one. Consult your doctor before starting any new medication either prescription or over the counter. Always consult your doctor or pharmacist before stopping or starting any medication.

OVERDOSE:

It is vital to contact emergency services or your local poison control if you suspect an overdose. The symptoms of an overdose include seizures, hallucinations, rapid heart rate, and loss of consciousness.

NOTES:

Never allow anyone else to take this medication.

MISSED DOSE:

In the event that you miss a dose, take it as soon as you remember. If you do not remember before there is four hours before the next dose, then simply skip it and resume taking as scheduled. It is important never to “double-up” on this medication.

STORAGE:

This medication should be stored at room temperature and kept out of sunlight and moisture, it is also not recommended to store this product in the bathroom.

IMPORTANT NOTE:

This information is not intended to replace the knowledge and skills of a qualified healthcare provider. While the following can be a valuable resource, this drug may not be safe or effective for everyone. You should always consult with a qualified healthcare provider before taking any prescription medication.