Wellbutrin

IMPORTANT NOTE | TITLE | HOW TO PRONOUNCE | COMMON BRAND NAMES | USES | OTHER USES | HOW TO TAKE | SIDE EFFECTS | PRECAUTIONS | DRUG INTERACTIONS | OVERDOSE | NOTES | MISSED DOSE | STORAGE

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.

TITLE BUPROPION - ORAL

HOW TO PRONOUNCE (byou-PRO-pee-on)

COMMON BRAND NAMES Wellbutrin

USES This medication is used to treat depression.

OTHER USES This medication may also be used for quitting smoking.

HOW TO TAKE
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. Taking more than the recommended dose of bupropion will increase your risk of having a seizure. The maximum dose of bupropion is 300 -450 milligrams per day, depending on your medical condition (stop smoking therapy vs. psychiatric conditions). If you have very severe liver disease, the maximum dose is 150 milligrams every other day. 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, slowed movements, difficulty urinating, decreased sex drive, drowsiness. Very unlikely but report promptly: unusual or severe mental/mood changes, severe headache, fever, muscle aches, yellowing of the eyes or skin. Seek immediate medical attention if the following infrequent but serious side effect occurs: seizures. Bupropion should be stopped permanently if you have a seizure while taking the medication. 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 or pharmacist if you are allergic to it or if you have any other allergies. This medication should not be used if you have certain medical conditions. Before using this medicine, consult your doctor if you have: seizures, eating disorders (e.g., bulimia, anorexia nervosa). This medication should not be used if you are suddenly stopping regular use of sedatives (e.g., benzodiazepines such as diazepam) or alcohol, since doing so creates a higher risk of seizures. Before taking this medicine, tell your doctor or pharmacist your medical history, including: head injury, brain tumor, heart disease, high blood pressure, liver problems, kidney problems, diabetes, any mental conditions, alcohol/drug dependence, 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. Do not take this medicine with any other product containing bupropion (e.g., drugs to help quit smoking) since large doses of bupropion are more likely to cause seizures. Though uncommon, depression can lead to thoughts or attempts of suicide. Tell your doctor immediately if you have any suicidal thoughts, worsening depression, or any other mental/mood changes (including new or worsening anxiety, agitation, panic attacks, trouble sleeping, irritability, hostile/angry feelings, impulsive actions, severe restlessness, rapid speech). Keep all medical appointments so your healthcare professional can monitor your progress closely and adjust/change your medication if needed. 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
This drug should not be used with the following medications because very serious interactions may occur: MAO inhibitors (e.g., isocarboxazid, phenelzine, tranylcypromine, pargyline, selegiline, linezolid, furazolidone). If you are currently using or have recently stopped taking an MAO inhibitor within the last 14 days, tell your doctor or pharmacist before starting bupropion. Before taking this medicine, tell your doctor of all nonprescription and prescription medications you may use especially: levodopa, warfarin, ritonavir, adrenaline-like stimulants (e.g., ephedrine), regular use of sedatives (e.g., diazepam), diabetes medications (e.g., hypoglycemic agents such as glyburide, glipizide, or insulin), amantadine, products containing nicotine (e.g., patches or gum). Also report the use of drugs which might increase seizure risk (decrease seizure threshold) when combined with bupropion such as phenothiazines (e.g., thioridazine), tricyclic antidepressants (e.g., amitriptyline), isoniazid (INH), or theophylline among others. Consult your doctor or pharmacist for details. 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. 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. US residents can call the US national poison hotline at 1-800-222-1222. Canadian residents should call their local poison control center directly. 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.