Wellbutrin

Depression is a medical illness believed to be caused by an imbalance of certain chemicals in the brain. Over 18 million Americans suffer from depression. As with other antidepressants, it is unknown exactly how Wellbutrin works. Scientists believe that Wellbutrin treats depression by affecting two chemicals in the brain called dopamine and norepinephrine. These are two of the chemicals that are believed to help regulate your mood.

Uses of Wellbutrin

Wellbutrin is used to treat depression.

Wellbutrin Directions

Wellbutrin may be taken with food if stomach upset occurs. Take doses at regularly scheduled times each day. Do not take more or less Wellbutrin than prescribed and follow your doctor's instructions carefully. Taking more than the recommended dose of Wellbutrin (bupropion) will increase your risk of having a seizure. Do not stop taking Wellbutrin without notifying your doctor. Since Wellbutrin 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 Wellbutrin are noticed.

Before taking Wellbutrin (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 Wellbutrin 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 Wellbutrin (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 Wellbutrin. Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant before taking Wellbutrin. Wellbutrin passes into breast milk. Because of the potential risk to the infant, breast-feeding while using Wellbutrin is not recommended. Consult your doctor before breast-feeding.

Wellbutrin 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 Wellbutrin, 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.

Wellbutrin Drug Interactions

Before taking Wellbutrin (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 Wellbutrin (bupropion). Do not take that product while using Wellbutrin. Do not start or stop any medicine without doctor or pharmacist approval.

If overdose of Wellbutrin is suspected, contact your local poison control center or emergency room immediately. Symptoms of Wellbutrin overdose may include seizures, hallucinations, rapid heart rate, and loss of consciousness.

Take any missed dose of Wellbutrin 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 of Wellbutrin.