What is Wellbutrin/Bupropion used for?
Wellbutrin (Bupropion) is a medication used to treat major depression disorder and seasonal affective disorder.
How should Wellbutrin/Bupropion be stored?
This medication should be stored at room temperature. Keep away from moisture and heat.
General information
How should I take Wellbutrin/Bupropion ?
Read the directions on the prescription label. Do not take larger doses than prescribed by your doctor. Do not take this medication longer than recommended by your doctor. To ensure the patient will get the best result from the medication, your doctor may change the dosage. Take Wellbutrin (Bupropion) with or without food. The pill must be swallowed whole, do not crush, chew, or break the extended-release tablet because it may cause too much of the medication to be released at one time. When taking Wellbutrin (Bupropion) it is normal that the extended-release tablet shell to pass into your stools (bowel movements). It does not mean you are not receiving enough of the medication. If you would like to stop taking Wellbutrin (Bupropion) speak to your doctor first. Do not suddenly stop taking Wellbutrin (Bupropion) because you may experience unpleasant side effects.
When should Wellbutrin/Bupropion not be taken?
If you have taken a monoamine oxidase inhibitor (MAOI) in the past 14 days, do not taken Wellbutrin (Bupropion) MAOI’s include: Marplan (isocarboxazid), Nardil (phenelzine), Azilect (rasagiline), Eldepryl (Selegiline), or Parnate (tranylcypromine). Do not take Wellbutrin (Bupropion) if you have seizures, an eating disorder, a second form of bupropion that you are currently taking, or have suddenly stopped using alcohol or sedatives.
What precautions should I follow when taking Wellbutrin/Bupropion ?
When taking Wellbutrin (Bupropion), you may experience seizures particularly if you have certain medical conditions and are taking medication. You may also experience seizures if you drink alcohol. Avoid drinking alcohol is recommended. If you are starting Wellbutrin (Bupropion), you may have suicidal thoughts especially if you are younger than 24 years old. It is important to keep your doctor appointments in the first 12 weeks of treatment. Notify your doctor immediately if you notice new or worsening symptoms of mood or behavior changes, anxiety, panic attacks, trouble sleeping, or if you feel impulsive, irritable, agitated, hostile, aggressive, restless, mentally or physically hyperactive, more depressed, or have suicidal thoughts or thoughts of hurting yourself.
What special warning(s) should I be aware of when taking Wellbutrin/Bupropion ?
Your dosage may need to be adjusted or will need to take special tests if you have heart disease, high blood pressure, history of heart attack; a history of head injury, seizures, or brain or spinal cord tumor; kidney disease; liver disease (especially cirrhosis); bipolar disorder (manic depression). Let your doctor know if you are pregnant, want to become pregnant or breastfeeding, it is not known if Wellbutrin (Bupropion) is harmful to an unborn or newborn baby.
What are the side effects of Wellbutrin/Bupropion ?
Severe: Seizures (convulsions); severe blistering, peeling and red skin rash; fever, swollen glands, rash or itching, join pain, or general ill feeling; confusion, trouble concentrating; or hallucinations, unusual thoughts or behavior.
Common: Headache or migraine; sleep problems (insomnia); nausea, vomiting, constipation, dry mouth; dizziness, tremors (shaking); appetite changes, weight loss or gain; mild itching or skin rash, increased sweating; or loss of interest in sex.
Other: None.