Indications 

Wellbutrin SR is a prescription medicine indicated for the treatment of depression. 

As an antidepressant, Wellbutrin SR works by rebalancing specific natural brain chemicals (dopamine and norepinephrine) to enhance mood and overall well-being. 

Uses and Dosage 

Before taking Wellbutrin SR and with every prescription refill, carefully review the available medication guide and patient information leaflet. For any inquiries or concerns, do not hesitate to consult with your healthcare provider or pharmacist. 

The dosage of Wellbutrin SR is individualized according to the patient’s medical condition, liver function, and treatment response. 

To mitigate potential side effects, your doctor may recommend starting this medication with a conservative dose and progressively titrating it upwards.  

Typically, Wellbutrin SR is taken twice daily, with the first dose upon awakening in the morning and the second dose after a minimum of 8 hours, or as instructed by the doctor. 

Ingest the tablets whole, without crushing or chewing, to prevent the rapid release of the medication, which can elevate the risk of side effects. 

This medication may be taken with or without food, but if you experience stomach upset, consider taking it with or after a meal or snack. 

For optimal results, take Wellbutrin SR regularly at the same time of the day daily. 

Adhere to the prescribed dosage regimen and avoid self-adjusting by increasing the dose or using the drug more frequently or for a prolonged period, as this will not hasten your recovery and may heighten the risk of side effects. 

Consult your doctor before discontinuing Wellbutrin SR, as a gradual dose reduction may be necessary. 

Side Effects 

Listed below are the potential adverse effects of Wellbutrin SR. If any of them persist or worsen, promptly inform your doctor. 

Common Side Effects 

• Dry mouth, sore throat, stuffy nose 
• Ringing in the ears 
• Blurred vision 
• Nausea, vomiting, stomach pain, loss of appetite, constipation 
• Sleep problems (insomnia) 
• Tremors, sweating, anxiety, nervousness 
• Fast heartbeats 
• Confusion, agitation, hostility 
• Rash 
• Weight loss 
• Increased urination 
• Headache, dizziness 
• Muscle or joint pain 

Serious Side Effects 

• Seizures (convulsions) 
• Confusion, atypical mood, or behavior alterations 
• Blurred vision, tunnel vision, eye pain or swelling, or halo vision 
• Rapid or irregular heartbeats 
• Manic episode:  
  • Racing thoughts 
  • Heightened energy 
  • Risky behavior 
  • Extreme elation or irritability 
  • Excessive talking 
  • Severe sleep disturbances 

Contact your doctor immediately if you experience any of the serious side effects listed above. 

Promptly seek emergency medical aid if you exhibit any indications of a severe skin reaction with Wellbutrin SR, like: 

• Fever 
• Sore throat 
• Burning eyes 
• Skin pain 
• The presence of a red or purple rash accompanied by blistering and peeling 

Inform your doctor of any new or exacerbated symptoms, including: 

• Changes in mood or behavior 
• Anxiety 
• Depression 
• Panic attacks 
• Sleep disturbances 
• Impulsivity 
• Irritability 
• Agitation 
• Hostility 
• Aggression 
• Restlessness 
• Hyperactivity (mentally or physically) 
• Increased feelings of depression 
• Thoughts of self-harm or suicide 

Allergic Reactions 

In rare instances, Wellbutrin SR may cause a severe allergic reaction. Seek prompt medical help upon observing any indications of an allergic reaction, including: 

• Skin rash 
• Itching 
• Elevated body temperature 
• Enlarged lymph nodes 
• Respiratory distress 
• Facial and throat swelling 

Not all side effects of Wellbutrin SR are included in this list. Inform your doctor of any additional side effects that may occur. 

Cautions 

Before starting treatment with Wellbutrin SR, inform your doctor if you have any known allergies, particularly to bupropion. 

Ask your pharmacist for more details regarding Wellbutrin SR, as it may include inactive ingredients that may trigger allergic reactions or other complications. 

To ensure Wellbutrin SR is safe for you, disclose to your physician your medical background, especially if you have a history of: 

• Diabetes 
• Heart disease 
• High blood pressure 
• Kidney problems 
• Liver disease 
• Substance use or abuse (drugs/alcohol) 
• Seizures or conditions that raise seizure risk (e.g., brain/head injury, brain tumor, eating disorders like bulimia/anorexia nervosa) 
• Personal or family history of glaucoma (angle-closure type) 

Some products may interact with Wellbutrin SR, including codeine, pimozide, tamoxifen, and thioridazine. To prevent such drug interactions, disclose to your healthcare providers all your medication usage, including prescription and over-the-counter drugs, vitamins, and herbal products.  

Refrain from taking MAO inhibitors for two weeks before and after starting Wellbutrin SR, especially: 

• Isocarboxazid 
• Linezolid 
• Metaxalone 
• Methylene blue  
• Moclobemide 
• Phenelzine 
• Procarbazine 
• Rasagiline 
• Safinamide 
• Selegiline 
• Tranylcypromine 

Consult your doctor for guidance on the appropriate timing of starting or discontinuing Wellbutrin SR in relation to MAO inhibitors. 

Do not take Wellbutrin SR if you are discontinuing the regular use of sedatives (including benzodiazepines like lorazepam), medications for seizure management, or alcohol, as this could heighten the risk of seizures. 

Wellbutrin SR could potentially affect specific medical or laboratory tests (e.g., brain scans for Parkinson’s disease, urine screenings for amphetamines), potentially leading to inaccurate test outcomes. Inform laboratory staff and all your healthcare providers about your use of this medication. 

Wellbutrin SR may elevate your blood pressure. Your doctor may assess your blood pressure before initiating treatment and monitor it regularly while you are on this medication, particularly if you are concurrently using nicotine replacement therapy. 

The use of Wellbutrin SR may induce drowsiness. Refrain from driving or operating machinery until the effects of this medication are understood. 

Young people who start taking antidepressants like Wellbutrin SR may have suicidal thoughts. Regular check-ups with a doctor are necessary, and caregivers and family members should be aware of mood changes. 

Consult your doctor regarding the use of Wellbutrin SR during pregnancy, as the potential effects of this medication on an unborn child remain uncertain. Do not discontinue this medication without your doctor’s guidance, as untreated mental mood problems can have serious consequences. 

Bupropion can transfer to breast milk and potentially cause adverse effects on a nursing baby. Prior to breastfeeding, seek guidance from your healthcare provider.