WELLBUTRIN INFORMATION

GENERIC NAME: Bupropion

WELLBUTRIN INFO: Wellbutrin is prescribed to help relieve certain kinds of major depression. "Major depression" is said to involve a severely depressed mood (for two weeks or more), and loss of interest or pleasure in the person's usual activities, accompanied by agitation or lack of energy, feelings of guilt or worthlessness, decreased sex drive, sleep and appetite disturbances and an inability to concentrate. Wellbutrin is available in regular and sustained-release formulations (Wellbutrin SR).

HOW TO TAKE WELLBUTRIN: Wellbutrin should be taken exactly as prescribed by your doctor. The usual dosing regimen is three equal doses spaced evenly throughout the day. At least 6 hours should be allowed between doses. It's typical for doctors to start patients off at a low dosage and gradually increase it; this helps to minimize possible side effects. Wellbutrin SR, the sustained-release form, should be taken in two doses, at least eight hours apart. It is also important to note that Wellbutrin SR tablets should be swallowed whole, no chewed, divided or crushed.

WELLBUTRIN SIDE EFFECTS: Side effects cannot always be predicted per individual, however there are some possible common side effects and these are - dizziness, dry mouth, excessive sweating, headache, abdominal pain (Wellbutrin SR), agitation, anxiety (Wellbutrin SR), constipation, loss of appetite (Wellbutrin SR), nausea, palpitations (Wellbutrin SR), vomiting, skin rash, sleep disturbances, sore throat (Wellbutrin SR), tremor. Speak to your doctor about other less common and rare side effects which may be possible. If any specific side effects seem particularly troubling or persistent, be sure to let your doctor know immediately.

WELLBUTRIN PRECAUTIONS: Do not take Wellbutrin if you are sensitive to or have ever had an allergic reaction to it. You should not take Wellbutrin if you currently have, or formerly had, an eating disorder. Individuals with a history of anorexia nervosa or bulimia are apparently more likely to experience Wellbutrin-related seizures. Again, since Wellbutrin causes seizures in some individuals, do not take it if you have any type of seizure disorder or if you are taking another medication containing bupropion (such as Zyban, the quit smoking aid). If you have a seizure while taking Wellbutrin, stop taking the drug and never take it again. Do not take Wellbutrin while abruptly giving up alcohol or sedatives (including tranquilizers such as Librium, Valium, and Xanax). Rapid withdrawal increases the risk of seizures. If you have had any kind of heart trouble or liver or kidney disease, be sure your doctor knows about it before you start taking Wellbutrin. It must be used with extreme caution if you have severe cirrhosis of the liver. A reduced dosage may be needed if you have any sort of liver or kidney problem.

WELLBUTRIN INTERACTIONS: Do not take Wellbutrin if, within the past 14 days, you have taken a monoamine oxidase inhibitor (MAO inhibitor) medication, such as the antidepressants Nardil, Marplan or Parnate. This particular combination of medications could cause the patient to experience a sudden, dangerous rise in blood pressure.

If Wellbutrin is taken with certain other medications, the effects of either could be decreased, increased, or altered. It is especially important to check with your doctor before combining Wellbutrin with the following medications:
MAO inhibitors (such as the antidepressants Parnate and Nardil)
Nicotine patches such as Habitrol, NicoDerm CQ, and Nicotrol patch
Orphenadrine (Norgesic)
Beta blockers (used for high blood pressure and heart conditions) such as Inderal, Lopressor, and Tenormin
Carbamazepine (Tegretol)
Cimetidine (Tagamet)
Cyclophosphamide (Cytoxan)
Heart-stabilizing drugs such as Rythmol and Tambocor
Levodopa (Larodopa)
Steroid medications such as Prednisone
Theophylline (Theo-Dur)
Major tranquilizers such as Haldol, Risperdal, Thorazine, and Mellaril
Other antidepressants such as Elavil, Norpramin, Pamelor, Paxil, Prozac, Tofranil, and Zoloft
Phenobarbital
Phenytoin (Dilantin)

WELLBUTRIN NOTES: Although Wellbutrin may occasionally cause weight gain, a more common effect is actually weight loss - some 28% of individuals who take Wellbutrin lose 5 pounds or more. If depression has already caused you to lose weight, and if further weight loss could be detrimental to your health, Wellbutrin may not be the ideal antidepressant for you.

MISSED WELLBUTRIN DOSE: If you miss your time scheduled Wellbutrin dose, take it as soon as you remember. If it is within 4 hours of your next dose, skip the one you missed and go back to your regular schedule. Never take 2 doses at the same time.

STORAGE: Store Wellbutrin at room temperature. Protect from light and moisture.