What is Wellbutrin SR?Wellbutrin SR is used for the treatment of major depressive disorder.
What is the most important information I should know about Wellbutrin SR?Antidepressants can increase the risk of suicidal thinking and behavior in children, adolescents, and young adults. Patients of all ages who are started on antidepressants or are taking a new dose should be watched closely for clinical worsening, suicidality, or unusual behavior. Patients and their families should contact the doctor immediately if new symptoms develop or seem to get worse. Signs to watch for include anxiety, hostility, sleeplessness, restlessness, impulsive or dangerous behavior, and thoughts about suicide or dying.
Wellbutrin SR is associated with a risk of seizures. The risk of having seizures increases with higher doses, and for those who have certain medical problems or are taking certain medicines.
Who should not take Wellbutrin SR?Do not take Wellbutrin SR if you have a seizure disorder, anorexia or bulimia (eating disorders), or if you are going through alcohol addiction recovery. In addition, you should not take Wellbutrin SR if you are taking Zyban or any other medicines that contain bupropion hydrochloride, such as Wellbutrin or Wellbutrin XL, or if you have suddenly stopped taking sedatives.
Do not take monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs), a class of drugs used to treat depression, psychiatric or emotional conditions, or Parkinson's disease, or within 14 days before or after treatment with this medication. In some cases a serious, possibly fatal, reaction may occur.
Also, do not begin treatment with Wellbutrin SR if you are allergic to any of its ingredients.
What should I tell my doctor before I take the first dose of Wellbutrin SR?Tell your doctor about all prescription, over-the-counter, and herbal medications you are taking before beginning treatment with Wellbutrin SR. Also, talk to your doctor about your complete medical history, especially if you have a history of seizures, eating disorders, liver or kidney problems, addiction (such as drug or alcohol problems), head injury, tumor in your brain or spine, heart problems, high blood pressure, or diabetes.
What is the usual dosage?The information below is based on the dosage guidelines your doctor uses. Depending on your condition and medical history, your doctor may prescribe a different regimen. Do not change the dosage or stop taking your medication without your doctor's approval.
Adults: The usual dose is 150 milligrams (mg) once a day in the morning. Depending on your response, the doctor may increase your dose to 300 mg a day, taken as 150 mg twice a day.
How should I take Wellbutrin SR?You should take Wellbutrin SR at the same time every day, at least 8 hours apart. You can take it with or without food. If you experience nausea, take Wellbutrin SR with food. If you have trouble sleeping, do not take Wellbutrin SR close to bedtime.
Do not chew, cut, or crush Wellbutrin SR tablets; you must swallow the tablets whole.
What should I avoid while taking Wellbutrin SR?You should not drink a lot of alcohol while taking Wellbutrin SR. You should also not drive a car or operate heavy machinery until you know how this drug affects you.
What are possible food and drug interactions associated with Wellbutrin SR?If Wellbutrin SR is taken with certain other drugs, the effects of either could be increased, decreased, or altered. It is especially important to check with your doctor before combining Wellbutrin SR with the following: alcohol, amantadine, other antidepressants including MAOIs, antipsychotics, beta-blockers, carbamazepine, cimetidine, efavirenz, fluvoxamine, antiarrhythmics such as propafenone and flecainide, lamotrigine, levodopa, nelfinavir, nicotine patches, norfluoxetine, phenobarbital, phenytoin, ritonavir, steroids, and theophylline.
What are the possible side effects of Wellbutrin SR?Side effects cannot be anticipated. If any develop or change in intensity, tell your doctor as soon as possible. Only your doctor can determine if it is safe for you to continue taking this drug.
Side effects may include: weight loss, dry mouth, insomnia, nausea, dizziness, sore throat, loss of appetite, skin rash, infection, sweating, ringing in the ears, tremor, fast heartbeat, anxiety, frequent urination
Can I receive Wellbutrin SR if I am pregnant or breastfeeding?The effects of Wellbutrin SR during pregnancy and breastfeeding are unknown. Tell your doctor immediately if you are pregnant, plan to become pregnant, or are breastfeeding.
What should I do if I miss a dose of Wellbutrin SR?Do not double your next dose. Skip the dose you missed and return to your regular dosing schedule. This is very important because taking too much Wellbutrin SR can increase your risk of having a seizure.
How should I store Wellbutrin SR?Store at room temperature away from light and moisture.
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