Wellbutrin (bupropion hydrochloride) is an antidepressant in the amnioketone class that is chemically not related to SSRIs, tricyclics or any other antidepressants. Wellbutrin is a chemical derivative of diethylpropion, which is similar to an amphetamine and used as an appetite suppressant. Wellbutrin is a catecholamine reuptake inhibitor which is the combination of both a dopamine reuptake inhibitor and a norepinephrine reuptake inhibitor that has only a minor effect on serotonin reuptake.http://www.anxiety-and-depression-solutions.com/articles/conventional/pharmaceutical/wellbutrin.php

Wellbutrin is used for major depressive disorder (MDD) and other mood or mental disorders. It is also sometimes used to help people stop smoking. Wellbutrin can be used in conjunction with nicotine replacement therapies. It can improve your mood and feelings of well-being.http://www.drugs.com/wellbutrin.html

Studies are presently being done to see whether Wellbutrin can be used for disorders like seasonal affective disorder (SAD), ADHD, Restless Leg Syndrome, weight loss, and to help increase sexual functioning in women.http://www.anxiety-and-depression-solutions.com/articles/conventional/pharmaceutical/wellbutrin.php

Although Wellbutrin can help prevent suicidal thoughts or attempts and provide other important benefits, studies show that it can cause worsening depression, suicidal thoughts or attempts, and other mood or mental symptoms in a small number of individuals (especially under age 24). It is imperative that the individual discuss the risks and benefits of Wellbutrin, even if treatment is not for a mental or mood condition. Checkups should be done regularly for at least the first 12 weeks.

When starting Wellbutrin or when a dosage is changed, it is important that you report any of the following symptoms to your doctor immediately: mood or mental changes such as worsening anxiety, insomnia, panic attacks, hostile or angry feelings, impulsive actions, irritability, rapid speech, or restlessness; new or worsening depression or other psychiatric conditions; or suicidal thoughts or attempts. Stop taking Wellbutrin and report these symptoms even if you are just using Wellbutrin to quit smoking.http://www.webmd.com/drugs/drug-13509-Wellbutrin+Oral.aspx?drugid=13509&drugname=Wellbutrin+Oral

Cautions

Wellbutrin cannot be taken with monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs). A period of 14 days must elapse after stopping a MAOI before beginning treatment with Wellbutrin. If you have taken Marplan, Nardil, azilect, Eldepryl, or Parnate, you must wait 14 days after discontinuing their use.

You also cannot take Wellbutrin if:

1. you have seizures or epilepsy;
2. you have anorexia or bulimia;
3. you are taking another drug with bupropion;
4. you have stopped using alcohol or sedatives (Valium) suddenly.

If you have any of the following your dosage may have to be adjusted or you may have to have tests taken to make sure you can take Wellbutrin safely:

1. history of a heart attack, high blood pressure, heart disease;
2. history of a head injury, brain or spinal cord tumor, or seizures;
3. liver (cirrhosis) or kidney disease;
4. diabetes;
5. personal or family history of suicidal thoughts or attempts; or
6. bipolar disorder.

Wellbutrin may cause seizures in people who are using certain drugs or have specific medical conditions. Alcohol should be avoided because it can increase the risk of seizures while taking Wellbutrin. Tell your doctor about all of your medical conditions and the drugs you use.

Family members and caregivers should be alert to any changes in mood or symptoms.

Since it is not known whether Wellbutrin is harmful to a fetus, let your doctor know if you are pregnant or planning to get pregnant while you are taking the medication. The drug can also pass into the breast milk which could be harmful to the baby, so Wellbutrin cannot be taken while breastfeeding.

This medication should not be taken by anyone under age 18 without the advice of a doctor.

Wellbutrin can affect your reactions and thinking. Do not drive or operate machinery until you know how it is going to affect you. http://www.webmd.com/drugs/drug-13509-Wellbutrin+Oral.aspx?drugid=13509&drugname=Wellbutrin+Oral

Keep Wellbutrin out of the reach of children and pets.

Do not dispose of Wellbutrin down the drain or flush down the toilet.

Store Wellbutrin at room temperature away from moisture and heat.http://www.drugs.com/wellbutrin.html

Drug Interactions

Wellbutrin should not be used with the following medications because serious interactions could occur: dyes for x-rays (iomeprol), sibutramine, and thioridazine. http://www.webmd.com/drugs/drug-13509-Wellbutrin+Oral.aspx?drugid=13509&drugname=Wellbutrin+Oral

Many drugs can interact with Wellbutrin. Be sure to inform your doctor if you are using:

1. cancer medications (Cytoxan, Neosar, Thioplex);
2. heart rhythm medications (Tambocor, Rhythmol)
3. heart or blood pressure medication (Tenormin, Lopressor, Toprol, Inderal)

There are many other medications that can interact with Wellbutrin such as vitamins, minerals, herbal products, other over-the-counter medications, and medications you are taking that may have been prescribed by another doctor. Be sure to let you doctor or pharmacist know what medications you are taking. Some drugs can cause a higher risk of seizures used together with Wellbutrin. Some of the drugs you need to report are:

1. other antidepressants or psychiatric disorder medications;
2. antihistamines that cause sleepiness;
3. asthma medications or bronchodilators;
4. hormone replacement estrogens or birth control pills;
5. bladder medications (Ditropan, Urotrol);
6. certain antibiotics (Omnicef, Keflex, Cipro, Amoxil, Augmentin, penicillin)
7. ADHD medication (Adderall, Ritalin), stimulants or diet pills
8. diabetes medications or insulin
9. medications for vomiting, motion sickness, or nausea
10. medications to prevent or treat malaria
11. medications to treat Parkinson’s disease, restless leg syndrome or prolactinoma
12. medications used to prevent rejection of organ transplant
13. narcotic pain medication
14. sedatives (Valium)
15. steroids (Prednisone)
16. street drugs (cocaine, amphetamines)
17. theophylline (Theo-Dur, Slo-Bid, Bronkodyl Theolair, Respbid)
18. ulcer or irritable bowel medications http://www.drugs.com/wellbutrin.html

Before taking Wellbutrin be sure to read the pamphlet about the medication that comes with your prescription. If you do not have the pamphlet, be sure to ask your pharmacist for one.

Take Wellbutrin in the exact dosage you were prescribed. Follow the label on your prescription. It is usually taken three times per day, six hours apart. Do not take more than 150 milligrams as a single dose, and do not take more than 450 milligrams per day.

1. Do not take Wellbutrin close to bedtime as it can cause sleeplessness.
2. Be sure to take Wellbutrin regularly at certain times each day.
3. Do not take more medication or take it for a longer time than prescribed.
4. It may take four weeks for you to realize all the benefits of Wellbutrin.
5. Even if you feel better, continue taking Wellbutrin until the doctor tells you to stop.
6. Do not stop taking Wellbutrin suddenly because it may cause side effects.
7. Let your doctor know if your condition worsens.
8. The doctor may occasionally change your dosage to get the best effect of Wellbutrin.
9. Wellbutrin can be taken either with food or on an empty stomach.
10. Do not chew, crush or break the Wellbutrin tablet. Swallow it whole because breaking the pill may release too much medication into your system at one time.
11. Unpleasant side effects can occur if you stop taking Wellbutrin suddenly. You may have to ease off the medication gradually.
12. The Wellbutrin extended release tablet has a shell which may pass into your bowel movements. This is harmless because your body has already absorbed the medication.
13. If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you remember. If it is close to the next dose skip it and continue on your medication schedule. Do not take double medication.

If you believe you have overdosed on Wellbutrin, seek emergency medical help. Symptoms of overdose include seizures, stiff muscles, fainting, fast or uneven heartbreak, shallow breathing or hallucinations.http://www.webmd.com/drugs/drug-13509-Wellbutrin+Oral.aspx?drugid=13509&drugname=Wellbutrin+Oral

Though most people recover, if someone has taken a massive amount of Wellbutrin they may suffer from multiple seizures, bradycardia, cardiac failure and cardiac arrest. Death may rarely occur.http://www.anxiety-and-depression-solutions.com/articles/conventional/pharmaceutical/wellbutrin.php

Serious allergic reactions may occur. If you have any of these symptoms, get emergency medical help immediately: hives, swelling of the fact, tongue, throat, or lips, or difficulty breathing. Call your doctor at once if you have a serious side effect such as:

1. seizures or convulsions
2. severe blistering, peeling, or red skin rash
3. swollen glands, joint pain, rash or itching, feeling generally ill
4. inability to concentrate or confusion
5. unusual thoughts or behaviors, hallucinations

Tell your doctor immediately if you experience any of these rare but serious side effects: chest pain, ringing in the ears, severe headache, fainting, muscle pain, tenderness or weakness, change in the amount of urine, or tremor.

Common side effects: headache or migraine; insomnia; dry mouth, vomiting, nausea, constipation; dizziness or tremors; weight loss or gain or changes in appetite; skin rash or mild itching; increased sweating; or, loss of interest in sex. Other symptoms may include blurred vision, sore throat, dizziness, or a strange taste in the mouth.

Your doctor has prescribed this medication because he or she believes that it has more benefits for you than the risk of side effects. Many people using this medication do not have serious side effects.

You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.http://www.webmd.com/drugs/drug-13509-Wellbutrin+Oral.aspx?drugid=13509&drugname=Wellbutrin+Oral

The content on this page is for information purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice. Speak with a qualified heath care professional to ensure that you have the most accurate information regarding any mental health diagnosis.