WELLBUTRIN DRUG INFO
IMPORTANT NOTE:
The following information is intended to supplement, not substitute
for, the expertise and judgment of your physician, pharmacist
or other healthcare professional. It should not be construed
to indicate that use of the drug is safe, appropriate, or
effective for you. Consult your healthcare professional before
using this drug.
BUPROPION - ORAL (byou-PRO-pee-on)
COMMON BRAND NAME(S): Wellbutrin
USES: This medication is
used to treat depression.
HOW TO USE: This medication
may be taken with food if stomach upset occurs. Take doses
at regularly scheduled times each day. Do not take more or
less medication than prescribed and follow your doctor's instructions
carefully. Taking more than the recommended dose of bupropion
will increase your risk of having a seizure. Do not stop taking
this medication without notifying your doctor. Since this
drug may cause sleeplessness at first, it is best not to take
this near bedtime. It may take 4 weeks or more before the
full effects of this medication are noticed.
SIDE EFFECTS: This medication
is generally well tolerated. Dry mouth, headache, increased
sweating, nausea/vomiting, constipation, anxiety, fatigue
and blurred vision may occur. If these effects persist or
worsen, notify your doctor. Report promptly: unusual weight
loss or gain, palpitations, agitation, trouble sleeping. Unlikely
but report promptly: tremor, dizziness, fainting, mood changes,
slowed movements, difficulty urinating, decreased sex drive,
drowsiness. Very unlikely but report promptly: seizures, mental
problems, fever, muscle aches, yellowing of the eyes or skin.
In the unlikely event you have an allergic reaction to this
drug, seek medical attention immediately. Symptoms may include
trouble breathing, rash, itching, swelling, or severe dizziness.
If you notice other effects not listed above, contact your
doctor or pharmacist.
PRECAUTIONS: Before taking
bupropion, tell your doctor if you have: history of seizures
or head injury or brain tumor, heart disease, liver or kidney
disease, eating disorder, diabetes, alcohol dependence, any
allergies, the intent to quit smoking. Because of the possibility
this drug will make you dizzy and affect coordination, do
not drive or operate machinery until you get used to the drug's
effects. Limit or avoid consumption of alcoholic beverages;
alcohol can increase your risk of seizures. Chronic alcohol
users who suddenly stop the intake of alcohol while taking
bupropion may increase the risk of having seizures. Suddenly
stopping certain tranquilizers (e.g., diazepam, chlordiazepoxide)
is not recommended because doing so may increase the risk
of having seizures. Elderly patients may be more sensitive
to the effects of this drug. Tell your doctor if you are pregnant
or plan to become pregnant before taking this drug. This drug
passes into breast milk. Because of the potential risk to
the infant, breast-feeding while using this drug is not recommended.
Consult your doctor before breast-feeding.
DRUG INTERACTIONS: Before
taking bupropion tell your doctor of all nonprescription and
prescription medications you may use especially: MAO inhibitors
(e.g., isocarboxazid, phenelzine, tranylcypromine, pargyline,
selegiline, linezolid, furazolidone), levodopa, ritonavir,
corticosteroids (e.g. prednisone), sedatives, adrenaline-like
stimulants (e.g., ephedrine), products containing nicotine
(e.g., patches or gum). Also report use of drugs which might
increase seizure risk (decrease seizure threshold) such as:
phenothiazines (e.g., chlorpromazine), tricyclic antidepressants
(e.g., amitriptyline), isoniazid (INH), theophylline. Excess
caffeine intake can increase the chance of seizures with this
drug. Check all nonprescription/prescription drug labels for
caffeine. Consult your doctor or pharmacist. A certain product
used to help quit smoking contains bupropion. Do not take
that product while using this one. Do not start or stop any
medicine without doctor or pharmacist approval.
OVERDOSE: If overdose is
suspected, contact your local poison control center or emergency
room immediately. Symptoms of overdose may include seizures,
hallucinations, rapid heart rate, and loss of consciousness.
NOTES: Do not allow anyone
else to take this medication.
MISSED DOSE: Take any missed
dose as soon as possible but not if it is within 4 hours of
the next dose. If it is time for the next dose, skip the missed
dose and resume your regular schedule. Do not "double-up"
the dose.
STORAGE: Store at room temperature
and keep away from moisture and sunlight. Do not store in
the bathroom.
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