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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