Wellbutrin Medication - Uses & Side Effects

Pronounced: Well-BEW-trin

Generic name: Bupropion hydrochloride

Other brand name: Wellbutrin SR

Wellbutrin, a relatively new antidepressant medication, is given to help relieve certain kinds of major depression. It is used to relieve mental depression and is used as part of a support program to help you stop smoking. Wellbutrin XL is not for everyone. There is a risk of seizure with Wellbutrin XL which increases with higher doses. You should not take Wellbutrin if you have epilepsy or a seizure disorder, an eating disorder such as anorexia or bulimia, if you are using a second form of bupropion, or if you have suddenly stopped using alcohol or sedatives. It is an antidepressant of the aminoketone class, chemically unrelated to tricyclics or selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs). Wellbutrin XL and Wellbutrin SR are approved only for adults 18 years and over. In some children and teens, antidepressants increase suicidal thoughts or actions. Bupropion is sold under different brand names for different uses.

Wellbutrin Dosage:

• At the beginning, your dose will probably be 200 milligrams per day, taken as 100 milligrams 2 times a day.
• After at least 3 days at this dose, your doctor may increase the dosage to 300 milligrams per day, taken as 100 milligrams 3 times a day, with at least 6 hours between doses.
• The safety and effectiveness in children under 18 years old have not been established.
• If you have severe cirrhosis of the liver, your dosage should be no more than 75 milligrams once a day.

Uses of Wellbutrin:

• Wellbutrin is used to treat major depressive disorder and seasonal affective disorder.
• At least one brand of bupropion (Zyban) is used to help people stop smoking by reducing cravings and other withdrawal effects.
• It is also used to treat depression.
• Wellbutrin may also be used for purposes other than those listed in this medication guide.

Side Effects of Wellbutrin:

Some common side effects reported with this medicine include:

• Abdominal pain (Wellbutrin SR).
• Blisters in the mouth and eyes.
• Confusion, dizziness, agitation, tremors (shaking).
• Complete or almost complete loss of movement.
• Menstrual complaints.
• Flu-like symptoms.
• Headache or migraine.
• Sleep problems (insomnia).
• Breathing difficulty.
• Loss of appetite (Wellbutrin SR).
• Incoordination and clumsiness.
• Weight gain or loss.

Warnings and precautions before taking Wellbutrin:

• Do not stop taking Wellbutrin without first talking to your doctor. You may have unpleasant side effects if you stop taking this medication suddenly.
• You should know that bupropion may make you drowsy. Do not drive a car or operate machinery until you know how this medication affects you.
• Tell your doctor if you are pregnant, plan to become pregnant, or are breast-feeding. If you become pregnant while taking bupropion, call your doctor.
• Drinking of alcoholic beverages should be limited or avoided, if possible, while taking bupropion. This will help prevent seizures.
• Tell your doctor and pharmacist if you are allergic to bupropion or any other medications.
• Do not take a double dose to make up for a missed one.

Drug Interaction:

If Wellbutrin is taken with certain other drugs, the effects of either could be increased, decreased, or altered. Additionally, persons who are withdrawing from benzodiazepines (e.g. diazepam , Valium; alprazolam , Xanax) are at increased risk for seizures. So it is important to check with your doctor before combining Wellbutrin with the following drugs such as includes:

• Prochlorperazine (Compazine),
• Chlorpromazine (Thorazine), and
• other antipsychotic medications of the phenothiazine class.

Overdose:

• If you are taking wellbutrin and after taking you feel that the overdose is suspected, then contact with your doctor immediately.
• Symptoms of a Wellbutrin overdose may include seizures, muscle stiffness, hallucinations, fainting, fast or uneven heartbeat, shallow breathing, heart failure, or coma.
• In case of overdose, call your local poison control center at 1-800-222-1222.
• If the victim has collapsed or is not breathing, call local emergency services at 911.