Drug Name

Wellbutrin SR (Bupropion)

Drug Uses

Wellbutrin SR is a pharmaceutical prescription antidepressant and antismoking drug.

How Taken

Use Wellbutrin SR as directed by your doctor. Check the label on the medicine for exact dosing instructions.

• Take Wellbutrin SR by mouth with or without food.
• Swallow Wellbutrin SR whole. Do not break, crush, or chew before swallowing.
• If you miss a dose of Dostinex , contact your doctor right away.
• Several weeks may pass before your symptoms improve. Do not stop taking Wellbutrin SR without checking with your doctor.
• Take your doses at the same times each day at least 6 hours apart unless directed otherwise by your doctor. This may help to decrease the risk of seizures with Wellbutrin SR .
• Continue to take Wellbutrin SR even if you feel well. Do not miss any doses.

Drug Class and Mechanism

Wellbutrin SR is an antidepressant. It works in the brain to treat depression. Exactly how it works is not known.

Missed Dose

If you miss a dose of Wellbutrin SR, take it as soon as possible. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and go back to your regular dosing schedule. Do not take 2 doses at once.

Storage

Store Wellbutrin SR at 77 degrees F (25 degrees C). Brief storage between 59 and 86 degrees F (15 and 30 degrees C) is permitted. Store away from heat, moisture, and light. Do not store in the bathroom. Keep Wellbutrin SR out of the reach of children and away from pets.

Warnings/Precautions

Do not use Wellbutrin SR if:

• you are allergic to any ingredient in Wellbutrin SR;
• you are taking any other medicine that contains bupropion;
• you have a history of an eating disorder (e.g., anorexia, bulimia) or seizures (e.g., epilepsy);
• you are suddenly stopping the use of alcohol or sedatives (e.g., benzodiazepines) after long-term use;
• Contact your doctor or health care provider right away if any of these apply to you.
  
  Important:
  • Do not drive or perform other possibly unsafe tasks until you know how you react to it.
  • Do not take decongestants (e.g., pseudoephedrine), stimulants, or diet pills while you are taking Wellbutrin SR without first checking with your doctor. They may increase your risk of seizures.
  • If you have trouble sleeping, you may be taking your dose too close to bedtime. Talk with your doctor about changing your dosing schedule.
  • It is important to follow the program that your doctor has prescribed, including behavioral changes, counseling, or support services, in order to stop smoking.
  • Wellbutrin SR can be used together with the nicotine skin patches only under the supervision of your doctor. Using these medicines together may raise your blood pressure. If you are already using a nicotine skin patch, your blood pressure should be checked regularly.
  • Do not smoke if you are using Wellbutrin SR along with the nicotine skin patch or any nicotine product.
  • Stopping smoking may change the amount of certain medicines (e.g., theophylline, warfarin) in your blood. Be sure your doctor knows all the medicines that you are taking.
  • Wellbutrin SR contains the same ingredients as Wellbutrin, an antidepressant. Do not take Wellbutrin SR if you are also taking Wellbutrin or other brands of bupropion. Discuss any questions or concerns with your doctor.
  • Use Wellbutrin SR with caution in the elderly; they may be more sensitive to its effects.
  • Pregnancy and breast-feeding: If you become pregnant, contact your doctor. You will need to discuss the benefits and risks of using Wellbutrin SR while you are pregnant. Wellbutrin SR is found in breast milk. Do not breast-feed while taking Wellbutrin SR.

Possible Side Effects

Check with your doctor if any of these most common side effects persist or become bothersome:

• constipation; dizziness; headache; indigestion; nausea; tiredness or weakness; vomiting.

Seek medical attention right away if any of these severe side effects occur:

• severe allergic reactions (rash; hives; itching; difficulty breathing; tightness in the chest; swelling of the mouth, face, lips, or tongue); behavior changes (eg, aggression); chest pain; confusion; cough; depression; fainting; hallucinations; irregular heartbeat; mood or mental changes; shortness of breath; swelling of hands or feet; vision disturbances.

More Information

Wellbutrin SR is to be used only by the patient for whom it is prescribed. Do not share it with other people.