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Wellbutrin XL - Uses & Side Effects

Generic name: Bupropion hydrochloride
Other brand name: Wellbutrin SR

Wellbutrin (Bupropion) has a stimulant effect and is used in the treatment of depression but can also be used for ADHD.

Occasionally bupropion is prescribed for other behavioral or emotional problems. Generic bupropion sustained-release tablets for Wellbutrin® SR are available. Wellbutrin is an antidepressant medication.

Wellbutrin Dosage

• No single dose of Wellbutrin should exceed 150 milligrams.

Many things can affect the dose of medication that a person needs, such as body weight, other medical conditions, and other medications. If your doctor has recommended a dose different from the ones listed here, do not change the way that you are taking the medication without consulting your doctor.

Uses of Wellbutrin

• Wellbutrin is used to treat a condition called major depressive disorder.
• At least one brand of bupropion (Zyban) is used to help people stop smoking by reducing withdrawal effects.
• Wellbutrin may also be used for purposes other than those listed here.
• Bupropion may also be used to treat attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD).
• This drug may also be used with other medications to treat bipolar disorder (depressive phase).
• Bupropion is used to treat depression.

Side Effects of Wellbutrin

Side effects cannot be anticipated. If any develop or change in intensity, inform your doctor as soon as possible. Only your doctor can determine if it is safe for you to continue taking Wellbutrin. Side effects of Wellbutrin may include:

• Agitation, constipation, dizziness, dry mouth, excessive sweating, headache, nausea, vomiting, skin rash, sleep disturbances, tremor
• dry mouth, insomnia, nausea, rash, sweating, weight loss

Warnings and precautions before taking Wellbutrin:

• In clinical studies, antidepressants increased the risk of suicidal thinking and behavior in children and adolescents with depression and other psychiatric disorders. Anyone considering the use of Wellbutrin or any other antidepressant in a child or adolescent must balance this risk with the clinical need. Wellbutrin has not been studied in children or adolescents and is not approved for treating anyone less than 18 years old.
• Additionally, the progression of major depression is associated with a worsening of symptoms and/or the emergence of suicidal thinking or behavior in both adults and children, whether or not they are taking antidepressants. Individuals being treated with Wellbutrin and their caregivers should watch for any change in symptoms or any new symptoms that appear suddenly--especially agitation, anxiety, hostility, panic, restlessness, extreme hyperactivity, and suicidal thinking or behavior--and report them to the doctor immediately. Be especially observant at the beginning of treatment or whenever there is a change in dose.
• Be sure to let the doctor know if you have heart trouble, liver problems, or kidney disease before you start taking Wellbutrin. Use Wellbutrin with extreme caution if you have cirrhosis of the liver.
• Stop taking Wellbutrin and call your doctor immediately if you have difficulty breathing or swallowing; notice swelling in your face, lips, tongue, or throat; develop swollen arms and legs; or break out with itchy eruptions. These are warning signs of a potential severe allergic reaction.
• Wellbutrin may affect your coordination or judgment and impair your ability to drive or operate dangerous machinery. Avoid activities that require full alertness until you know how the drug affects you.
• This medication should not be used if you have certain medical conditions. Before using this medicine, consult your doctor or pharmacist if you have or have had: seizures, eating disorders (e.g., bulimia, anorexia nervosa).

Drug Interaction :- If Wellbutrin is taken with certain other drugs, the effects of either could be increased, decreased, or altered. It is especially important to check with your doctor before combining Wellbutrin with the following:

• Beta blockers (used for high blood pressure and heart conditions) such as Inderal,
• Lopressor, and Tenormin
  
• Carbamazepine (Tegretol)
  
• Cimetidine (Tagamet)
  
• Cyclophosphamide (Cytoxan)
  
• Heart-stabilizing drugs such as Rythmol and Tambocor
  
• Levodopa (Larodopa)
  
• Nicotine patches such as Habitrol, NicoDerm CQ, and Nicotrol patch
  

Overdose

There have been rare reports of death after an overdose of Wellbutrin. If you suspect an overdose, seek medical attention immediately. Symptoms of Wellbutrin overdose may include:

• Hallucinations, heart failure, loss of consciousness, rapid heartbeat, seizures,
  Blurred vision, confusion, jitteriness, lethargy, light-headedness, nausea, seizures, vomiting.
• Breathing difficulties coma fever rigid muscles stupor.