Wellbutrin

Wellbutrin is an antidepressant that works by affecting two chemicals in the brain that are believed to help regulate your mood (dopamine and norepinephrine).

uses

Wellbutrin is used to treat depression. It is also used to treat ADHD (Attention Deficit Disorder), bipolar depression, chronic fatigue syndrome, cocaine addiction, nicotine addiction, and lower back pain. Also, aids in quitting smoking (identical to Zyban). It is chemically unrelated to tricyclic, tetracyclic, selective serotonin re-uptake inhibitor, or other known antidepressant agents.

directions

Wellbutrin 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 Wellbutrin will increase your risk of having a seizure. Do not stop taking Wellbutrin without notifying your doctor. Since Wellbutrin 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 Wellbutrin are noticed.

cautions

Before taking Wellbutrin, 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 Wellbutrin will make you dizzy and affect coordination, do not drive or operate machinery until you get used to Wellbutrin'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 Wellbutrin. Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant before taking Wellbutrin. Wellbutrin passes into breast milk. Because of the potential risk to the infant, breast-feeding while using Wellbutrin is not recommended. Consult your doctor before breast-feeding.

effects

Wellbutrin is generally well tolerated. Side effects of Wellbutrin may include dry mouth, headache, increased sweating, nausea/vomiting, constipation, anxiety, fatigue and blurred vision. 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 Wellbutrin, 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.

interactions

Before taking Wellbutrin 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 Wellbutrin. 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.

storage

Store Wellbutrin at room temperature and keep away from moisture and sunlight. Do not store in the bathroom.

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