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. |
