Wellbutrin SR (Bupropion SR)

What is Wellbutrin SR?

Wellbutrin SR is an antidepressant agent.

Wellbutrin SR (bupropion hydrochloride) is an antidepressant agent, which is designated as (±)-1-(3-chlorophenyl)-2-[(1, 1-dimethylethyl) amino]-1-propanone hydrochloride. It belongs to a class of drugs known as aminoketone.

What is Wellbutrin SR used for?

Wellbutrin SR is indicated for the treatment of depression.

How does Wellbutrin SR work?

Wellbutrin SR works by restoring the balance of natural chemicals (neurotransmitters) in your brain.

How to use Wellbutrin SR

Wellbutrin SR should be taken in the manner prescribed by the doctor. Taking it for longer periods or in larger amounts than recommended can cause health problems.

The drug is taken by mouth, usually twice daily. It can be taken with or without food. Keep a gap of at least 8 hours between the doses. Do not crush, break or chew the tablet. Swallow it. Remember to take the medicine at the same time each day.

Wellbutrin SR warnings and precautions

Do not use Wellbutrin SR if you have taken a monoamine oxidase inhibitor (MAOI) such as phenelzine (Nardil), tranylcypromine (Parnate), isocarboxazid (Marplan), selegiline (Eldepryl), or rasagiline (Azilect) in the past 2 weeks. Also, do not use Wellbutrin SR if you have eating disorder such as bulimia or anorexia, epilepsy, or if you have suddenly stopped using sedatives or alcohol.

Prior to taking Wellbutrin SR, tell your doctor if you have high blood pressure, heart disease, history of heart attack, head injury, brain or spinal cord tumor, seizures, kidney disease, bipolar disorder (manic depression), or liver disease (especially cirrhosis).

Avoid drinking alcohol while using Wellbutrin SR as it may enhance the risk of seizure. Do not take bupropion to treat more than one condition.

It is not known if the drug could harm an unborn child. Therefore, pregnant women should not use this drug without consulting their doctors. The drug passes into breast milk and thus, lactating women
Drug warnings and precautions -

Do not use Wellbutrin SR if you have taken a monoamine oxidase inhibitor (MAOI) such as phenelzine (Nardil), tranylcypromine (Parnate), isocarboxazid (Marplan), selegiline (Eldepryl), or rasagiline (Azilect) in the past 2 weeks. Also, do not use Wellbutrin SR if you have eating disorder such as bulimia or anorexia, epilepsy, or if you have suddenly stopped using sedatives or alcohol.

Prior to taking Wellbutrin SR, tell your doctor if you have high blood pressure, heart disease, history of heart attack, head injury, brain or spinal cord tumor, seizures, kidney disease, bipolar disorder (manic depression), or liver disease (especially cirrhosis).

Avoid drinking alcohol while using Wellbutrin SR as it may enhance the risk of seizure. Do not take bupropion to treat more than one condition.

It is not known if the drug could harm an unborn child. Therefore, pregnant women should not use this drug without consulting their doctors. The drug passes into breast milk and thus, lactating women should not use it, unless advised by the doctor to do so.

What do I do if I have missed a Wellbutrin SR dose?

If you have missed your Wellbutrin SR dose you can take the missed dose as soon as you remember but do not take it if it is time for your next dose.

What do I do if I have taken a Wellbutrin SR overdose?

If you have taken a Wellbutrin SR overdose you should seek medical attention.

Wellbutrin SR interactions

Before taking Wellbutrin SR, consult your doctor if you are taking heart rhythm medicine such as propafenone (Rythmol) or flecainide (Tambocor); cancer medicines such as thiotepa (Thioplex) or cyclophosphamide (Cytoxan, Neosar); bladder or urinary medications such as oxybutynin (Ditropan, Urotrol); medication for nausea, vomiting, or motion sickness; insulin or diabetes medications; certain antibiotics such as cefdinir (Omnicef), cephalexin (Keflex), ciprofloxacin (Cipro), amoxicillin (Amoxil, Augmentin), penicillin; medicines to treat Parkinson's disease, restless leg syndrome, or pituitary gland tumor (prolactinoma); blood pressure or heart medicines such as metoprolol (Lopressor, Toprol), atenolol (Tenormin), propranolol (Inderal).

Also tell your doctor about other prescription and non-prescription drugs that you use, including antihistamines that make you sleepy, antidepressants or medicine to treat psychiatric disorder, birth control pills or hormone replacement estrogens, asthma medications o
Drug interactions -

Before taking Wellbutrin SR, consult your doctor if you are taking heart rhythm medicine such as propafenone (Rythmol) or flecainide (Tambocor); cancer medicines such as thiotepa (Thioplex) or cyclophosphamide (Cytoxan, Neosar); bladder or urinary medications such as oxybutynin (Ditropan, Urotrol); medication for nausea, vomiting, or motion sickness; insulin or diabetes medications; certain antibiotics such as cefdinir (Omnicef), cephalexin (Keflex), ciprofloxacin (Cipro), amoxicillin (Amoxil, Augmentin), penicillin; medicines to treat Parkinson's disease, restless leg syndrome, or pituitary gland tumor (prolactinoma); blood pressure or heart medicines such as metoprolol (Lopressor, Toprol), atenolol (Tenormin), propranolol (Inderal).

Also tell your doctor about other prescription and non-prescription drugs that you use, including antihistamines that make you sleepy, antidepressants or medicine to treat psychiatric disorder, birth control pills or hormone replacement estrogens, asthma medications or bronchodilators, ADHD medication such as Adderall or Ritalin, a steroid such as prednisone, medications to treat or prevent malaria, medicines used to prevent organ transplant rejection, street drugs, a sedative such as diazepam (Valium), and others.

Do not start using a new medicine without consulting your doctor.

Wellbutrin SR side effects

Wellbutrin SR side effects include hives, anxiety, panic attacks, depression, mood changes, breathing trouble; swelling of face, tongue, lips or throat and other allergic reactions. If you get any of these side effects after using Wellbutrin SR, stop taking the medicine and contact your doctor.

Seizure (convulsions), fever, severe blistering, rash or itching, peeling skin, swollen glands, joint pain, red skin rash, concentration troubles, confusion, unusual thoughts or behavior, or hallucinations are also side effects from Wellbutrin SR.

Insomnia, nausea, vomiting, changes in weight or appetite, migraine or headache, tremors, dizziness, constipation, increased sweating, dry mouth, mild itching or skin rash, or loss of interest in sex are some less serious side effects of Wellbutrin SR.