Wellbutrin

Wellbutrin

     * Generic Name: bupropion hcl
     * Brand Name: Wellbutrin


     * What is bupropion?
     * What are the possible side effects of bupropion?
     * What is the most important information I should know about
       bupropion?
     * What should I discuss with my healthcare provider before taking
       bupropion?
     * How should I take bupropion?
     * What happens if I miss a dose?
     * What happens if I overdose?
     * What should I avoid while taking bupropion?
     * What other drugs will affect bupropion?
     * Where can I get more information?

What is bupropion?

   Bupropion is an antidepressant medication used to treat major
   depressive disorder and seasonal affective disorder. The Zyban
   brand of bupropion is used to help people stop smoking by reducing
   cravings and other withdrawal effects.

   Bupropion may also be used for purposes not listed in this medication
   guide.

What are the possible side effects of bupropion?

   Get emergency medical help if you have signs of an allergic reaction:
   hives, rash or itching; fever, swollen glands, joint pain, general
   ill feeling; difficult breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue,
   or throat.

   Report any new or worsening symptoms to your doctor, such as: mood or
   behavior changes, anxiety, depression, panic attacks, trouble
   sleeping, or if you feel impulsive, irritable, agitated, hostile,
   aggressive, restless, hyperactive (mentally or physically), or have
   thoughts about suicide or hurting yourself.

   Call your doctor at once if you have:
     * a seizure (convulsions);
     * unusual changes in mood or behavior;
     * a manic episode--racing thoughts, increased energy, reckless
       behavior, feeling extremely happy or irritable, talking more than
       usual, severe problems with sleep;
     * blurred vision, tunnel vision, eye pain or swelling, or
       seeing halos around lights;
     * fast heartbeats; or
     * severe skin reaction--fever, sore throat, swelling in your face
       or tongue, burning in your eyes, skin pain, followed by a red or
       purple skin rash that spreads (especially in the face or upper
       body) and causes blistering and peeling.

   Common side effects may include:
     * dry mouth, stuffy nose;
     * nausea, constipation;
     * sleep problems (insomnia);
     * feeling anxious;
     * dizziness; or
     * joint pain.

   This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Call
   your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side
   effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

What is the most important information I should know about bupropion?

   You should not take bupropion if you have seizures or an eating
   disorder, or if you have suddenly stopped using alcohol, seizure
   medication, or sedatives. If you take Wellbutrin for depression, do not
   also take Zyban to quit smoking.

   Do not use bupropion within 14 days before or 14 days after you have
   used an MAO inhibitor, such as isocarboxazid, linezolid,
   methylene blue injection, phenelzine, rasagiline, selegiline,
   or tranylcypromine.

   Some young people have thoughts about suicide when first taking an
   antidepressant. Stay alert to changes in your mood or symptoms. Report
   any new or worsening symptoms to your doctor.

   Wellbutrin Patient Information including How Should I Take
   Depression Overview:What is Depression?

   Understanding Depression Slideshow
   RxList

   Take the Depression Quiz
   Depression:Tips for Exercise Diet and Stress Reduction

   Depression Tips Slideshow Pictures

What should I discuss with my healthcare provider before taking bupropion?

   You should not take bupropion if you are allergic to it, or if you
   have:
     * a seizure disorder;
     * an eating disorder such as anorexia or bulimia; or
     * if you have suddenly stopped using alcohol, seizure medication, or
       a sedative such as Xanax, Valium, Fiorinal,
       Klonopin, and others).

   Do not use an MAO inhibitor within 14 days before or 14 days after you
   take bupropion. A dangerous drug interaction could occur. MAO
   inhibitors include isocarboxazid, linezolid, phenelzine, rasagiline,
   selegiline, and tranylcypromine.

   Do not take bupropion to treat more than one condition at a time. If
   you take bupropion for depression, do not also take this medicine to
   quit smoking.

   Bupropion may cause seizures, especially if you have certain medical
   conditions or use certain drugs. Tell your doctor about all of your
   medical conditions and the drugs you use.

   To make sure bupropion is safe for you, tell your doctor if you have:
     * a history of head injury, seizures, or brain or spinal cord
       tumor;
     * narrow-angle glaucoma;
     * heart disease, high blood pressure, history of heart
       attack;
     * diabetes;
     * kidney or liver disease (especially cirrhosis);
     * bipolar disorder or other mental illness; or
     * if you drink alcohol.

   Some young people have thoughts about suicide when first taking an
   antidepressant. Your doctor will need to check your progress at regular
   visits. Your family or other caregivers should also be alert to changes
   in your mood or symptoms.

   It is not known whether this medicine will harm an unborn baby. Tell
   your doctor if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant.

   Bupropion can pass into breast milk and may harm a nursing baby. You
   should not breast-feed while using this medicine.

   Bupropion is not approved for use by anyone younger than 18 years old.

How should I take bupropion?

   Follow all directions on your prescription label. Do not take this
   medicine in larger or smaller amounts or for longer than recommended.
   Too much of this medicine can increase your risk of a seizure.

   You may take bupropion with or without food.

   Do not crush, chew, or break an extended-release tablet. Swallow it
   whole.

   You should not change your dose or stop using bupropion suddenly,
   unless you have a seizure while taking this medicine. Stopping suddenly
   can cause unpleasant withdrawal symptoms. Ask your doctor how to
   safely stop using bupropion.

   If you take Zyban to help you stop smoking, you may continue to smoke
   for about 1 week after you start the medicine. Set a date to quit
   smoking during the second week of treatment. Talk to your doctor if you
   have trouble quitting after taking Zyban for 7 weeks.

   Your doctor may prescribe nicotine patches or gum to help you stop
   smoking. Do not smoke at any time if you are using a nicotine product
   along with Zyban. Too much nicotine can cause serious side effects.

   Read all patient information, medication guides, and instruction sheets
   provided to you. Ask your doctor or pharmacist if you have any
   questions.

   You may have nicotine withdrawal symptoms when you stop smoking,
   including: increased appetite, weight gain, trouble sleeping,
   trouble concentrating, slower heart rate, having the urge to smoke, and
   feeling anxious, restless, depressed, angry, frustrated, or irritated.
   These symptoms may occur with or without using medication such as
   Zyban.

   Smoking cessation may also cause new or worsening mental health
   problems, such as depression.

   Bupropion can cause you to have a false positive drug screening
   test. If you provide a urine sample for drug screening, tell the
   laboratory staff that you are taking bupropion.

   Store at room temperature away from moisture, heat, and light.

   Wellbutrin Patient Information including If I Miss a Dose
   Depression Overview:What is Depression?

   Understanding Depression Slideshow
   RxList

   Take the Depression Quiz
   Depression:Tips for Exercise Diet and Stress Reduction

   Depression Tips Slideshow Pictures

What happens if I miss a dose?

   Take the missed dose as soon as you remember. Skip the missed dose if
   it is almost time for your next scheduled dose. Do not take extra
   medicine to make up the missed dose.

What happens if I overdose?

   Seek emergency medical attention or call the Poison Help line at
   1-800-222-1222. An overdose of bupropion can be fatal. Overdose
   symptoms may include muscle stiffness, hallucinations, fast or
   uneven heartbeat, shallow breathing, or fainting.

What should I avoid while taking bupropion?

   Drinking alcohol with bupropion may increase your risk of seizures. If
   you drink alcohol regularly, talk with your doctor before changing the
   amount you drink. Bupropion can also cause seizures in a regular
   drinker who suddenly stops drinking at the start of treatment with
   bupropion.

   Bupropion may impair your thinking or reactions. Be careful if you
   drive or do anything that requires you to be alert.

What other drugs will affect bupropion?

   You may have a higher risk of seizures if you use certain other
   medicines while taking bupropion.

   Many drugs can interact with bupropion. Tell your doctor about all
   medicines you use, and those you start or stop using during your
   treatment with bupropion. This includes prescription and
   over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products. Not all
   possible interactions are listed in this medication guide.

Where can I get more information?

   Your pharmacist can provide more information about bupropion.
     __________________________________________________________________


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