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Wellbutrin®
(bupropion
hydrochloride)
Tablets
Also see:
Wellbutrin SR
Wellbutrin XL
Zyban
Drug Uses
Wellbutrin SR (Anti Depressant) is a
pharmaceutical prescription antidepressant, which acts directly on the brain and
other nerve cells. 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.
How Taken
Wellbutrin SR comes as a tablet to take it
orally. It is usually taken one to three times a day and may be taken with or
without food. Do not crush, chew, or divide Wellbutrin SR. Do not stop taking
Wellbutrin SR without talking to your doctor, especially if you have taken large
doses for a long time. Your doctor probably will want to decrease your dose
gradually. This drug must be taken regularly for a few weeks before its full
effect is felt.
Warnings/Precautions
Before taking Wellbutrin SR, 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 Wellbutrin SR may
increase the risk of having seizures. Suddenly stopping certain tranquilizers is
not recommended because doing so may increase the risk of having seizures. If
you are over 65 years old you 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.
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.
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, and 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.
Storage
Store at controlled room temperature, 20°
to 25°C (68° to 77°F). Dispense in a tight, light-resistant container.
Overdose
Seek emergency medical attention if an
overdose is suspected. Symptoms of a Wellbutrin SR overdose include seizures,
hallucinations, loss of consciousness, weakness, a fast heartbeat, and heart
attack.
More Information
Dizziness may be more likely to occur when
you rise from a sitting or lying position. Rise slowly to prevent dizziness and
a possible fall. Too much of this medicine can increase the risk of a seizure.
Limit the consumption of caffeine while taking Wellbutrin SR.
Wellbutrin (bupropion hydrochloride), an
antidepressant of the aminoketone class, is chemically unrelated to tricyclic,
tetracyclic, selective serotonin re-uptake inhibitor, or other known
antidepressant agents. Its structure closely resembles that of diethylpropion;
it is related to phenylethylamines. It is designated as
(±)-1-(3-chlorophenyl)-2-[(1,1-dimethylethyl)amino]-1-propanone hydrochloride.
The molecular weight is 276.2. The empirical formula is C13H18ClNO•HCl.
Bupropion hydrochloride powder is white, crystalline, and highly soluble in
water. It has a bitter taste and produces the sensation of local anesthesia on
the oral mucosa.
Wellbutrin is supplied for oral administration as
75-mg (yellow-gold) and 100-mg (red) film-coated tablets. Each tablet contains
the labeled amount of bupropion hydrochloride and the inactive ingredients:
75-mg tablet — D&C Yellow No. 10 Lake, FD&C Yellow No. 6 Lake, hydroxypropyl
cellulose, hypromellose, microcrystalline cellulose, polyethylene glycol, talc,
and titanium dioxide; 100-mg tablet — FD&C Red No. 40 Lake, FD&C Yellow No. 6
Lake, hydroxypropyl cellulose, hypromellose, microcrystalline cellulose,
polyethylene glycol, talc, and titanium dioxide.
Suicidality
and Antidepressant Drugs
Antidepressants increased the risk compared to placebo of suicidal thinking and
behavior (suicidality) in children, adolescents, and young adults in short-term
studies of major depressive disorder (MDD) and other psychiatric disorders.
Anyone considering the use of Wellbutrin or any other antidepressant in a child,
adolescent, or young adult must balance this risk with the clinical need.
Short-term studies did not show an increase in the risk of suicidality with
antidepressants compared to placebo in adults beyond age 24; there was a
reduction in risk with antidepressants compared to placebo in adults aged 65 and
older. Depression and certain other psychiatric disorders are themselves
associated with increases in the risk of suicide. Patients of all ages who are
started on antidepressant therapy should be monitored appropriately and observed
closely for clinical worsening, suicidality, or unusual changes in behavior.
Families and caregivers should be advised of the need for close observation and
communication with the prescriber. Wellbutrin is not approved for use in
pediatric patients. (See WARNINGS: Clinical worsening and suicide risk,
PRECAUTIONS: Information for Patients, and PRECAUTIONS: Pediatric Use.)
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