Drug Name

Wellbutrin SR (Bupropion)

Drug Uses

Wellbutrin SR is used for treating depression. It may also be used for other conditions as determined by your doctor.

How Taken

Use Wellbutrin SR as directed by your doctor. Check the label on the medicine for exact dosing instructions.
Wellbutrin SR comes with an extra patient information sheet called a Medication Guide. Read it carefully. Read it again each time you get Wellbutrin SR refilled.
Take Wellbutrin SR by mouth with or without food. If stomach upset occurs, take with food to reduce stomach irritation.
Swallow Wellbutrin SR whole. Do not break, crush, or chew before swallowing.
Several weeks may pass before your symptoms improve. Do not stop taking Wellbutrin SR without checking with your doctor.
Take your doses at the same times each day at least 8 hours apart unless directed otherwise by your doctor. This may help to decrease the risk of seizures with this medicine.
Continue to take Wellbutrin SR even if you feel well. Do not miss any doses.

Drug Class and Mechanism

Wellbutrin SR is an antidepressant. It works in the brain to treat depression. Exactly how it works is not known.

Missed Dose

If you miss a dose of Wellbutrin SR S, skip the missed dose. Go back to your regular dosing schedule. Do not take more than 1 dose within 8 hours. Do not take 2 doses at once.

Storage

Store Wellbutrin SR at 77 degrees F (25 degrees C). Brief storage between 59 and 86 degrees F (15 and 30 degrees C) is permitted. Store away from heat, moisture, and light. Do not store in the bathroom. Keep Wellbutrin SR out of the reach of children and away from pets.

Warnings/Precautions

Do not use Wellbutrin SR if:

• you are allergic to any ingredient in Wellbutrin SR;
• you are taking any other medicine that contains bupropion;
• you have a history of an eating disorder (e.g., anorexia, bulimia) or seizures (e.g., epilepsy);
• you are suddenly stopping the use of alcohol or sedatives (e.g., benzodiazepines) after long-term use;
• Contact your doctor or health care provider right away if any of these apply to you.
  
  Some medical conditions may interact with Wellbutrin SR Sustained-Release Tablets. Tell your doctor or pharmacist if you have any medical conditions, especially if any of the following apply to you:
  • if you are pregnant, planning to become pregnant, or are breast-feeding
  • if you are taking any prescription or nonprescription medicine, herbal preparation, or dietary supplement
  • if you have allergies to medicines, foods, or other substances
  • if you or a family member has a history of bipolar disorder (manic depression), other mental or mood problems (eg, depression), suicidal thoughts or attempts, or alcohol or substance abuse
  • if you have diabetes, kidney problems, high blood pressure, heart problems (eg, congestive heart failure), or a recent heart attack
  • if you have a history of seizure, head injury, tumor in the brain or spinal cord, or liver problems (eg, cirrhosis)
  
  
  Some MEDICINES MAY INTERACT with Wellbutrin SR Sustained-Release Tablets. Tell your health care provider if you are taking any other medicines, especially any of the following:
  • Amantadine, antipsychotics (eg, haloperidol, risperidone), corticosteroids (eg, prednisone), insulin, levodopa, MAOIs (eg, phenelzine), nicotine patches, oral hypoglycemics (eg, glipizide), other antidepressants (eg, fluoxetine, amitriptyline), sympathomimetics (eg, pseudoephedrine), theophylline, or tiagabine because they may increase the risk of Wellbutrin SR Sustained-Release Tablets's side effects
  • Carbamazepine, phenobarbital, or phenytoin because they may decrease Wellbutrin SR Sustained-Release Tablets's effectiveness
  • Antiarrhythmics (eg, propafenone, flecainide), beta-blockers (eg, metoprolol), phenothiazines (eg, thioridazine), selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI) antidepressants (eg, fluoxetine), or tricyclic antidepressants (eg, nortriptyline) because the risk of their side effects may be increased by Wellbutrin SR Sustained-Release Tablets

Possible Side Effects

Check with your doctor if any of these most common side effects persist or become bothersome:

• constipation; dizziness; headache; indigestion; nausea; tiredness or weakness; vomiting.

Seek medical attention right away if any of these severe side effects occur:

• severe allergic reactions (rash; hives; itching; difficulty breathing; tightness in the chest; swelling of the mouth, face, lips, or tongue); behavior changes (eg, aggression); chest pain; confusion; cough; depression; fainting; hallucinations; irregular heartbeat; mood or mental changes; shortness of breath; swelling of hands or feet; vision disturbances.

More Information

Wellbutrin SR is to be used only by the patient for whom it is prescribed. Do not share it with other people.