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Online Information on Wellbutrin Medication - Uses And Sides Effects of Wellbutrin Sr And Xl

Generic Name of Wellbutrin :: bupropion

Brand Name :: Wellbutrin, Wellbutrin SR, Wellbutrin XL, Zyban

What is Wellbutrin and for what Wellbutrin is used ?

Wellbutrin, a relatively new antidepressant medication, is given to help relieve certain kinds of major depression. The exact way that Wellbutrin works is unknown. Bupropion is an antidepressant medication that affects chemicals within the brain that nerves use to send messages to each other. These chemical messengers are called neurotransmitters. The neurotransmitters that are released by nerves are taken up again by the nerves that release them for reuse.

Unlike the more familiar tricyclic antidepressants, such as Elavil, Tofranil, and others, Wellbutrin tends to have a somewhat stimulating effect. Wellbutrin also has different side effects, and it may work for individuals who have not had success with other antidepressants. Wellbutrin is used to relieve symptoms of depression such as feelings of sadness, worthlessness or guilt, loss of interest in daily activities, changes in appetite, tiredness, sleeping too much, insomnia, and thoughts of death or suicide.

Prescribed For :- Wellbutrin, Wellbutrin SR, and Wellbutrin XL are used for the management of depression. Zyban has been approved as an aid to patients who want to quit smoking.

How to Take Wellbutrin

Take Wellbutrin exactly as prescribed by your doctor. The usual dosing regimen is 3 equal doses spaced evenly throughout the day. Allow at least 6 hours between doses. You should take Wellbutrin SR, the sustained-release form, in 2 doses, at least 8 hours apart. Swallow Wellbutrin SR tablets whole; do not chew, divide, or crush them.

Wellbutrin SR is given as two daily doses. Wellbutrin XL is given as one dose daily.

What are the Side Effects of Wellbutrin

Medicines and their possible side effects can affect individual people in different ways. The following are some of the side effects that are known to be associated with Wellbutrin XL or Sr. Only your doctor can determine if it is safe for you to continue taking Wellbutrin. Common side effects for Wellbutrin may include:

• Abdominal pain (Wellbutrin SR).
• agitation, anxiety (Wellbutrin SR)
• Headache, loss of appetite (Wellbutrin SR)
• Sore throat.
• Nausea

Warnings and precautions before taking Wellbutrin

• Do not take Wellbutrin if you are sensitive to or have ever had an allergic reaction to it.
• Do not take Wellbutrin while abruptly giving up alcohol or sedatives, including tranquilizers such as Librium, Valium, and Xanax.
• Wellbutrin may be used to treat different medical conditions. You should not be taking more than one product containing bupropion at a time (e.g., Wellbutrin and Zyban). Talk to your doctor if a second product containing bupropion is prescribed for you. Too much of this medicine can increase the risk of a seizure.
• Wellbutrin is in the FDA pregnancy category B. This means that it is unlikely to harm an unborn baby. Do not take Wellbutrin without first talking to your doctor if you are pregnant.
• You should not take Wellbutrin if you currently have, or formerly had, an eating disorder.
• Avoid alcohol or drink it only in moderation while taking Wellbutrin. Alcohol may increase the risk of having a seizure while taking Wellbutrin. However, if you drink a lot of alcohol and suddenly stop, you may also increase the risk of having a seizure. Therefore, talk to your doctor about alcohol use before starting treatment with Wellbutrin.
• If you take Wellbutrin, you may be vulnerable to seizures if your dosage is too high or if you ever suffered brain damage or experienced seizures in the past.

What drugs may interact with Wellbutrin

Wellbutrin and Zyban should not be taken together as they contain the same active ingredient, which could cause seizures if too much is taken. If Wellbutrin is taken with certain other drugs, the effects of either could be increased, decreased, or altered. It is especially important to check with your doctor before combining Wellbutrin with the following :-

• Carbamazepine (Tegretol).
• Cimetidine (Tagamet).
• Cyclophosphamide (Cytoxan).
• Heart-stabilizing drugs such as Rythmol and Tambocor.
• Levodopa (Larodopa).
• Major tranquilizers such as Haldol, Risperdal, Thorazine, and Mellaril.
• MAO inhibitors (such as the antidepressants Parnate and Nardil).
• People taking any medications containing L-Dopa, primarily people with Parkinson's disease, have reported stronger side effects from taking Wellbutrin.

What to do if you take Overdose of Wellbutrin ?

If you take overdose of Wellbutrin medication the seek medical attention immediately. For non emergencies, contact your local or regional poison control center.

Recommended dosage of Wellbutrin :-

No single dose of Wellbutrin should exceed 150 milligrams.

Symptoms of Wellbutrin overdose may includes :-

• Hallucinations.
• Heart failure.
• Rapid heartbeat.
• Breathing difficulties.

What to do if you take Missed Dose of Wellbutrin ?

If you miss a dose of Wellbutrin, take it as soon as you can. If it is almost time for your next dose, take only that dose. Do not take double or extra doses.

How to Store Wellbutrin :

• Keep Wellbutrin medication in the container it came in, tightly closed, and out of the reach of children.
• Wellbutrin tablets should be kept at room temperature, 15- 25°C (59-77°F).
• Throw away any medication that is outdated or no longer needed. Talk to your pharmacist about the proper disposal of your medication.

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