Wellbutrin SR (Bupropion)

Wellbutrin SR is an antidepressant developed to treat depression and related conditions. The medicine works in the brain but the exact mechanism of it is unclear. A doctor may prescribe the medicine for other conditions as well.

A patient should strictly follow doctor's recommendations and take Wellbutrin SR according to instructions provided on the medicine label.

For patient's convenience Wellbutrin SR is supplied with a Medication Guide that provides details on medicine. Patients are advised to read the instructions before use and medicine refill.
Wellbutrin SR should be taken by mouth every day at the same hours, every 8 hours, or as directed by your doctor.
The medicine is required to be taken in whole, without being chewed or crushed.

Regular intake of the recommended doses will minimize risks of possible seizures. It may take several weeks before you feel any significant improvements. Do not stop taking or miss any doses of Wellbutrin SR without first consulting a doctor.

In case you accidentally miss your dose, do not take 2 doses during your next medicine intake. Stay with your dosing schedule.

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.

Do not use Wellbutrin SR in the following circumstances:

• allergies to any medicine components;
• if you take any medicine containing bupropion;
• if you are using or have used phenelzine or any other monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOI) within the past two weeks;
• immediately after long-term use of alcohol and sedatives.

• pregnant or plan to become pregnant;
• breastfeeding;
• taking any other medicine, prescription of over-the-counter, herbs, and dietary supplements;
• allergies of any kind;
• mental problems and disorders, including but not limited to bipolar disorders, suicidal thoughts or behaviors, mood problems, and substance abuse;
• kidney problems, diabetes, cardiovascular problems (high blood pressure, heart attack, etc.), and liver problems;
• head injuries, tumors, and seizures.

Because some medicines may interact with Wellbutrin SR Sustained-Release Tablets and affect the medicine's effectiveness or increase Wellbutrin SR's side effects, you need to warn you doctor if you take any of the following or other medicines:

• Amantadine, antipsychotics (eg, haloperidol, risperidone), corticosteroids (eg, prednisone), insulin, levodopa, MAOIs (eg, phenelzine), nicotine patches, oral hypoglycemics (eg, glipizide), antidepressants (eg, fluoxetine, amitriptyline), sympathomimetics (eg, pseudoephedrine), theophylline, or tiagabine, carbamazepine, phenobarbital, phenytoin, antiarrhythmics (eg, propafenone, flecainide), beta-blockers (eg, metoprolol), phenothiazines (eg, thioridazine), selective serotonin re uptake inhibitor (SSRI) antidepressants (eg, fluoxetine), or tricyclic antidepressants (eg, nortriptyline).

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

Only patients for whom Wellbutrin SR was prescribed must use the medicine. Sharing the medicine with other people is prohibited.