What is Wellbutrin SR?

Wellbutrin SR is an antidepressant 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. It may work by restoring the balance of certain natural substances (dopamine, norepinephrine) in the brain.

Always read the patient information and instructions carefully before using this medication.

• Take this medication by mouth with or without food as directed by your doctor, usually twice a day. If you have stomach upset, you may take this medication with or after a meal or snack. Take the first dose as soon as you wake up in the morning and the second dose at least 8 hours later, or take as directed by your doctor. Taking this medication late in the day may cause trouble sleeping (insomnia). Take this medication regularly to get the most benefit from it. To help you remember, take it at the same times each day.
• Do not crush or chew this medication. Doing so can release all of the drug at once, increasing the risk of side effects. Also, do not split the tablets unless they have a score line and your doctor or pharmacist tells you to do so. Swallow the whole or split tablet without crushing or chewing.
• The dosage is based on your medical condition, liver function, and response to treatment. To reduce your risk of side effects, your doctor may direct you to start this medication at a low dose and gradually increase your dose. Do not increase your dose or use this drug more often or for longer than prescribed. Your condition will not improve any faster and your risk of side effects will increase.
• Do not stop taking this medication without consulting your doctor. Your dose may need to be gradually decreased.
• It may take 4 weeks or longer before you get the full benefit of this drug. Tell your doctor if your condition does not improve or if it worsens.

Make sure to tell your doctor and pharmacist:

• If you have any drug allergies.
• Which other prescription and non-prescription medications you currently take.
• Your medical history, especially of: diabetes, heart disease, high blood pressure, kidney problems, liver disease, use/abuse of drugs/alcohol, seizures or conditions that increase your risk of seizures (including brain/head injury, brain tumor, eating disorders such as bulimia/anorexia nervosa), personal or family history of glaucoma (angle-closure type).

Also be aware that:

• This medication should not be used if you are suddenly stopping regular use of sedatives (including benzodiazepines such as lorazepam), drugs used to treat seizures, or alcohol. Doing so may increase your risk of seizures.
• This drug may make you dizzy. Alcohol or marijuana (cannabis) can make you more dizzy. Do not drive, use machinery, or do anything that needs alertness until you can do it safely. Avoid alcoholic beverages. Talk to your doctor if you are using marijuana (cannabis). Alcohol can also increase your risk of seizures.
• Before having surgery, tell your doctor or dentist about all the products you use (including prescription drugs, nonprescription drugs, and herbal products).
• Older adults may be more sensitive to the side effects of this drug, especially dizziness and memory loss. Dizziness can increase the risk of falling
• During pregnancy, this medication should be used only when clearly needed. Since untreated mental/mood problems (such as depression, seasonal affective disorder, bipolar disorder) can be a serious condition, do not stop taking this medication unless directed by your doctor. If you are planning pregnancy, become pregnant, or think you may be pregnant, immediately discuss with your doctor the benefits and risks of using this medication during pregnancy.
• This drug passes into breast milk and may have undesirable effects on a nursing infant. Consult your doctor before breast-feeding.

Common side-effects may include but are not limited to:

• Dry mouth, sore throat, dizziness, nausea, vomiting, ringing in the ears, headache, decreased appetite, weight loss, constipation, trouble sleeping, increased sweating, or shaking (tremor) may occur.
• An empty tablet shell may appear in your stool. This effect is harmless because your body has already absorbed the medication.

Contact your doctor if you experience any of the following side-effects:

• This medication may raise your blood pressure.
• Fast/pounding/irregular heartbeat, mental/mood changes (such as anxiety, agitation, confusion, unusual behavior/thinking, memory loss), unusual weight loss or gain.
• Seizure, eye pain/swelling/redness, widened pupils, vision changes (such as seeing rainbows around lights at night, blurred vision).
• Any symptoms of a serious allergic reaction, including: rash, itching/swelling (especially of the face/tongue/throat), painful sores in the mouth/around the eyes, severe dizziness, trouble breathing.

Q: What happens if I miss a dose?

A: Skip the missed dose and use your next dose at the regular time. Do not use two doses at one time.

Q: What should I avoid while taking bupropion?

A: Drinking alcohol with Wellbutrin SR may increase your risk of seizures. If you drink alcohol regularly, talk with your doctor before changing the amount you drink. This medicine can also cause seizures in a regular drinker who suddenly stops drinking at the start of treatment with this medicine. Avoid driving or hazardous activity until you know how Wellbutrin SR will affect you. Your reactions could be impaired.