GENERIC NAME: BUPROPION EXTENDED RELEASE - ORAL (ANTIDEPRESSANT) (byou-PRO-pee-on)

BRAND NAME(S): Wellbutrin XL

Medication Uses | Other Uses | How To Use | Side Effects | Precautions | Drug Interactions | Overdose | Notes | Missed Dose | Storage | Medical Alert

USES: This medication is used to treat major depression. This medication works by helping to restore the balance of natural chemicals in the brain.

OTHER USES: This medication may also be used for quitting smoking.

HOW TO USE: Take this medication by mouth, usually once daily with or without food. If nausea occurs, you may take this drug with food. Do not crush, chew or break the tablets. Swallow tablets whole. Since this drug may cause sleeplessness at first, it is best not to take near bedtime. The dosage is based on your medical condition and response to therapy. Do not take more or less medication than prescribed. Taking more than the recommended dose of bupropion will increase your risk of having a seizure. The maximum dose of bupropion is 300 - 450 milligrams per day, depending on your medical condition (stop smoking therapy vs. psychiatric conditions). If you have very severe liver disease, the maximum dose is 150 milligrams every other day. Do not stop taking this medication without notifying your doctor. Use this medication regularly in order to get the most benefit from it. To help you remember, use it at the same time each day. It may take 4 weeks or more before the full effects of this medication are noticed. Read the patient information leaflet provided by your pharmacist.

SIDE EFFECTS: Dry mouth, nausea, vomiting, stomach/abdominal pain, flushing, headache/migraine, loss of appetite, trouble sleeping, increased sweating, strange taste in mouth, weakness, drowsiness, or blurred vision may occur. If any of these effects persist or worsen, notify your doctor or pharmacist promptly. Tell your doctor immediately if any of these unlikely but serious side effects occur: dizziness, fainting, chest pain, fast heartbeat, tremor, unusual weight loss or gain, ringing in the ears, severe headache, unusual or severe mental/mood changes (e.g., hallucinations, anxiety, nervousness, agitation, confusion, restlessness), decreased sex drive, difficulty urinating. Seek immediate medical attention if the following infrequent but serious side effect occurs: seizures. Bupropion should be stopped permanently if you have a seizure while taking the medication. An allergic reaction to this drug is unlikely, but seek immediate medical attention if it occurs. Symptoms of an allergic reaction include: rash, itching, swelling, severe dizziness, trouble breathing, muscle aches, joint pain, fever. An empty tablet shell may appear in your stool. This is harmless. If you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor or pharmacist.