Drug Uses

Wellbutrin SR is an antidepressant that acts on the brain and on the nerve cells. This medicine is used for treatment of ADHD (Attention Deficit Disorder), bipolar depression, chronic fatigue syndrome, cocaine addiction, nicotine addiction, and lower back pain. Wellbutrin SR also helps for discontinuation of smoking. The medicine is not chemically related to tricyclic, tetracyclic, selective serotonin re-uptake inhibitor, or other antidepressant agents.

How Taken

Wellbutrin SR is available as a tablet that is taken orally. The common dosage is one to three tablets a day that may be taken with or without food. The tablets should not be crushed, chewed or divided. You should not discontinue the usage of Wellbutrin SR without a consultation with your doctor and especially if you have used large doses of the medicine for a long period of time. Your doctor may decide to gradually reduce your dosage. You should take the medicine regularly for a few weeks before you experience its full effects.

Warnings/Precautions

Before you take Wellbutrin SR you should inform your doctor if you have history of seizures or head injury or brain tumor, heart disease, liver or kidney disease, eating disorder, diabetes, alcohol dependence, any allergies, the intent to quit smoking. You should avoid driving or operating machinery until you adjusted to the effects of the medicine because it may make you feel dizzy or it may affect your coordination. You should not consume alcohol or limit its consummation because alcohol may enhance the risk of seizures. Individuals who have consumed large amounts of alcohol and had discontinued its usage during a treatment with Wellbutrin SR may enhance the risk of having seizures. The risk of seizures may also be increased by the sudden discontinuation of some tranquilizers. Patients older that 65 years of age may be more sensitive to the effects caused by Wellbutrin SR. Consult your doctor before you use the medicine if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant. Breast feeding during a treatment with Wellbutrin SR is not recommended because the medicine passes into breast milk and may affect a nursing baby.

Missed Dose

In case you miss a dose, take the missed tablet as soon as you remember. However, if it is already time for the next scheduled dose, skip the missed one and take the regular dose. Do not take a double dose to catch up the missed one.

Possible Side Effects

Wellbutrin SR may cause dry mouth, headache, increased sweating, nausea/vomiting, constipation, anxiety, fatigue and blurred vision. You should notify your doctor if these side effects continue for a longer time or if they worsen. If you experience the following side effects you should inform your doctor immediately. Tremor, dizziness, fainting, mood changes, slowed movements, difficulty urinating, decreased sex drive, and drowsiness are unlikely to occur but you should report them immediately. Adverse effects that are very unlikely to occur include seizures, mental problems, fever, muscle aches, yellowing of the eyes or skin. Consult your doctor immediately if you experience any of these effects. Immediately search for medical help if you develop an allergic reaction manifested by trouble breathing, rash, itching, swelling, or severe dizziness. Consult your doctor if you experience some other side effects.

Storage

Wellbutrin SR should be stored at a controlled room temperature of 20° to 25°C (68° to 77°F). Keep the medicine in a tightly-closed, light-resistant container.

Overdose

Immediately search for medical help if you suspect an overdose. An overdose of Wellbutrin SR may be indicated by seizures, hallucinations, loss of consciousness, weakness, a fast heartbeat, and heart attack.

More Information

You may experience dizziness when you change your position from sitting or lying to rising. You may try to rise slowly to avoid the dizziness and a possible fall. An excessive amount of the medicine may enhance the risk of seizure. The consumption of caffeine should be limited during a treatment with Wellbutrin SR.

Disclaimer

This drug information is for your information purposes only, it is not intended that this information covers all uses, directions, drug interactions, precautions, or adverse effects of your medication. This is only general information, and should not be relied on for any purpose. It should not be construed as containing specific instructions for any particular patient. We disclaim all responsibility for the accuracy and reliability of this information, and/or any consequences arising from the use of this information, including damage or adverse consequences to persons or property, however such damages or consequences arise. No warranty, either expressed or implied, is made in regards to this information.