Important Note

The following information is intended to supplement, not substitute for, the expertise and judgment of your physician, pharmacist or other healthcare professional. It should not be construed to indicate that use of the drug is safe, appropriate, or effective for you. Consult your healthcare professional before using this drug.

BUPROPION EXTENDED RELEASE - ORAL (ANTIDEPRESSANT)

(byou-PRO-pee-on)

COMMON BRAND NAME(S): Wellbutrin XL

Uses

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

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. 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, mental/mood changes (e.g., hallucinations, anxiety, nervousness, agitation, confusion, restlessness), decreased sex drive, difficulty urinating. Seek immediate medical attention if any of these highly unlikely but very serious side effects occur: seizures. 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.

Precautions

This medication should not be used if you have certain medical conditions. Before using this medicine, consult your doctor or pharmacist if you have: seizures, head injury, brain tumor, eating disorders. Before using this medication, tell your doctor or pharmacist your medical history, especially of: liver problems, heart problems, kidney problems, mental or emotional conditions, diabetes, alcohol or drug dependence, intention to quit smoking, any allergies. This drug may make you dizzy or drowsy; use caution engaging in activities requiring alertness such as driving or using machinery. Limit or avoid consumption of alcoholic beverages. Alcohol can increase your risk of seizures. Chronic alcohol users who suddenly stop the intake of alcohol while taking bupropion may increase the risk of having seizures. Consult your doctor or pharmacist for more details. Suddenly stopping certain tranquilizers (e.g., diazepam, lorazepam) is not recommended because doing so may increase the risk of having seizures. Your dose may need to be gradually decreased. This medication should be used only when clearly needed during pregnancy. Discuss the risks and benefits with your doctor. Bupropion passes into breast milk. Because of the potential risk to the infant, breast-feeding is not recommended while using this drug.

Drug Interactions

This drug should not be used with the following medications because very serious interactions may occur: MAO inhibitors (e.g., furazolidone, linezolid, moclobemide, phenelzine, procarbazine, selegiline, isocarboxazid, tranylcypromine). If you are currently using or have recently stopped taking an MAO inhibitor within the last 14 days, tell your doctor or pharmacist before starting bupropion. Before using this medication, tell your doctor or pharmacist of all prescription and nonprescription products you may use, especially of: warfarin, levodopa, amantadine, adrenaline-like stimulants (e.g., ephedrine), products containing nicotine (e.g., patches, gum, or spray). Also tell your doctor if you are taking any drugs which are affected by certain liver enzymes (CYP 2D6 or CYP 2B6 substrates, inhibitors, or inducers), such as: certain SSRI antidepressants (e.g., paroxetine, fluoxetine, sertraline), beta-blockers (e.g., metoprolol), antiarrhythmics (e.g., propafenone, flecainide), orphenadrine, thiotepa, cyclophosphamide, carbamazepine, phenobarbital, phenytoin, valproic acid. Also report the use of drugs which might increase seizure risk (decrease seizure threshold) when combined with bupropion such as phenothiazines (e.g., thioridazine), tricyclic antidepressants (e.g., amitriptyline), isoniazid (INH), or theophylline among others. Consult your doctor or pharmacist for details. Excess caffeine intake can increase the chance of seizures with this drug. Check all nonprescription/prescription drug labels for caffeine. Consult your doctor or pharmacist. Do not take this medicine with any other product containing bupropion (e.g., drugs to help quit smoking). Do not start or stop any medicine without doctor or pharmacist approval.

Overdose

If overdose is suspected, contact your local poison control center or emergency room immediately. Symptoms of overdose may include seizures, severe confusion, hallucinations, rapid heart rate, and loss of consciousness.

Notes

Do not share this medication with others. Laboratory and/or medical tests (e.g., blood pressure monitoring) should be performed periodically to monitor your progress or check for side effects. Consult your doctor for more details.

Missed Dose

If you miss a dose, skip the missed dose and resume your usual dosing schedule. Do not double the dose to catch up. Taking too much of this medication can increase your chance of having a seizure.

Storage

Store at room temperature at 77 degrees F (25 degrees C) away from light and moisture. Brief storage between 59 and 86 degrees F (15-30 degrees C) is permitted. Do not store in the bathroom. Keep all medicines away from children and pets.

Medical Alert

Your condition can cause complications in a medical emergency. For enrollment information call MedicAlert at 1-800-854- 1166 (USA) or 1-800-668-1507 (Canada).