|
|  |
 | What is Wellbutrin?
|
|  Wellbutrin (generic name bupropion) is a commonly prescribed antidepressant. It also treats other conditions such as bipolar disorder and attention deficit disorder (ADD), and can help people quit smoking. Like other antidepressants, Wellbutrin works by affecting the levels of chemicals called neurotransmitters, which communicate messages throughout the brain. Antidepressants affect levels of neurotransmitters that govern mood, and Wellbutrin in particular is thought to elevate mood by lowering levels of the neurotransmitter dopamine. It may also affect levels of other neurotransmitters as well. A key advantage of Wellbutrin over other antidepressants is its relative freedom from certain side effects. For example, the most popular class of antidepressants—the selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors, or SSRIs, which include the well-known Prozac—often cause unpleasant sexual side effects such as erectile dysfunction in men and inability to obtain orgasm in both sexes. But Wellbutrin rarely causes sexual problems. It usually takes two to four weeks to notice the effects of Wellbutrin for depression. You can take Wellbutrin with or without food. If you take >Wellbutrin SR (sustained release), be sure not to cut, crush or chew the tablets. It's important to take every dose of Wellbutrin as prescribed by your doctor. Separate each dose of Wellbutrin by at least six hours. Separate doses of Wellbutrin SR by at least eight hours. If you miss a dose, don't double up. Sources:
Micromedex Healthcare Series. Micromedex, Inc., 2000.
Drug Facts and Comparisons, Facts and Comparisons, 2000.
Wellbutrin Product Information, Glaxo Wellcome.
This answer prepared 10/26/00.
|
| drug interaction
checker
Is it safe to combine
your medicines?
Find out. |
|
|
Copyright © 1999-2009 drugstore.com, inc. All rights reserved. |
view shopping bag
