Wellbutrin Xl

Information on Wellbutrin Xl

24 Hour Tablets
Chemical Name: BUPROPION (byoo-PROE-pee-on)

Common uses
This medicine is an antidepressant used to treat depression and seasonal affective disorder (SAD). It may also be used to treat other conditions as determined by your doctor. This medicine works to help balance specific natural substances in the brain called neurotransmitters. When out of balance these substances are thought to be associated with the symptoms of depression.

Before using
WARNING: ANTIDEPRESSANT MEDICINES MAY INCREASE THE RISK OF SUICIDAL THOUGHTS AND BEHAVIORS IN CHILDREN AND ADOLESCENTS, AND POSSIBLY ADULTS, WHO HAVE SEVERE DEPRESSION OR CERTAIN OTHER MENTAL OR MOOD DISORDERS. Children, adolescents, and adults who take this medicine should be monitored daily for any worsening of their condition, thoughts of hurting themselves, or any other sudden or unusual changes in mood or behavior, especially during the first few months after starting this medicine and after any change in the dose of this medicine. If any of these serious side effects occur, contact the doctor immediately. Some medicines or medical conditions may interact with this medicine. INFORM YOUR DOCTOR OR PHARMACIST of all prescription and over-the-counter medicine that you are taking. DO NOT TAKE THIS MEDICINE if you are already taking bupropion to stop smoking, or are taking a monoamine oxidase inhibitor (MAOI) or have taken one in the last 14 days. MAOIs include furazolidone, linezolid, moclobemide, phenelzine, procarbazine, selegiline, isocarboxazid, and tranylcypromine. ADDITIONAL MONITORING OF YOUR DOSE OR CONDITION may be needed if you are taking other antidepressants or psychiatric medicines, medicine for high blood pressure, seizure medicine, tranquilizers, or products containing nicotine such as patches or gum. Tell your doctor about medicines that might increase seizure risk when combined with this medicine such as tramadol, phenothiazines such as thioridazine, tricyclic antidepressants such as amitriptyline, isoniazid, or theophylline among others. Consult your pharmacist for details. DO NOT START OR STOP ANY MEDICINE without doctor or pharmacist approval. Inform your doctor of any other medical conditions including kidney problems, any mental or mood disorders (such as bipolar disorder), seizures, head injury, tumors of the brain or spinal cord, a history of excessive alcohol use or drug dependency, a desire to quit smoking, allergies, pregnancy, or breast-feeding. DO NOT USE THIS MEDICINE if you have seizures, eating disorders such as anorexia or bulimia, if you have suddenly stopped using alcohol, or have suddenly stopped taking tranquilizers that you have been using regularly. Discuss the use of alcohol with your doctor or pharmacist before taking this medicine. Contact your doctor or pharmacist if you have any questions or concerns about using this medicine.

Directions
Follow the directions for using this medicine provided by your doctor. This medicine comes with a MEDICATION GUIDE approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration. Read it carefully each time you refill this medicine. Ask your doctor, nurse, or pharmacist any questions that you may have about this medicine. SWALLOW WHOLE. Do not break, crush or chew before swallowing. THIS MEDICINE MAY BE TAKEN WITH FOOD if it upsets your stomach. STORE THIS MEDICINE in a tightly-closed container at room temperature below 77 degrees F (25 degrees C), away from heat and light. Brief storage between 59 and 86 degrees F (15 and 30 degrees C) is permitted. CONTINUE TO TAKE THIS MEDICINE even if you feel better. Do not miss any doses. Take this medicine at the same time each day. IF YOU MISS A DOSE OF THIS MEDICINE, skip the missed dose and go back to your regular dosing schedule. Do not take more than 1 dose within 24 hours. Do not take 2 doses at once.

Cautions
DO NOT TAKE THIS MEDICINE if you have had an allergic reaction to it or are allergic to any ingredient in this product. SEVERAL WEEKS MAY PASS before your condition improves. Continue to use this medicine for the full time recommended by your doctor. DO NOT STOP USING THIS MEDICINE without first checking with your doctor. Some conditions may become worse when the medicine is suddenly stopped. Your dose may need to be slowly lowered to avoid side effects. Your dose is based on your medical condition and your response to therapy. DO NOT EXCEED THE RECOMMENDED DOSE of this medicine. Taking too much of this medicine may increase your risk of having a seizure. KEEP ALL DOCTOR AND LABORATORY APPOINTMENTS while taking this medicine. Your doctor will check your progress and may monitor your blood pressure while you are taking this medicine. CHILDREN AND TEENAGERS WHO TAKE THIS MEDICINE MAY BE AT INCREASED RISK FOR SUICIDAL THOUGHTS OR ACTIONS. Adults may also be affected. The risk may be greater in patients who have a history of suicidal thoughts or actions or a personal or family history of bipolar (manic-depressive) illness. Watch patients who take this medicine closely, at the start of treatment with this medicine and whenever a change in dose is made. CONTACT THE DOCTOR AT ONCE if new, worsened, or sudden symptoms such as depressed mood; anxious, restless, or irritable behavior; panic attacks; any unusual change in mood or behavior; or any signs of suicidal thoughts or actions occur. THIS MEDICINE MAY CAUSE DIZZINESS. DO NOT DRIVE, OPERATE MACHINERY, OR DO ANYTHING ELSE THAT COULD BE DANGEROUS until you know how you react to this medicine. Using this medicine alone, with other medicines, or with alcohol may lessen your ability to drive or to perform other potentially dangerous tasks. This medicine may cause difficulty sleeping for the first few days or weeks. Taking your dose in the morning will help to prevent this from happening. Contact your doctor if it is severe or if it persists. Limit or avoid consumption of alcoholic beverages; alcohol can increase your risk of seizures. Chronic alcohol users who suddenly stop using alcohol while taking this medicine may have an increased risk of seizures. Consult your doctor or pharmacist for more information. YOU MAY NOTICE THE TABLET SHELL in your stool. This is harmless. BEFORE YOU BEGIN TAKING ANY NEW MEDICINE, either prescription or over-the-counter, check with your doctor or pharmacist. If you currently are taking tranquilizers, do not suddenly stop taking them. Your dose may need to be gradually decreased. Suddenly stopping these medicines while taking bupropion may increase your risk for seizures. Contact your doctor or pharmacist if you have questions about what medicines are tranquilizers. CAUTION IS ADVISED WHEN USING THIS MEDICINE IN CHILDREN OR ADOLESCENT PATIENTS because they may be more sensitive to the effects of the medicine, especially suicidal thoughts or actions. FOR WOMEN: IF YOU PLAN ON BECOMING PREGNANT, discuss with your doctor the benefits and risks of using this medicine during pregnancy. THIS MEDICINE IS EXCRETED IN BREAST MILK. DO NOT BREAST-FEED while you are taking this medicine.

Possible side effects
SIDE EFFECTS that may occur while taking this medicine include constipation, dizziness, drowsiness, dry mouth, flushing, gas, headache, increased sweating, increased urination, loss of appetite, nausea, nervousness, restlessness, ringing in the ears, stomach pain, taste changes, trouble sleeping, vomiting, weakness, or weight changes. If they continue or are bothersome, check with your doctor. CONTACT YOUR DOCTOR AS SOON AS POSSIBLE if you experience fever, chills, or sore throat; hearing problems; menstrual changes; muscle or joint pain; tremor; or vision changes. CONTACT YOUR DOCTOR IMMEDIATELY if you experience chest pain; confusion; delusions; fainting; fast or irregular heartbeat; hallucinations; new or worsening mental or mood changes (such as concentration problems, panic attacks, aggressiveness, agitation, anxiety, impulsiveness, irritability, hostility, exaggerated feeling of well-being, or inability to sit still); red, swollen, blistered, or peeling skin; seizures; severe headache or dizziness; severe muscle pain; severe or persistent nervousness, restlessness, or trouble sleeping; shortness of breath; suicidal thoughts or attempts; unusual swelling; or worsening depression. AN ALLERGIC REACTION to this medicine is unlikely, but seek immediate medical attention if it occurs. Symptoms of an allergic reaction include rash, itching, swelling, dizziness, or trouble breathing. If you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor, nurse, or pharmacist.

Drug interactions
Drug interactions can result in unwanted side effects or prevent a medicine from doing its job. Use our drug interaction checker to find out if your medicines interact with each other. Check drug interactions

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

Additional information
If your symptoms do not improve or if they get worse, contact your doctor. Bupropion tablets may have an unusual smell. This is normal. DO NOT SHARE THIS MEDICINE with others for whom it was not prescribed. DO NOT USE THIS MEDICINE for other health conditions. KEEP THIS MEDICINE out of the reach of children. IF USING THIS MEDICINE FOR AN EXTENDED PERIOD OF TIME, obtain refills before your supply runs out.

Selected data included with permission and copyrighted by Medi-Span, 2009. This copyrighted material has been downloaded from a Licensed data provider and is not for distribution in professional healthcare settings.