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 - ORAL (byou-PRO-pee-on)
COMMON BRAND NAME(S): Wellbutrin
USES: This medication is used to treat depression.
HOW TO USE: This medication may be taken with
food if stomach upset occurs. Take doses at regularly
scheduled times each day. Do not take more or less
medication than prescribed and follow your doctor's
instructions carefully. 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. Since this drug may cause sleeplessness
at first, it is best not to take this near bedtime.
It may take 4 weeks or more before the full effects
of this medication are noticed.
SIDE EFFECTS: This medication is generally
well tolerated. Dry mouth, headache, increased sweating,
nausea/vomiting, constipation, anxiety, fatigue and
blurred vision may occur. If these effects persist
or worsen, notify your doctor. Report promptly: unusual
weight loss or gain, palpitations, agitation, trouble
sleeping. Unlikely but report promptly: tremor, dizziness,
fainting, mood changes, slowed movements, difficulty
urinating, decreased sex drive, drowsiness. Very unlikely
but report promptly: seizures, mental problems, fever,
muscle aches, yellowing of the eyes or skin. In the
unlikely event you have an allergic reaction to this
drug, seek medical attention immediately. Symptoms
may include trouble breathing, rash, itching, swelling,
or severe dizziness. If you notice other effects not
listed above, contact your doctor or pharmacist.
PRECAUTIONS: Before taking bupropion, tell
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. Because
of the possibility this drug will make you dizzy and
affect coordination, do not drive or operate machinery
until you get used to the drug's effects. 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.
Suddenly stopping certain tranquilizers (e.g., diazepam,
chlordiazepoxide) is not recommended because doing
so may increase the risk of having seizures. Elderly
patients may be more sensitive to the effects of this
drug. Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or plan
to become pregnant before taking this drug. This drug
passes into breast milk. Because of the potential
risk to the infant, breast-feeding while using this
drug is not recommended. Consult your doctor before
breast-feeding.
DRUG INTERACTIONS: Before taking bupropion
tell your doctor of all nonprescription and prescription
medications you may use especially: MAO inhibitors
(e.g., isocarboxazid, phenelzine, tranylcypromine,
pargyline, selegiline, linezolid, furazolidone), levodopa,
ritonavir, corticosteroids (e.g. prednisone), sedatives,
adrenaline-like stimulants (e.g., ephedrine), products
containing nicotine (e.g., patches or gum). Also report
use of drugs which might increase seizure risk (decrease
seizure threshold) such as: phenothiazines (e.g.,
chlorpromazine), tricyclic antidepressants (e.g.,
amitriptyline), isoniazid (INH), theophylline. 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.
A certain product used to help quit smoking contains
bupropion. Do not take that product while using this
one. 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,
hallucinations, rapid heart rate, and loss of consciousness.
NOTES: Do not allow anyone else to take this
medication.
MISSED DOSE: Take any missed dose as soon as
possible but not if it is within 4 hours of the next
dose. If it is time for the next dose, skip the missed
dose and resume your regular schedule. Do not "double-up"
the dose.
STORAGE: Store at room temperature and keep
away from moisture and sunlight. Do not store in the
bathroom.
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