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Wellbutrin |
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What is Wellbutrin and why is it prescribed? Wellbutrin is an antidepressant medication given to help relieve certain kinds of major depression. Unlike the more familiar tricyclic antidepressants, such as Elavil, Tofranil, and others, Wellbutrin tends to have a somewhat stimulating effect. The drug is available in regular and sustained-release formulations (Wellbutrin SR). Although Wellbutrin occasionally causes weight gain, a more common effect is weight loss. Some 28 percent of people who take this medication lose 5 pounds or more. If depression has already caused you to lose weight, and if further weight loss would be detrimental to your health, Wellbutrin may not be the best antidepressant for you. How should you take Wellbutrin? Follow your doctors directions for taking Wellbutrin. The usual dosing regimen is 3 equal doses spaced evenly throughout the day. Allow at least 6 hours between doses. Your doctor will probably start you at a low dosage and gradually increase it. This helps minimize side effects. You should take Wellbutrin SR, the sustained-release form, in 2 doses, at least 8 hours apart. Swallow Wellbutrin SR tablets whole. Do not chew, divide, or crush them. If Wellbutrin works for you, your doctor will probably have you continue taking it for at least several months. If you miss a dose take it as soon as you remember. If it is within 4 hours of your next dose, skip the one you missed and go back to your regular schedule. Never take two doses at the same time. Store Wellbutrin at room temperature and protect it from light and moisture. Are there any Wellbutrin side effects? Wellbutrin side effects cannot be anticipated. If any develop or change in intensity, inform your doctor as soon as possible. Seizures are perhaps the most worrisome side effect. More common Wellbutrin side effects may include abdominal pain (Wellbutrin SR), agitation, anxiety (Wellbutrin SR), constipation, dizziness, dry mouth, excessive sweating, headache, loss of appetite (Wellbutrin SR), nausea, palpitations (Wellbutrin SR), vomiting, skin rash, sleep disturbances, sore throat (Wellbutrin SR), and tremor. Other Wellbutrin side effects may include acne, allergic reactions (severe), bed-wetting, blisters in the mouth and eyes (Stevens-Johnson syndrome), blurred vision, breathing difficulty, chest pain, chills, complete or almost complete loss of movement, confusion, dry skin, episodes of over-activity, elation, or irritability, extreme calmness, fatigue, fever, fluid retention, flu-like symptoms, gum irritation and inflammation, hair color changes, hair loss, hives, impotence, incoordination and clumsiness, indigestion, itching, increased libido, menstrual complaints, mood instability, muscle rigidity, painful ejaculation, painful erection, retarded ejaculation, ringing in the ears, sexual dysfunction, suicidal ideation, thirst disturbances, toothache, urinary disturbances, and weight gain or loss. What are the possible food and drug interactions when taking Wellbutrin? If Wellbutrin is taken with certain other drugs, the effects of either could be increased, decreased, or altered. Be sure to inform your doctor of all the prescription and over the counter medications you are taking. Do not drink alcohol while you are taking Wellbutrin. An interaction between alcohol and Wellbutrin could increase the possibility of a seizure. It is especially important to check with your doctor before combining Wellbutrin with Beta blockers (such as Inderal, Lopressor, and Tenormin), Carbamazepine (Tegretol), Cimetidine (Tagamet), Cyclophosphamide (Cytoxan), Heart-stabilizing drugs (such as Rythmol and Tambocor), Levodopa (Larodopa), Major tranquilizers (such as Haldol, Risperdal, Thorazine, and Mellaril), MAO inhibitors (such as the antidepressants Parnate and Nardil), Nicotine patches (such as Habitrol, NicoDerm CQ, and Nicotrol patch), Orphenadrine (Norgesic), Other antidepressants (such as Elavil, Norpramin, Pamelor, Paxil, Prozac, Tofranil, and Zoloft), Phenobarbital, Phenytoin (Dilantin), Steroid medications (such as Prednisone), or Theophylline (Theo-Dur). Are there any special warnings about Wellbutrin? If you take Wellbutrin, you may be vulnerable to seizures if your dosage is too high or if you ever suffered brain damage or experienced seizures in the past. Stop taking Wellbutrin and call your doctor immediately if you have difficulty breathing or swallowing, notice swelling in your face, lips, tongue, or throat, develop swollen arms and legs, or break out with itchy eruptions. These are warning signs of a potential severe allergic reaction. The danger of seizures is greater in people addicted to narcotics, cocaine, or stimulants, and in those using over-the-counter stimulants or diet pills. Alcohol abuse or withdrawal also increases the risk, as does the use of other antidepressants or major tranquilizers. The risk is higher, too, if you are taking insulin or oral diabetes medication. Since Wellbutrin may impair your coordination or judgment, do not drive or operate dangerous machinery until you find out how the medication affects you. |
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Information on this website is provided for educational purposes and should not replace discussions with your doctor. |
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