What is Wellbutrin SR?
Wellbutrin is an antidepressant that treats major depression and seasonal anxiety disorders. The Zyban version of bupropion helps people quit smoking by reducing withdrawal symptoms and cravings.This medication guide does not list all possible uses of Wellbutrin.
Side effects of Wellbutrin SR
If you experience symptoms of an allergic reaction, such as hives, itching, or fever, or have difficulty breathing or swelling in the face or throat, or a severe reaction to your skin (fever, sore eyes, burning, or red skin with blisters and peeling), seek emergency medical attention.
You should tell your doctor if any symptoms worsen or change, including changes in mood or behavior, anxiety, depression, or panic attacks. Also, you may feel more impulsive, agitated, hostile, aggressive, or restless.
Wellbutrin SR may cause serious side effects. If you experience:
- A seizure (convulsions);
- Confusion is a sudden change in mood or behavior.
- Blurred vision, tunnel vision, eye swelling or pain, or seeing halos surrounding lights;
- Fast or irregular heartbeats
- A manic episode is characterized by racing thoughts, excessive energy, reckless behavior, extreme happiness or irritation, speaking more than usual, and severe sleep problems.
Wellbutrin SR side effects may include:
- Dry mouth; sore throat;
- Ringing in the ears
- Blurred vision
- Nausea; vomiting; constipation.
- Sleep problems (insomnia);
- Feeling anxious, nervous, or trembling.
- Fast heartbeats;
- Confusion, agitation, and hostility;
- Rash;
- Weight loss;
- Increased urination
- Headache, dizziness,
- Joint or muscle pain.
There may be other side effects. For medical advice on side effects, call your doctor. The FDA can be contacted at 1-800-FDA-1088 to report side effects.
Similar/related drugs
Rexulti, Trintellix, Sertraline, Trazodone, Lexapro, Zoloft, and Citalopram
Warnings
Wellbutrin SR should not be taken if you suffer from seizures, an eating disorder, or if you suddenly stopped taking alcohol, seizure medications, or sedatives. Do not take Zyban for quitting smoking if you are taking Wellbutrin to treat depression.
Wellbutrin SR should not be used within 14 days of using an MAO inhibitor, such as isocarboxazid or linezolid.
When first starting an antidepressant, some young people may have suicidal thoughts. Be aware of any changes in your mood or symptoms. Inform your doctor if you experience any new symptoms or if they worsen.
Before you take this drug
Wellbutrin SR should not be taken if:
- A seizure disorder;
- An eating disorder such as anorexia, bulimia, or
- If you suddenly stop using alcohol, seizure medications, or a tranquiliser (such as Xanax, Valium, Fiorinal Klonopin, and others),
You should not take an MAO inhibitor within 14 days of taking Wellbutrin SR. This could cause dangerous drug interactions. MAO inhibitors are isocarboxazid (linezolid), phenelzine (rasagiline), selegiline (tranylcypromine), and rasagiline.
Wellbutrin is not recommended to treat multiple conditions at once. Do not take Wellbutrin SR for smoking cessation if you are taking this medication to treat depression.Wellbutrin may cause seizures. This is especially true if you are suffering from certain medical conditions or if certain drugs are being used. Inform your doctor of all your medical conditions and any drugs that you are taking.
Inform your physician of any of the following issues:
- A brain injury or seizures;
- Narrow-angle glaucoma;
- Heart disease or high pressure.
- Diabetes;
- Kidney disease or liver disease (especially cirrhosis)
- Bipolar disorder or any other mental illness, such as depression
- If you are a heavy drinker of alcohol,
Some young people experience suicidal thoughts when they first start taking antidepressants. Regular visits to your doctor are required to monitor your progress. You or your family members should be aware of any changes in mood or symptoms.
There is no information on whether Wellbutrin SR can harm an unborn child. You may experience a depression relapse if you stop using your antidepressant. If you are pregnant, tell your doctor immediately. Do not start or stop using this medicine without consulting your doctor.You may find your name on a registry for pregnant women to monitor the effects of bupropion.
Breastfeeding may not be possible while taking this medication. You should consult your doctor if you are concerned about any risks.Wellbutrin SR should not be used by anyone under the age of 18.
How to take Wellbutrin SR?
Read all the instructions or guides that come with your medication and follow the directions. Sometimes, your doctor will change the dose. Follow the instructions on the medication. You can have seizures if you take too much medicine.Wellbutrin Sr. Can be taken with or without food.Do not chew, crush, or break the extended-release tablet.
Wellbutrin SR should not be stopped or changed abruptly unless you are experiencing seizures while using this medication. Sudden stopping can lead to unpleasant withdrawal symptoms. Ask your doctor about the best way to stop taking this medication.
You may smoke for up to a week after starting Zyban if you are taking it to stop smoking. Set a quit date during the first two weeks of treatment. Speak to your doctor about quitting smoking after taking Zyban between 7 and 12 weeks.You may be prescribed a nicotine substitute product (such as patches or gums) by your doctor to help you quit smoking. The nicotine replacement product should be used the day after you quit smoking or using tobacco.
Some people who take Wellbutrin SR (and Zyban) have severe high blood pressure. This is especially true when they are also using a nicotine replacement product (patch or chewing gum). You may need to check your blood pressure before and after treatment with this medication.Please read and follow all instructions for use that come with your medication. If you don't understand the instructions, ask your doctor or pharmacist.
When you quit smoking, you may experience nicotine withdrawal symptoms, such as an increased appetite, weight loss, difficulty sleeping, concentration problems, a slower heartbeat, the urge to smoke, and feelings of anxiety, restlessness, depression, anger, frustration, or irritability. These withdrawal symptoms can occur whether or not you are taking Zyban.
Quitting smoking can also worsen or cause mental health issues, like depression.You may get false results if you use this medicine. Tell the lab staff that you are using Wellbutrin.Store away from moisture, heat, and light at room temperature.
What happens if I miss the dose?
Do not take the missed dose. Use your next dose as usual. Do not take two doses in one go.
What happens if I overdose?
Call the Poison Help Line at 1-800-222-1222 or seek emergency medical care. A Wellbutrin overdose can be deadly. Symptoms of an overdose include muscle stiffness or hallucinations.
What should be avoided?
You may experience seizures if you drink alcohol while taking Wellbutrin. Talk to your doctor if you regularly drink alcohol. This medicine may also cause seizures in someone who is a heavy drinker and suddenly stops drinking when they start taking this medicine.
You should avoid driving or other hazardous activities until you are sure of how Wellbutrin SR affects you. You may be unable to react properly.
Interaction with other drug
If you take Wellbutrin with other medications, your risk of having seizures may be higher.
Wellbutrin SR can be affected by many drugs. These include prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products. This list does not include all possible interactions. Inform your doctor of all medications you are currently taking and those that you will stop or start using.
