What is Wellbutrin?
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 XL.
Side effects of Wellbutrin XL
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 (such as a burning eye, a sore throat or skin rash, or blistering or peeling skin), 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, or aggressive.
Wellbutrin XL 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 pain, swelling, or seeing halos around light
- 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 XL side effects may include:
- Dry mouth; sore throat;
- Ringing in the ears
- Blurred vision
- Nausea, vomiting, stomach pain, loss of appetite, 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.
Warnings
Wellbutrin XL 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 XL 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 XL should not be taken if:
- A seizure disorder;
- An eating disorder such as anorexia, bulimia,
- Stopping alcohol, seizure medications, or sedatives (Xanax, Valium, Fiorinal Klonopin and others) suddenly can have adverse side effects.
You should not take an MAO inhibitor for 14 days prior to or after taking Wellbutrin XL. Potentially dangerous drug interactions may occur. MAO inhibitors are isocarboxazid (linezolid), phenelzine (rasagiline), selegiline (tranylcypromine), and rasagiline.Wellbutrin XL should not be used to treat multiple conditions at once. Do not take Wellbutrin XL for smoking cessation if you are taking this medication to treat depression.
Wellbutrin XL can 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 you are taking.
Tell your doctor if any of the following applies to you:
- A brain injury or seizures;
- Narrow-angle glaucoma;
- Heart disease or high pressure.
- Diabetes;
- Kidney disease or liver disease (particularly cirrhosis)
- Bipolar disorder or any other mental illness, such as depression
- If you are a heavy drinker of alcohol,
Antidepressant medication may lead to suicidal thoughts in some young adults. 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 XL can harm a baby in utero. You may experience a depression relapse if you discontinue 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 is not recommended for anyone under the age of 18.
How do I take Wellbutrin XL?
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 XL can be taken with or without food.Do not chew, crush, or break the extended-release tablet.
Wellbutrin XL should not be stopped or changed abruptly unless you are experiencing seizures while taking it. 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. Decide on a date when you will stop smoking within the first two weeks of treatment. Speak to your doctor if, after 7–12 weeks of taking Zyban, you still have difficulty quitting.
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 XL (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 need help understanding the instructions, consult your physician 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 XL.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 XL overdose can be fatal. Overdose signs and symptoms include muscle stiffness or hallucinations.
What should be avoided?
You may experience seizures if you drink alcohol while taking Wellbutrin XL. Talk to your doctor if you regularly drink alcohol. This medicine may also cause seizures when a person who is a heavy drinker suddenly stops drinking after starting treatment.You should avoid driving or other hazardous activities until you are sure of how Wellbutrin XL affects you. You may be unable to react properly.
Interaction with other drug
If you take Wellbutrin XL with certain other medications, your risk of having seizures may be increased.Wellbutrin XL 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.
