BUPROPION DRUG INFO
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. |
