Wellbutrin XL

Generic name: Bupropion

Drug class: Miscellaneous antidepressants

Dosage forms: Extended-Release Tablet

Root of administration: Oral

Dose: 150, 300 mg

Mechanism of action: It is believed to involve the inhibition of the reuptake of certain neurotransmitters in the brain, specifically norepinephrine and dopamine. However, unlike many other antidepressant medications, Wellbutrin XL does not significantly affect serotonin reuptake.

Drug usage cases: Wellbutrin XL is an antidepressant used to treat major depressive disorder and seasonal affective disorder. The Zyban brand of bupropion is used to help people stop smoking by reducing cravings and other withdrawal effects.

Drug contra indications: You should not take Wellbutrin XL if you are allergic to it, or if you have:

a seizure disorder; an eating disorder such as anorexia or bulimia; or if you have suddenly stopped using alcohol, seizure medication, or a sedative (such as Xanax, Valium, Fiorinal, Klonopin, and others). Do not use an MAO inhibitor within 14 days before or 14 days after you take Wellbutrin XL. A dangerous drug interaction could occur. MAO inhibitors include isocarboxazid, linezolid, phenelzine, rasagiline, selegiline, and tranylcypromine. Do not take Wellbutrin XL to treat more than one condition at a time. If you take this medicine for depression, do not also take Wellbutrin XL to quit smoking. Wellbutrin XL may cause seizures, especially if you have certain medical conditions or use certain drugs. Tell your doctor about all of your medical conditions and the drugs you use. Tell your doctor if you have ever had:

a head injury, seizures, or brain or spinal cord tumor; narrow-angle glaucoma; heart disease, high blood pressure, or a heart attack; diabetes; kidney or liver disease (especially cirrhosis); depression, bipolar disorder, or other mental illness; or if you drink alcohol. Some young people have thoughts about suicide when first taking an antidepressant. Your doctor will need to check your progress at regular visits. Your family or other caregivers should also be alert to changes in your mood or symptoms. Do not start or stop taking this medicine without your doctor’s advice. Wellbutrin XL is not approved for use by anyone younger than 18 years old.

Side effects: Get emergency medical help if you have signs of an allergic reaction (hives, itching, fever, swollen glands, difficult breathing, swelling in your face or throat) or a severe skin reaction (fever, sore throat, burning eyes, skin pain, red or purple skin rash with blistering and peeling). Report any new or worsening symptoms to your doctor, such as: mood or behavior changes, anxiety, depression, panic attacks, trouble sleeping, or if you feel impulsive, irritable, agitated, hostile, aggressive, restless, hyperactive (mentally or physically), more depressed, or have thoughts about suicide or hurting yourself. Wellbutrin XL may cause serious side effects. Call your doctor at once if you have:

a seizure (convulsions); confusion, unusual changes in mood or behavior; blurred vision, tunnel vision, eye pain or swelling, or seeing halos around lights; fast or irregular heartbeats; or a manic episode–racing thoughts, increased energy, reckless behavior, feeling extremely happy or irritable, talking more than usual, severe problems with sleep.

Warnings: You should not take Wellbutrin XL if you have seizures or an eating disorder, or if you have suddenly stopped using alcohol, seizure medication, or sedatives. If you take Wellbutrin for depression, do not also take Zyban to quit smoking. Do not use Wellbutrin XL within 14 days before or 14 days after you have used an MAO inhibitor, such as isocarboxazid, linezolid, methylene blue injection, phenelzine, rasagiline, selegiline, or tranylcypromine. Some young people have thoughts about suicide when first taking an antidepressant. Stay alert to changes in your mood or symptoms. Report any new or worsening symptoms to your doctor.

Use during pregnancy or breastfeeding: Ask your doctor about taking this medicine if you are pregnant. It is not known whether Wellbutrin XL will harm an unborn baby. However, you may have a relapse of depression if you stop taking your antidepressant. Tell your doctor right away if you become pregnant. Do not start or stop taking this medicine without your doctor’s advice. If you are pregnant, your name may be listed on a pregnancy registry to track the effects of bupropion on the baby. It may not be safe to breastfeed while using this medicine. Ask your doctor about any risk.