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bupropion hydrochloride bupropion hydrochloride

 
  Trade Name(s):
Wellbutrin, Wellbutrin SR, Zyban 		 
  Type of Drug:
Bupropion hydrochloride is an aminoketone antidepressant used to relieve anxiety or depression (under the brand names Wellbutrin and Wellbutrin SR). It is also used as a smoking cessation aid (under the brand name Zyban). 		 
  How Drug Works:
The action of bupropion hydrochloride is not known. It increases the amount of serotonin and norepinephrine in the brain, thus relieving or preventing the feeling of depression. 		 
  How Drug Is Given:
Bupropion hydrochloride pills can be either short–acting (immediate release) or long–lasting (sustained release). The short–acting pills (Wellbutrin) are usually taken twice a day, morning and night, for 3 days to start and then 3 times a day as directed by your doctor. The long–lasting pills (Wellbutrin SR, Zyban) are usually taken once a day in the morning for a few days to start. If you are doing okay with this dose, your doctor will usually increase the dose so you take 1 pill in the morning and 1 in the evening. The dose depends on your size and other factors. Keep the medicine in a tightly closed container and out of the reach of children or pets. Do not take both Wellbutrin and Zyban unless you talk to your doctor; they are the same medicine. 		 
  How Should I Take This Drug?
Take this drug exactly as directed by your doctor. If you do not understand the instructions, ask your doctor or nurse to explain them to you. 		 
  Read the following information. If you do not understand it or if any of it causes you special concern, check with your doctor.  
  Before taking this drug, tell your doctor if you are taking any other prescription or over-the-counter drugs, including vitamins and herbals.  
  Should I avoid any other medications, foods, alcohol, and/or activities?
Your prescription and nonprescription medications may interact with other drugs, causing a harmful effect. Certain foods or alcohol can also interact with drug products. Never begin taking a new medication, prescription or nonprescription, without asking your doctor or nurse if it will interact with alcohol, foods or other medications. Some drug products can cause drowsiness and may affect activities such as driving. 		 
  Precautions:
Tell your doctor if you are taking any of the following drugs, as they may have serious interactions with bupropion hydrochloride: carbamazepine (Tegretol), cimetidine, phenobarbital, phenytoin (Dilantin), monoamine oxidase inhibitors (other antidepressant medicines), L-dopa, other seizure medicines.

Tell your doctor if you have recently had a heart attack (myocardial infarction), have frequent bouts of chest pain, or have urinary retention.

Wellbutrin contains the same medicine as the drug Zyban, which is used to help people stop smoking. DO NOT take both these drugs. Talk with your doctor or nurse about this.

If you have a history of seizures, you should not take this drug.

DO NOT drink alcohol while taking this drug.

When starting this drug, some persons may feel more restless, agitated, anxious, or have more trouble sleeping. This should go away after a few days. If not, call your doctor or nurse to see what can be done, or if the drug should be stopped.

 
 
Tell all the doctors, dentists, and pharmacists you visit that you are taking this drug.
  • Most of the following side effects probably will not occur.
  • Your doctor or nurse will want to discuss specific care instructions with you.
  • They can help you understand these side effects and help you deal with them.

 
 
Side Effects:
  
  More Common Side Effects:
  • Increased restlessness (when first starting the drug)
  • Agitation (when first starting the drug)
  • Anxiety (when first starting the drug)
  • Difficulty sleeping (when first starting the drug)
 
  Less Common Side Effects:
  • Hostility
  • Decreased concentration
  • Lack of coordination
  • Confusion
  • Dizziness
  • Increased heart rate
  • Change in blood pressure
  • Urinary retention
 
  Rare Side Efects:
  • Euphoria
  • Paranoia
  • Anxiety
  • Palpitations
  • Swelling of feet
  • Irregular heartbeats
  • Dry mouth
  • Change in appetite
  • Nausea
  • Diarrhea
  • Constipation
  • Changes in weight
  • Changes in taste
  • Increased urination
  • Rash
  • Itching of skin
  • Hives
  • Impotence
  • Irregular menstrual periods
 
 
Other side effects not listed above can also occur in some patients.
Tell your doctor or nurse if you develop any problems.
  
 
 
  FDA Approval:
Yes 		 
 
 
  Note: This information was adapted from the American Cancer Society's Consumers Guide to Cancer Drugs. Copyright © 2004, Jones and Bartlett Publishers. This information may not cover all possible uses, actions, precautions, side effects, or interactions, is not intended as medical advice, and should not be relied upon as a substitute for consultation with your doctor who is familiar with your medical needs. For more information, contact your American Cancer Society at 1-800-ACS-2345.  


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