Wellbutrin (Generic)

Wellbutrin (bupropion) works inside the brain to treat depression disorders. One of the brands used for Wellbutrin - Zyban - is prescribed for people willing to quit smoking.

Wellbutrin should be taken according to your doctor's instructions and directions on the prescription label. Do not change the dosage or period of use without prior medical consult. An extra-large dose of the medication may increase the risk of a seizure.

A tablet of Generic Wellbutrin should be swallowed without crashing or chewing.

Wellbutrin does not elicit major side effects and in the rare case it does, they require no medical involvement. Common side effects include: headache, mouth dryness, loss of weight, nausea, sleeping problems, dizziness, constipation, sore throat, pain in the abdomen, and agitation.

As antidepressants may increase the risk of suicidal thoughts and self-harm in children and young adults, talk to your doctor to make sure that the benefits of taking Wellbutrin outweigh the risks.

DO NOT take the medication if any of the following conditions apply to you: allergic to Generic Wellbutrin or bupropion ingredients; taking another bupropion based medication; have a history of eating disorders (anorexia, bulimia, etc.) or seizures (epilepsy, etc.); have recently stopped drinking alcohol or using sedatives after a long-term use; taking or have taken linezolid or a monoamine oxidase inhibitor within the last two weeks.

Speak to your doctor before taking the medication if any of the following conditions apply to you: seizures or epilepsy; brain tumors or brain injury (or a history of it); diabetes, heart disorders or a recent history of heart attacks; bipolar disorder (or a family history of it); liver problems (failure or cirrhosis, etc.); kidney disease (e.g. failure); allergies to foods, medications, etc.; pregnant or planning pregnancy or breastfeeding; consuming alcohol on a regular basis.

Notify your medical specialist about all other medications you are taking, including non-prescription medications, dietary supplements and herbal products. The following medications may interact with Generic Wellbutrin: other antidepressants; amantadine (Symmetrel); antipsychotic medications (used for hallucinations or schizophrenia); beta blockers, such as: atenolol (Tenormin), bisoprolol (Zebeta), carvedilol (Coreg, Coreg CR), labetalol (Trandate), metoprolol (Lopressor, Toprol XL), nadolol (Corgard), propranolol (Inderal), sotalol (Betapace), or timolol (Blocadren); certain arrhythmia medications, such as propafenone (Rythmol) and flecainide (Tambocor); clopidogrel (Plavix); cyclophosphamide (Cytoxan); doxorubicin (Adriamycin, Doxil); efavirenz (Sustiva); levodopa (Parcopa, Sinemet, Sinemet CR, Stalevo); monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs), such as: isocarboxazid (Marplan), phenelzine (Nardil), rasagiline (Azilect), selegiline (Eldepryl, Emsam, Zelapar), or tranylcypromine (Parnate); nelfinavir (Viracept); nicotine patches (NicoDerm CQ); orphenadrine (Norflex); ritonavir (Norvir), lopinavir or ritonavir (Kaletra); steroids, such as prednisone or methylprednisolone (Medrol); tamoxifen (Nolvadex); theophylline; thiotepa or ticlopidine (Ticlid).

Other medications may interact with Wellbutrin (bupropion) as well.

If you have missed a dose, take it as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the dose you have missed.

Generic Wellbutrin should be stored between 68°F and 77°F (20°C and 25°C) away from light and moisture, out of reach of children and pets. Do not store the medication in the bathroom. Keep the medication in a tight and light-resistant container.