|
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.
|
