BUPROPION EXTENDED-RELEASE (ANTIDEPRESSANT) - ORAL

PHONETIC PRONUNCIATION: (bue-PROE-pee-on)

COMMON BRAND NAME(S): Aplenzin, Wellbutrin XL

GENERIC NAME(S): bupropion HCl

Uses

USES: This medication is used to treat depression. It may also be used to prevent seasonal affective disorder (SAD), a type of depression that occurs each year at the same time (for example, during winter). This medication can improve your mood and feelings of well-being. It may work by restoring the balance of certain natural substances (dopamine, norepinephrine) in the brain.

How to use BUPROPION EXTENDED-RELEASE (ANTIDEPRESSANT) - ORAL

HOW TO USE: Read the Medication Guide provided by your pharmacist before you start using bupropion and each time you get a refill. If you have any questions, ask your doctor or pharmacist. Take this medication by mouth with or without food as directed by your doctor, usually once daily in the morning. If you have stomach upset, you may take this medication with or after a meal or snack. Taking this medication late in the day may cause trouble sleeping (insomnia). Take this medication regularly to get the most benefit from it. To help you remember, take it at the same time each day. Do not crush or chew extended-release tablets. Doing so can release all of the drug at once, increasing the risk of side effects. Also, do not split the tablets unless they have a score line and your doctor or pharmacist tells you to do so. Swallow the whole or split tablet without crushing or chewing. The dosage is based on your medical condition, liver function, and response to treatment. To reduce your risk of side effects, your doctor may direct you to start this medication at a low dose and gradually increase your dose. Do not increase your dose or use this drug more often or for longer than prescribed. Your condition will not improve any faster, and your risk of side effects will increase. Do not stop taking this medication without consulting your doctor. Your dose may need to be gradually decreased. It may take 4 weeks or longer before you get the full benefit of this drug. Tell your doctor if your condition does not improve or if it worsens.

Side Effects

SIDE EFFECTS: See also Warning section. Dry mouth, sore throat, dizziness, nausea, vomiting, ringing in the ears, headache, decreased appetite, weight loss, constipation, trouble sleeping, increased sweating, or shaking (tremor) may occur. If any of these effects persist or worsen, tell your doctor or pharmacist promptly. An empty tablet shell may appear in your stool. This effect is harmless because your body has already absorbed the medication. Remember that your doctor has prescribed this medication because he or she has judged that the benefit to you is greater than the risk of side effects. Many people using this medication do not have serious side effects. This medication may raise your blood pressure. Check your blood pressure regularly and tell your doctor if the results are high. Tell your doctor right away if you have any serious side effects, including: fast/pounding/irregular heartbeat, mental/mood changes (such as anxiety, agitation, confusion, unusual behavior/thinking, memory loss), unusual weight loss or gain. Stop taking bupropion and get medical help right away if you have any very serious side effects, including: seizure, eye pain/swelling/redness, widened pupils, vision changes (such as seeing rainbows around lights at night, blurred vision). A very serious allergic reaction to this drug is rare. However, get medical help right away if you notice any symptoms of a serious allergic reaction, including: rash, itching/swelling (especially of the face/tongue/throat), painful sores in the mouth/around the eyes, severe dizziness, trouble breathing. This is not a complete list of possible side effects. If you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor or pharmacist. In the US - Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088 or at www.fda.gov/medwatch. In Canada - Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to Health Canada at 1-866-234-2345.

Precautions

PRECAUTIONS: Before taking bupropion, tell your doctor or pharmacist if you are allergic to it; or if you have any other allergies. This product may contain inactive ingredients, which can cause allergic reactions or other problems. Talk to your pharmacist for more details. Before using this medication, tell your doctor or pharmacist your medical history, especially of: diabetes, heart disease, high blood pressure, kidney problems, liver disease, use/abuse of drugs/alcohol, seizures or conditions that increase your risk of seizures (including brain/head injury, brain tumor, eating disorders such as bulimia/anorexia nervosa), personal or family history of glaucoma (angle-closure type). This medication should not be used if you are suddenly stopping regular use of sedatives (including benzodiazepines such as lorazepam), drugs used to treat seizures, or alcohol. Doing so may increase your risk of seizures. This drug may make you dizzy. Alcohol or marijuana can make you more dizzy. Do not drive, use machinery, or do anything that needs alertness until you can do it safely. Avoid alcoholic beverages. Talk to your doctor if you are using marijuana. Alcohol can also increase your risk of seizures. Before having surgery, tell your doctor or dentist about all the products you use (including prescription drugs, nonprescription drugs, and herbal products). Older adults may be more sensitive to the side effects of this drug, especially dizziness and memory loss. Dizziness can increase the risk of falling. During pregnancy, this medication should be used only when clearly needed. Since untreated mental/mood problems (such as depression, seasonal affective disorder, bipolar disorder) can be a serious condition, do not stop taking this medication unless directed by your doctor. If you are planning pregnancy, become pregnant, or think you may be pregnant, immediately discuss with your doctor the benefits and risks of using this medication during pregnancy. This drug passes into breast milk and may have undesirable effects on a nursing infant. Consult your doctor before breast-feeding.

Interactions

DRUG INTERACTIONS: See also Precautions section. Drug interactions may change how your medications work or increase your risk for serious side effects. This document does not contain all possible drug interactions. Keep a list of all the products you use (including prescription/nonprescription drugs and herbal products) and share it with your doctor and pharmacist. Do not start, stop, or change the dosage of any medicines without your doctor's approval. Some products that may interact with this drug include: codeine, pimozide, tamoxifen. Taking MAO inhibitors with this medication may cause a serious (possibly fatal) drug interaction. Avoid taking MAO inhibitors (isocarboxazid, linezolid, methylene blue, moclobemide, phenelzine, procarbazine, rasagiline, safinamide, selegiline, tranylcypromine) during treatment with this medication. Most MAO inhibitors should also not be taken for two weeks before and after treatment with this medication. Ask your doctor when to start or stop taking this medication. This medication may interfere with certain medical/laboratory tests (including brain scan for Parkinson's disease, urine screening for amphetamines), possibly causing false results. Tell laboratory personnel and all your doctors you use this drug.

Overdose

OVERDOSE: If someone has overdosed and has serious symptoms such as passing out or trouble breathing, call 911. Otherwise, call a poison control center right away. US residents can call their local poison control center at 1-800-222-1222. Canada residents can call a provincial poison control center. Symptoms of overdose may include: seizures, severe confusion, hallucinations, rapid heart rate, loss of consciousness.

Images

BUPROPION HCL XL 300 MG TABLET

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BUPROPION HCL XL 300 MG TABLET

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BUPROPION HCL XL 300 MG TABLET

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BUPROPION HCL XL 150 MG TABLET

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BUPROPION HCL XL 150 MG TABLET

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BUPROPION HCL XL 150 MG TABLET

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BUPROPION HCL XL 150 MG TABLET

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BUPROPION HCL XL 150 MG TABLET

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BUPROPION HCL XL 300 MG TABLET

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Faq for BUPROPION EXTENDED-RELEASE (ANTIDEPRESSANT) - ORAL

What is bupropion extended-release and what is it used for

Bupropion extended-release is an oral antidepressant medication used to treat major depressive disorder and to help people quit smoking by reducing cravings and withdrawal symptoms.

How does bupropion extended-release work

Bupropion extended-release works by affecting certain chemicals in the brain that may be unbalanced in people with depression. It is thought to increase the activity of natural chemicals called norepinephrine and dopamine in the brain.

What are the common side effects of bupropion extended-release

Common side effects of bupropion extended-release may include dry mouth, insomnia, headache, nausea, constipation, increased sweating, dizziness, weight loss, and blurred vision. It is important to report any severe or persistent side effects to your doctor.

How long does it take for bupropion extended-release to start working

It may take several weeks for bupropion extended-release to start working. It is important to continue taking the medication as directed by your doctor, even if you do not see immediate improvement.

Can I drink alcohol while taking bupropion extended-release

It is generally recommended to avoid alcohol while taking bupropion extended-release. Alcohol can increase the risk of seizures, which is a potential side effect of bupropion.

Are there any drug interactions with bupropion extended-release

Bupropion extended-release can interact with certain medications, including monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs), other antidepressants, antipsychotics, certain heart medications, and drugs that lower the seizure threshold. It is important to inform your doctor about all the medications you are taking before starting bupropion extended-release.

Can bupropion extended-release cause weight gain

Unlike many other antidepressant medications, bupropion extended-release is less likely to cause weight gain and may actually lead to weight loss in some individuals. However, individual responses to the medication can vary.

How should I take bupropion extended-release

Bupropion extended-release should be taken exactly as prescribed by your doctor. It is usually taken once daily in the morning, with or without food. Do not crush, chew, or split the tablets. Follow the instructions provided by your pharmacist for proper use.

Can bupropion extended-release be used during pregnancy or breastfeeding

It is important to discuss the risks and benefits of using bupropion extended-release during pregnancy or breastfeeding with your doctor. Bupropion should only be used if the potential benefits outweigh the potential risks.

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Warning

WARNING: Bupropion is an antidepressant used for smoking cessation and to treat a variety of conditions, including depression and other mental/mood disorders. Antidepressants can help prevent suicidal thoughts/attempts and provide other important benefits. However, a small number of people (especially people younger than 25) who take antidepressants for any condition may experience new or worsening depression, other mental/mood symptoms, or suicidal thoughts/attempts. Therefore, it is very important to talk with the doctor about the risks and benefits of antidepressant medication, even if treatment is not for a mental/mood condition. Tell the doctor right away if you notice new or worsening depression/other psychiatric conditions, unusual behavior changes (including possible suicidal thoughts/attempts), or other mental/mood changes (including new/worsening anxiety, panic attacks, trouble sleeping, irritability, hostile/angry feelings, impulsive actions, severe restlessness, very rapid speech). Be especially watchful for these symptoms when a new antidepressant is started or when the dose is changed. If you are using bupropion to quit smoking and experience any of these symptoms, stop taking it and contact your doctor right away. Also, tell your doctor right away if you have any of these symptoms after stopping treatment with bupropion.

Disclaimer

IMPORTANT: HOW TO USE THIS INFORMATION: This is a summary and does NOT have all possible information about this product. This information does not assure that this product is safe, effective, or appropriate for you. This information is not individual medical advice and does not substitute for the advice of your health care professional. Always ask your health care professional for complete information about this product and your specific health needs.