Wellbutrin, a fairly new antidepressant medication, is used to treat severe depression when all other drugs have been ineffective, primarily because of high risk of seizures. Wellbutrin is also given to stop smoking habit. Wellbutrin takes about 2-4 weeks to function properly.
Those who have had seizures in the past, head injury or were
diagnosed with eating disorders should discuss this with their physician
before using Wellbutrin.
If you have had any kind of heart, or liver or kidney disease, be
sure to discuss this with your physician before starting Wellbutrin. A
lower dose may be needed.
About 25 percent of people who take Wellbutrin experience appetite
loss and weight loss of about 5 lbs or more.
]
Do not take Wellbutrin within the past two weeks of taking a
monoamine oxidase inhibitor (MAO inhibitor) drug. This could result in a
sudden and unsafe rise in blood pressure.
Common side effects of Wellbutrin may include upset stomach,
agitation, anxiety, dizziness, constipation, dry mouth, headache, appetite
loss, nausea, vomiting, excessive sweating, rash, insomnia, and
tremor.
Rare side effects of Wellbutrin may include severe allergic
reactions, breathing difficulty, chest pain, impotence, urinary problems,
confusion, sedation, fatigue, fever, euphoria, menstrual complaints,
chills, delusions, suicidal thoughts, and weight gain or loss.
Avoid alcohol while taking Wellbutrin; an interaction between them
may enhance the possibility of a seizure.
Check with your doctor before combining Wellbutrin with the
following:
Beta-blockers
Blood thinning drugs
Carbamazepine
Cimetidine
Cyclophosphamide
Levodopa
Major tranquilizers
MAO
inhibitors
Nicotine patches
Orphenadrine
Other antidepressants
Phenobarbital
Phenytoin
Steroids
Theophylline
If you are or planning to become pregnant, inform your physician
right away. The safety of taking Wellbutrin during pregnancy is not well
established.
Nursing mothers should switch to bottle-feed while taking
Wellbutrin.
CHILDREN
Not recommended for children under 18.
ADULTS
Depression:
100-450 mg/day; divided into 3-4 doses. Not to
exceed 450 mg in a 24-hour period.
Smoking Cessation
150 mg twice daily. Not to exceed 300 mg in a
24-hour period.
Symptoms of Wellbutrin overdose may include hallucinations, loss of
consciousness, seizures, angina, nausea, vomiting and breathing problems.
If you suspect Wellbutrin overdose, seek medical help right away.
Disclaimer:
The
information provided in this website is not intended to be used for
self-diagnosis or self-treatment. Please consult your licensed health care
provider regarding all medical problems. You should never stop taking a prescription
drug or alter the dosage or dosing schedule without first consulting your
physician or health-care provider.
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