Wellbutrin SR

In this factsheet:

• How does Wellbutrin SR work? What will it do for me?
• How should I use Wellbutrin SR?
• What form(s) does Wellbutrin SR come in?
• Who should NOT take Wellbutrin SR?
• What side effects are possible with Wellbutrin SR?
• Are there any other precautions or warnings for Wellbutrin SR?
• What other drugs could interact with Wellbutrin SR?

DIN (Drug Identification Number)

How does Wellbutrin SR work? What will it do for me?

Bupropion belongs to the family of medications known as antidepressants. It is used to treat depression (Wellbutrin® SR) and as an aid for quitting smoking (Zyban®). It works by affecting the balance of chemicals that occur naturally in the brain.

For the treatment of depression, the full effects of the medication may not be seen until after several weeks of treatment.

Your doctor may have suggested this medication for conditions other than the ones listed in these drug information articles. If you have not discussed this with your doctor or are not sure why you are taking this medication, speak to your doctor. Do not stop taking this medication without consulting your doctor.

Do not give this medication to anyone else, even if they have the same symptoms as you do. It can be harmful for people to take this medication if their doctor has not prescribed it.

How should I use Wellbutrin SR?

The recommended dose of bupropion for treatment of depression is 100 mg to 300 mg per day. Daily doses over 150 mg are divided into two doses. Do not exceed the maximum dose of 300 mg per day, and do not take a single dose greater than 150 mg. People with reduced liver or kidney function may require a lower dose.

Multiple daily doses should be taken at least 8 hours apart. It is very important that bupropion tablets be swallowed whole.

Many things can affect the dose of medication that a person needs, such as body weight, other medical conditions, and other medications. If your doctor has recommended a dose different from the ones listed here, do not change the way that you are taking the medication without consulting your doctor.

It is very important that this medication be taken on a regular schedule as recommended by your doctor. If you miss a dose of this medication take it as soon as you remember it. If it is within 8 hours of your next dose, skip the missed dose and carry on with your regular schedule. Do not take a double dose to make up for a missed one.

Do not dispose of medications in wastewater (e.g. down the sink or in the toilet) or in household garbage. Ask your pharmacist how to dispose of medications that are no longer needed or have expired.

What form(s) does Wellbutrin SR come in?

100 mg
Each blue, round, biconvex, film-coated, sustained-release tablet, printed "WELLBUTRIN SR 100", contains bupropion HCl 100 mg. Nonmedicinal ingredients: carnauba wax, cysteine HCl, edible black ink, FD&C Blue No. 1 Lake, hydroxypropyl cellulose, magnesium stearate, microcrystalline cellulose, polyethylene glycol, polysorbate 80, and titanium dioxide.

150 mg
Each purple, round, biconvex, film-coated, sustained-release tablet, printed "WELLBUTRIN SR 150", contains bupropion HCl 150 mg. Nonmedicinal ingredients: carnauba wax, cysteine HCl, edible black ink, FD&C Blue No. 2 Lake, FD&C Red No. 40 Lake, hydroxypropyl methylcellulose, magnesium stearate, microcrystalline cellulose, polyethylene glycol, polysorbate 80, and titanium dioxide.

Some medications may have other generic brands available. Always ask your doctor or pharmacist about the safety of switching between brands of the same medication.

Who should NOT take Wellbutrin SR?

Bupropion should not be taken by anyone who:

• is allergic to bupropion or to any of the ingredients of this medication
• is currently taking thioridazine (an antipsychotic medication)
• is having abrupt withdrawal from alcohol or sedatives
• is taking another medication that contains bupropion (e.g., Zyban® or Wellbutrin® SR)
• has a seizure disorder
• has or has had an eating disorder (bulimia or anorexia nervosa)
• has taken a monoamine oxidase inhibitor (MAO inhibitor; e.g., phenelzine, tranylcypromine) within the past 2 weeks

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