Wellbutrin Users Should Avoid Drinking Alcohol As It Increases The Risk Of Seizures

Wellbutrin General Information

Generic Name: Bupropion hydrochloride

Brand Name: Wellbutrin, Wellbutrin SR, Wellbutrin XL

Wellbutrin, an antidepressant, functions by changing the levels of the chemicals dopamine and norepinephrine present in the brain.

Wellbutrin Uses

Wellbutrin is used in the treatment of major depression. A major depression is said to have occurred when a depressed mood persists for more than two weeks accompanied with loss of interest in daily activities, decreased sex drive, lack of concentration, feelings of guilt and suicidal thoughts.

How Take Wellbutrin

Wellbutrin is to be taken three times a day in equal doses distributed uniformly. A minimum time gap of six hours is to be allowed between two doses. The doctor might prescribe low doses in the beginning before gradually increasing it. The sustained-release and the extended-release forms are to be swallowed as a whole without chewing of crushing the tablets. The initial dosage is normally 200 mg a day divided as 100 mg each time. After three days, this dosage can be increased to 300 mg per day, taken as 100 mg thrice a day. The maximum dosage recommended in a single day is 450 mg, with 150 mg taken each time. The safety of this medicine in individuals below 18 years of age has not yet been determined.

Wellbutrin Warnings

Findings of clinical studies have revealed that the use of antidepressants has increased suicidal thoughts in children and adolescents with depression or other psychiatric disorders. When the treatment begins or when the doctor has changed the dose, then caregivers and the family members of the individual talking this medication should look for changes in the behavior like agitation, irritability, restlessness, hyperactivity, panic, suicidal thinking and hostility. Individuals with cirrhosis of liver, heart and kidney troubles should report their medical conditions to the doctor. Severe allergic reactions like itchy eruptions and swelling in the lips, tongue, face, throat, arms and legs have been observed in many individuals. The drug can trigger a manic episode in people with bipolar disorder. The drug might affect one’s judgment or coordination and so it would be highly unsafe to drive after taking this drug. Clinical studies have also discovered a loss in weight in many individuals.

Wellbutrin Missed Dose

The missed dose should be taken if it is not within four hours of the next dose. But if it is within four hours of the next dose, then the missed dose should be skipped to rake the next dose in time. But one should not take two doses at the same time.

Wellbutrin Side Effects

One should inform the doctor if he reports side effects like agitation, nausea, constipation, headache, dry mouth, vomiting, excessive sweating, skin rash, dizziness, sleep disturbances and tremor.

Wellbutrin Storage

The drug is to be stored at room temperature and it should be protected from light and moisture.

Wellbutrin Overdose

An overdose of Wellbutrin is associated with rare cases of death. Overdose symptoms include rapid heartbeat, hallucinations, loss of consciousness, heart failure and seizures.

Wellbutrin More Information

One should refrain from drinking alcohol while taking this medication as the interaction between the two increases the risk of seizures. The drug should not be taken in combination with other drugs like other antidepressants, MAO inhibitors, cocaine, antipsychotic drugs, diabetic medications, opiates, theophylline, stimulants, antipsychotic drugs and steroid medications. One should also check with his doctor before taking substances like Beta-blockers, Levodopa, Phenobarbital, Cyclophosphamide, Nicotine patches, Cimetidine, propranolol, Orphenadrine and Carbamazepine. The drug should be taken during pregnancy only if it is clearly needed. It appears in breast milk and can harm a nursing infant.