Your doctor may not prescribe this drug if you have certain health conditions. It's not clear whether Wellbutrin is safe to take during pregnancy. In animal studies, there has been some evidence of adverse effects on the fetus, but we don't yet have enough data about its effect on humans. The potential benefits of continuing Wellbutrin during pregnancy may outweigh the possible risks, but this should be discussed closely with your doctor.
Wellbutrin can be present in breastmilk, so caution should be used by people who are breastfeeding. If you are lactating, your doctor can help you weigh your options.
Because older adults may have reduced kidney function, they may require smaller doses since the drug remains in the body longer. Among antidepressants, bupropion is in a category all its own—it's the only medication in its class, called norepinephrine-dopamine reuptake inhibitors NDRIs , that boosts the neurotransmitters norepinephrine and dopamine. By contrast, selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors SSRIs like Prozac fluoxetine and Zoloft sertraline affect serotonin, while serotonin and norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors SNRIs such as Cymbalta duloxetine and Effexor venlafaxine boost norepinephrine and serotonin.
Wellbutrin is offered in three different formulations and dosing varies for each version:. In some cases, your doctor may prescribe a modified dosage of the drug due to possible side effects or another health concern. You should always take your medication as directed. Immediate-release Wellbutrin tablets can be broken if necessary, but they are small enough that doing so is not usually needed.
The drug can be taken on an empty stomach or with food and should be stored at room temperature, protected from light and moisture. If you happen to miss a dose of bupropion, take it as soon as you remember. Any remaining doses for the day should be taken at least six hours apart.
Never take two doses at once to make up for a missed dose. Taking two doses at the same time can increase your risk of experiencing a seizure or an accidental overdose. Never stop taking your medication without help from your doctor. If you stop suddenly, your symptoms may worsen or you may experience withdrawal.
If you want to stop taking Wellbutrin, talk to your doctor about tapering off of your medication gradually. Wellbutrin in any form isn't without side effects , some of which are serious.
If your doctor prescribes Wellbutrin for you, it's important to be aware of what symptoms to look out for. Some are merely bothersome and likely to disappear as your system gets used to the medication, but others may be serious and should prompt you to call your doctor right away to let them know that you're having problems.
Side effects may occur but they usually go away within a few weeks as your body adjusts. Some side effects of Wellbutrin can be severe or even potentially life-threatening. Get medical help right away if you experience any of the following while taking any version of Wellbutrin:. Seizures and suicidal thoughts are two of the most serious potential side effects of Wellbutrin. Seizures are rare with this drug but may affect up to four out of every 1, people currently taking Wellbutrin.
For that reason, it's especially important to let your doctor know if you have or have had a seizure disorder; you take any other medications that contain bupropion, such as Zyban for quitting smoking ; or you have or have had an eating disorder such as anorexia or bulimia, as seizures are more likely to occur with these disorders.
Antidepressant drugs like Wellbutrin may increase the risk of suicidal thoughts and behavior in children, teens, and young adults up to age 24, especially when they first start taking the medication or when there's a change in their dose. If you have a child taking Wellbutrin or another medication for treating depression, keep a close eye out for signs of self-harm or suicidal thinking. There are a number of potential interactions that can occur when other substances are taken at the same time as Wellbutrin.
Other medications may influence how bupropion works or increase the risk of side effects. These include:. Using Wellbutrin with alcohol may also influence the frequency and severity of side effects, including seizures and suicidal thoughts.
Check in with your doctor about any side effects you're experiencing with Wellbutrin if they're severe, bothersome, get worse, or don't go away. Again, the most common ones are the least serious and are likely to be temporary. Get help right away if you have any side effects that could be serious or life-threatening. If you are having suicidal thoughts, contact the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at for support and assistance from a trained counselor. If you or a loved one are in immediate danger, call For more mental health resources, see our National Helpline Database.
In either case, don't stop taking Wellbutrin until you've checked with your doctor first. Going cold-turkey off of any antidepressant can cause your symptoms to come back or get worse. Also, stopping abruptly can lead to discontinuation syndrome , an array of flu-like symptoms such as stomach upset, headache, strange sensations, and muscle aches.
If you need to stop taking Wellbutrin, your doctor will guide you in gradually tapering off of it. Everything feels more challenging when you're dealing with depression. Get our free guide when you sign up for our newsletter. Swallow the sustained-release and extended-release tablets whole; do not split, chew, or crush them. It may take 4 weeks or longer before you feel the full benefit of bupropion. Continue to take bupropion even if you feel well. Do not stop taking bupropion without talking to your doctor.
Your doctor may decrease your dose gradually. Bupropion is also sometimes used to treat episodes of depression in patients with bipolar disorder manic depressive disorder; a disease that causes episodes of depression, episodes of mania, and other abnormal moods and to treat attention deficit hyperactivity disorder ADHD; more difficulty focusing, controlling actions, and remaining still or quiet than other people who are the same age.
Talk to your doctor about the possible risks of using this medication for your condition. This medication may be prescribed for other uses; ask your doctor or pharmacist for more information. Skip the missed dose and continue your regular dosing schedule. Always allow the full scheduled amount of time to pass between doses of bupropion.
Do not take a double dose to make up for a missed one. Bupropion may cause other side effects. Call your doctor if you have any unusual problems while taking this medication. Keep this medication in the container it came in, tightly closed, and out of reach of children. Store it at room temperature and away from light, excess heat and moisture not in the bathroom.
It is important to keep all medication out of sight and reach of children as many containers such as weekly pill minders and those for eye drops, creams, patches, and inhalers are not child-resistant and young children can open them easily.
To protect young children from poisoning, always lock safety caps and immediately place the medication in a safe location — one that is up and away and out of their sight and reach. Unneeded medications should be disposed of in special ways to ensure that pets, children, and other people cannot consume them.
However, you should not flush this medication down the toilet. Instead, the best way to dispose of your medication is through a medicine take-back program.
In case of overdose, call the poison control helpline at If the victim has collapsed, had a seizure, has trouble breathing, or can't be awakened, immediately call emergency services at Before having any laboratory test, tell your doctor and the laboratory personnel that you are taking bupropion.
Do not let anyone else take your medication. Ask your pharmacist any questions you have about refilling your prescription. If you are taking the extended-release tablet, you may notice something that looks like a tablet in your stool. This is just the empty tablet shell and does not mean that you did not get your complete dose of medication.
It is important for you to keep a written list of all of the prescription and nonprescription over-the-counter medicines you are taking, as well as any products such as vitamins, minerals, or other dietary supplements. You should bring this list with you each time you visit a doctor or if you are admitted to a hospital.
It is also important information to carry with you in case of emergencies. Generic alternatives may be available. Bupropion pronounced as byoo proe' pee on. Why is this medication prescribed? How should this medicine be used? Other uses for this medicine What special precautions should I follow? What special dietary instructions should I follow? What should I do if I forget a dose? What side effects can this medication cause?
What should I know about storage and disposal of this medication? Brand names. For people taking bupropion Wellbutrin for depression: A small number of children, teenagers, and young adults up to 24 years of age who took antidepressants 'mood elevators' such as bupropion during clinical studies became suicidal thinking about harming or killing oneself or planning or trying to do so.
For all patients taking bupropion: Your health care provider will want to see you often while you are taking bupropion, especially at the beginning of your treatment. Talk to your doctor about the risks and benefits of taking bupropion. Your doctor will probably start you on a low dose of bupropion and gradually increase your dose. Other uses for this medicine. What special precautions should I follow?
Before taking bupropion, tell your doctor and pharmacist if you are allergic to bupropion, any other medications, or any of the ingredients in bupropion tablets. Ask your pharmacist or check the Medication Guide for a list of the ingredients. Your doctor will probably tell you not to take bupropion.
You could receive too much medication and experience severe side effects. Your doctor may need to change the doses of your medications or monitor you carefully for side effects. Also tell your doctor if you drink large amounts of alcohol but expect to suddenly stop drinking or you take sedatives but expect to suddenly stop taking them.
If you become pregnant while taking bupropion, call your doctor.
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