Wellbutrin SR (generic name: bupropion / amfebutamone; brand names include: Zyban / Bupron SR) is a medicine prescribed to treat major depressive disorder in adults.

Wellbutrin SR belongs to the chemical class of aminoketones and acts as a norepinephrine and dopamine reuptake inhibitor, and nicotinic antagonist.

The efficacy of Wellbutrin SR in the treatment of a major depressive episode was established in several controlled clinical trials.

Unlike many antidepressants, Wellbutrin SR does not cause weight gain and sexual dysfunction.

Wellbutrin SR may be prescribed for other uses including the treatment of bipolar disorder, ADD/ADHD, and smoking addiction. Ask your doctor or pharmacist for more information.

Recommendations

Follow the directions for using this medicine provided by your doctor. Ask your doctor, nurse, or pharmacist any questions that you may have about this medicine.

The tablets should be swallowed whole and not crushed, divided or chewed. This medicine may be taken with food if it upsets your stomach.

The usual adult dose is 300 mg/day given as 150 mg twice daily. The treatment is usually started with 150 mg/day given as a single daily dose in the morning. If this initial dose is well tolerated, it is increased to 300 mg/day. There should be an interval of at least 8 hours between successive doses.

Continue to use this medicine for the full time recommended by your doctor. Do not stop taking this medicine without talking to your doctor.

If you miss a dose of this medicine, take it as soon as possible. If you are taking 2 doses a day and it is less than 8 hours until your next dose, skip the missed dose and go back to your regular dosing schedule. Do not take 2 doses at once.

Do not exceed the recommended dose of Wellbutrin SR. Limit or avoid consumption of alcoholic beverages. Chronic alcohol users who suddenly stop the intake of alcohol while taking this medicine may increase the risk of having seizures.

Store this medicine at room temperature, away from heat and light.

Precautions

Before you take Wellbutrin SR, tell your doctor if:

You are allergic to any medicines
You have liver or kidney problems, or diabetes
You have a seizure disorder (current or previous), CNS tumour, bulimia or anorexia nervosa
You take sedatives
You are pregnant or likely to become pregnant soon, or you are breast-feeding

Ingredients

Active ingredient: bupropion.