Wellbutrin SR / Zyban and/or Equivalents

Wellbutrin SR (Bupropion SR)

Wellbutrin SR

Wellbutrin SR is an FDA approved anti-depressant manufactured and marketed by GlaxoSmithKline. It is prescribed by doctors to treat mild to major chronic depressive disorders or seasonal disorders. The active ingredient in this medication is bupropion hydrochloride. Your doctor prescribes Wellbutrin SR to enhance your mood and create a feeling of overall well-being as the main ingredient i.e. bupropion works by restoring the natural chemical balance of your brain. Wellbutrin SR is available for oral use as sustained release tablets with varying strengths of 100mg (blue color), 150mg (purple color) and 200mg (light pink color).

Conditions Treated by Wellbutrin SR

Although the molecule bupropion is used commonly as an anti-smoking pill, Wellbutrin SR is not prescribed as a medication to help regular smokers give up their fatal addiction. Rather, it is widely prescribed as an anti-depressant and can help patients overcome suicidal tendencies. It is also used as a mood alleviator and to treat other mental disorders related to depression for example in patients suffering from bipolar disorder.

Wellbutrin SR Dosage Information

a.) Typical dosage recommendations

In adults, the usual dosage of Wellbutrin SR is 300mg daily which has to be taken as two 150mg tablets per day. Initially, a daily dosage of 150mg is prescribed (to be taken in the morning) which is gradually increased to the target dose of 300mg per day within four days of starting the treatment, depending on the tolerance level of the patient. It is important for you to maintain an eight hour interval between the two doses. Once Wellbutrin SR is well tolerated by you, your doctor will gradually increase the dosage from 300mg per day to a maximum of 400mg per day, to be taken as two 200mg tablets daily with an eight hour interval between the doses. An increment in dose may also be considered if there is no marked improvement in your condition even after several weeks of treatment with the normal daily dosage of 300mg per day. This will result in alleviating restlessness, insomnia and general agitation usually associated with patients undergoing treatment for depression. It is important for you to remember that under no circumstances should the daily intake of Wellbutrin SR exceed 400mg per day with no single dose exceeding 200mg. Never crush, divide or chew your tablet as this may increase the potentiality of the medicine and thereby induce risks of seizure. Always swallow your tablets whole at the same hour every day before or after meals.

b.) Missing a dose

Never exceed the prescribed dose of Wellbutrin SR as provided by your doctor as any overdose may result in seizures. Even if you miss a dose, wait till the scheduled time for the next dose and take your tablet as you do regularly.

c.) Overdosing

In case you have overdosed, contact the nearest emergency center or center for poison control. Usual symptoms of overdose include hallucination, arrhythmia, loss of consciousness, rigidity in muscles, fever, hypotension, coma or even respiratory failure. Overdosing can even result in cardiac failure preceded by intense seizures.

Wellbutrin SR Warnings

Though the efficacy of Wellbutrin SR in overcoming depression for up to forty four weeks has been well documented, however, it is also true that anti-depressants can further aggravate depression, mood disorders or suicidal tendencies in some patients. So it is vital for you to stay in touch with your healthcare provider while taking Wellbutrin SR as a medication for treating depression. He will monitor your condition regularly to evaluate its effectiveness in treating your individual indications. Your doctor will need to exercise extra caution in prescribing Wellbutrin SR if you are suffering from liver failure, cirrhosis or renal failure. He may even reduce your dose if required. Always keep your doctor informed if you are under medication for or have a past history of cardiac arrest or hypertension as in many cases, severe hypertension has been reported from patients after taking bupropion. He should know if you are undergoing treatment with Monoamine oxidase (MAO) inhibitors or any other sedatives or have suddenly stopped taking alcohol. Nursing mothers too should be careful about taking Wellbutrin SR and seek medical advice. Additionally, if you have ever showed any previous allergic reaction to treatment by bupropion or any other sedative, your doctor may reconsider prescribing Wellbutrin SR. If you suffer from seizures or have a past history of epilepsy, inform your doctor as this medication should not be continued for patients who experience intense convulsions while undergoing treatment. Your doctor should also know if you suffer from bulimia or anorexia as your chances of getting seizures after taking Wellbutrin SR greatly increases under such conditions. Before taking Wellbutrin SR, you should be completely informed about its potential benefits and risks. Your doctor will assist you in understanding the different implications of taking this prescription drug and you too should clarify any doubts or misgivings before starting the treatment course.

Wellbutrin SR Side Effects

Wellbutrin SR is not free from side effects. Though the medicine is well-tolerated by most patients, you can expect minor discomforts like:

• Dry mouth
• Nausea
• Dizziness
• Insomnia
• Headache
• Sore throat
• Stomach pain
• Infections
• Weight loss

Inform your healthcare provider immediately if you show any of the following allergic symptoms:

• Edema
• Breathlessness
• Skin rash
• Pain in the chest
• Fever
• Pruritis
• Myalgia
• Constipation
• Diarrhea
• Abnormal sweating
• Tinnitus

Wellbutrin SR Drug Interactions

Bupropion reacts with several other medicines hence you should always hold a frank discussion with your doctor regarding your past and present medical history, before taking Wellbutrin SR. It is also vital for your healthcare provide to know if you are pregnant, planning to become so or nursing presently. Additionally, tell your doctor about any other prescription medicine, dietary supplement or non-traditional medicine you are taking at the moment and also about your alcohol intake habits. Regular intake of Wellbutrin SR can cause drug interactions with several other branded or generic medicines like steroids, other anti-depressants or beta blockers; leading to high blood pressure, allergic reactions or other serious side effects. It is always advisable to seek doctor’s advice before taking this medicine.

If you have any questions about buying discount Wellbutrin SR / Zyban online or any other prescription products you can contact our team of professional Patient Service Representatives or one of our pharmacists 24-7 by calling 1-800-226-3784.

Notice: The above information is an educational aid only. It is not intended as medical advice for individual conditions or treatments. Talk to your doctor, nurse or pharmacist before following any medical regimen to see if it is safe and effective for you.

Wellbutrin SR / Zyban and/or Equivalents warnings, side-effects and general information