WELLBUTRIN

Drug Name

Wellbutrin (Bupropion)

Drug Uses

Wellbutrin (Bupropion) is an antidepressant medication. It works in the brain to treat depression.

Wellbutrin is used to treat major depressive disorder and seasonal affective disorder.

How to use

Take Wellbutrin exactly as prescribed by your doctor. Do not take in larger or smaller amounts or for longer than recommended. Follow the directions on your prescription label.

Your doctor may occasionally change your dose to make sure you get the best results.

Wellbutrin can be taken with or without food.

Do not crush, chew, or break an extended-release tablet. Swallow it whole. Breaking the pill may cause too much of the drug to be released at one time, which could increase side effects including seizures.

Do not stop taking Wellbutrin without first talking to your doctor. You may have unpleasant side effects if you stop taking this medication suddenly.

If you use the Wellbutrin extended-release tablet, the tablet shell may pass into your stools (bowel movements). This is normal and does not mean that you are not receiving enough of the medicine.

Usual Adult Wellbutrin Dose for Depression:

Immediate release tablets:
Initial dose: 100 mg orally twice a day.

Sustained release tablets:
Initial dose: 150 mg orally once a day in the morning.

Extended release tablets (Wellbutrin XL):
Initial dose: 150 mg orally once a day in the morning.

Drug Class and Mechanism

Bupropion is a relatively weak inhibitor of the neuronal uptake of norepinephrine and dopamine, and does not inhibit monoamine oxidase or the re-uptake of serotonin. While the mechanism of action of bupropion, as with other antidepressants, is unknown, it is presumed that this action is mediated by noradrenergic and/or dopaminergic mechanisms.

Missed Dose

Take the missed dose as soon as you remember. Skip the missed dose if it is almost time for your next scheduled dose. Do not take extra medicine to make up the missed dose.

Storage

Store Wellbutrin at room temperature away from moisture and heat.