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Bupropion

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(byoo proe' pee on)

Brand name(s): Wellbutrin; Wellbutrin SR; Zyban

Contents of this page:

IMPORTANT WARNING:

Bupropion may cause seizures when taken in large doses. Take bupropion in divided doses three or four times daily to minimize the risk of seizures. Tell your doctor if you have or have ever had seizures, brain tumors, head injuries, or an eating disorder or are taking anti-psychotics, tranquilizers or other antidepressants.

Why is this medication prescribed?

Bupropion (Wellbutrin, Wellbutrin SR), an antidepressant (mood elevator), is used to treat depression. Bupropion (Zyban) is used to help people stop smoking.

This medication is sometimes prescribed for other uses; ask your doctor or pharmacist for more information.

How should this medicine be used?

Bupropion comes as a tablet to take by mouth. It is usually taken one to three times a day and may be taken with or without food. Do not crush, chew, or divide Wellbutrin SR or Zyban tablets. Follow the directions on your prescription label carefully, and ask your doctor or pharmacist to explain any part you do not understand. Take bupropion exactly as directed.

Continue to take bupropion even if you feel well. Do not stop taking bupropion without talking to your doctor, especially if you have taken large doses for a long time. Your doctor probably will want to decrease your dose gradually. This drug must be taken regularly for a few weeks before its full effect is felt.

Bupropion can be habit forming. Do not take a larger dose, take it more often, or for a longer period than your doctor tells you.

What special precautions should I follow?

Before taking bupropion,

What should I do if I forget a dose?

If you take several doses per day, take the missed dose as soon as you remember it and take any remaining doses for that day at evenly spaced intervals. However, if it is almost time for the next dose, skip the missed dose and continue your regular dosing schedule.

If you take bupropion once a day at bedtime and do not remember to take it until the next morning, skip the missed dose. Do not take a double dose to make up for a missed one.

What side effects can this medication cause?

Side effects from bupropion are common:

Tell your doctor if any of these symptoms are severe or do not go away:

If you experience any of the following symptoms, call your doctor immediately:

What storage conditions are needed for this medicine?

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 excess heat and moisture (not in the bathroom). Throw away any medication that is outdated or no longer needed. Talk to your pharmacist about the proper disposal of your medication.

In case of emergency/overdose

In case of overdose, call your local poison control center at 1-800-222-1222. If the victim has collapsed or is not breathing, call local emergency services at 911.

Symptoms of overdose may include:

What other information should I know?

Keep all appointments with your doctor and the laboratory. Your doctor will order certain lab tests to check your response to bupropion.

Do not let anyone else take your medication. Ask your pharmacist any questions you have about refilling your prescription.

Last Revised - 01/01/2003


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The MedMaster™ Patient Drug Information database provides information copyrighted by the American Society of Health-System Pharmacists, Inc., Bethesda, Maryland Copyright© 2004. All Rights Reserved.