Generic Name: BUPROPION - ORAL
Pronounced: (byou-PRO-pee-on)

Wellbutrin Oral Warning

Bupropion is an antidepressant used to treat a variety of conditions, including depression, other mental/mood disorders, and smoking cessation. Antidepressants can help prevent suicidal thoughts/attempts and provide other important benefits. However, studies have shown that a small number of people who take antidepressants for any condition may experience new or worsening depression, other mental/mood symptoms, or suicidal thoughts/attempts. Therefore, it is very important to talk with the doctor about the risks and benefits of antidepressant medication, even if treatment is not for a mental/mood condition.

Tell the doctor immediately if you notice new or worsening depression/other psychiatric conditions, unusual behavior changes (including possible suicidal thoughts/attempts), or other mental/mood changes (including new/worsening anxiety, panic attacks, trouble sleeping, irritability, hostile/angry feelings, impulsive actions, severe restlessness, very rapid speech). Be especially watchful for these symptoms when a new antidepressant is started or when the dose is changed. If you are using bupropion to quit smoking, stop taking bupropion and contact your doctor immediately if you experience any of the symptoms listed above or if you have any of these symptoms after stopping treatment.

Wellbutrin Oral Side Effects

See also the How to Use, Precautions, and Warning sections.

Nausea, vomiting, dry mouth, headache, constipation, increased sweating, joint aches, sore throat, blurred vision, strange taste in the mouth, or dizziness may occur. If any of these effects persist or worsen, notify your doctor or pharmacist promptly.

Remember that your doctor has prescribed this medication because he or she has judged that the benefit to you is greater than the risk of side effects. Many people using this medication do not have serious side effects.

Tell your doctor immediately if any of these unlikely but serious side effects occur:

• chest pain
• fainting
• fast/pounding/irregular heartbeat
• hearing problems
• ringing in the ears
• severe headache
• mental/mood changes (e.g., agitation, anxiety, confusion, hallucinations)
• uncontrolled movements (tremor)
• unusual weight loss or gain

Tell your doctor immediately if any of these rare but very serious side effects occur:

• muscle pain/tenderness/weakness
• change in the amount of urine

This drug may infrequently cause seizures. Seek immediate medical attention if you experience a seizure. If you have a seizure while taking bupropion, you should not take this drug again.

A very serious allergic reaction to this drug is unlikely, but seek immediate medical attention if it occurs. Symptoms of a serious allergic reaction include:

• rash
• itching/swelling (especially of the face/tongue/throat)
• severe dizziness
• trouble breathing

This is not a complete list of possible side effects. If you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor or pharmacist.

In the US -

Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

In Canada - Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to Health Canada at 1-866-234-2345.

Wellbutrin Oral Precautions

See also the How to Use and Warning sections.

Before taking bupropion, tell your doctor or pharmacist if you are allergic to it; or if you have any other allergies. This product may contain inactive ingredients, which can cause allergic reactions or other problems. Talk to your pharmacist for more details.

This medication should not be used if you have certain medical conditions. Before using this medicine, consult your doctor or pharmacist if you have or have had:

• seizures
• eating disorders (e.g., bulimia, anorexia nervosa)

This medication should not be used if you are suddenly stopping regular use of sedatives (e.g., benzodiazepines such as lorazepam) or alcohol. Doing so may increase your risk of seizures. Large amounts of alcohol may also increase your risk of seizures and dizziness. Discuss your use of these products with your doctor.

Before using this medication, tell your doctor or pharmacist your medical history, especially of:

• alcohol/drug dependence (including benzodiazepines, narcotic pain medicines, cocaine and stimulants)
• brain tumor
• diabetes
• head injury
• heart disease (e.g., congestive heart failure, high blood pressure, recent heart attack)
• kidney problems
• liver problems (e.g., cirrhosis)
• personal or family history of psychiatric disorder (e.g., bipolar/manic-depressive disorder)
• personal or family history of suicide thoughts/attempts
• intent to quit smoking

Though uncommon, depression can lead to thoughts or attempts of suicide. Tell your doctor immediately if you have any suicidal thoughts, worsening depression, or any other mental/mood changes (including new or worsening anxiety, agitation, panic attacks, trouble sleeping, irritability, hostile/angry feelings, impulsive actions, severe restlessness, rapid speech, unusual behavior changes). Keep all medical appointments so your doctor can monitor your progress closely and adjust or change your medication if needed.

This drug may make you dizzy or affect your coordination. Do not drive, use machinery, or do any activity that requires alertness until you are sure you can perform such activities safely. Avoid or limit alcoholic beverages.

Kidney function declines as you grow older. This medication is removed by the kidneys. Therefore, elderly people may be more sensitive to this drug and to side effects.

This medication should be used only when clearly needed during pregnancy. Discuss the risks and benefits with your doctor. Infrequently, newborns whose mothers have used certain newer antidepressants during the last 3 months of pregnancy may develop symptoms including persistent feeding or breathing difficulties, jitteriness, seizures or constant crying. Promptly report any such symptoms to the doctor. However, do not stop taking this medication unless your doctor directs you to do so.

This drug passes into breast milk and may have undesirable effects on a nursing infant. Consult your doctor before breast-feeding.

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CONDITIONS OF USE: The information in this database is intended to supplement, not substitute for, the expertise and judgment of healthcare professionals. The information is not intended to cover all possible uses, directions, precautions, drug interactions or adverse effects, nor should it be construed to indicate that use of a particular drug is safe, appropriate or effective for you or anyone else. A healthcare professional should be consulted before taking any drug, changing any diet or commencing or discontinuing any course of treatment.
Copyright 2007 First DataBank, Inc.