Generic Name: BUPROPION EXTENDED-RELEASE (ANTIDEPRESSANT) - ORAL
Pronounced: (bue-PROE-pee-on)

Aplenzin Oral Precautions

See also 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:

• 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, which can cause a higher risk of seizures.

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

• alcohol/drug dependence
• brain tumor
• diabetes
• head injury
• heart disease
• high blood pressure
• personal or family history of psychiatric disorder (e.g., bipolar/manic-depressive disorder)
• personal or family history of suicide thoughts/attempts
• kidney problems
• liver problems
• intention to quit smoking

This drug may make you dizzy or drowsy. Do not drive, use machinery, or do any activity that requires alertness until you are sure you can perform such activities safely.

Limit or avoid consumption of alcoholic beverages. Alcohol can increase your risk of seizures and dizziness.

Do not take this medicine with any other product containing bupropion (e.g., drugs to help quit smoking) since large doses of bupropion are more likely to cause seizures.

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.

Aplenzin Oral Side Effects

See also the Warning section.

Dry mouth, sore throat, nausea, vomiting, stomach/abdominal pain, flushing, headache, loss of appetite, constipation, trouble sleeping, increased sweating, strange taste in mouth, joint aches, dizziness, or blurred vision 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.

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