Wellbutrin is the brand name of bupropion, an antidepressant medication that is used as a treatment for seasonal affective disorder and major depressive disorder. Wellbutrin may be used for other purposes depending on your doctor’s recommendation.

Wellbutrin should be taken exactly as your doctor recommends, and the directions on the prescription label should be followed diligently. Do not take more or less of this medication without speaking to your doctor first. Too much Wellbutrin may increase your risk of having a seizure.

Wellbutrin should always be stored away from moisture and high temperatures. When taking the tablet, remove it from the packaging with dry, clean hands. Place the pill in the mouth and swallow it whole. If you are prescribed an extended release tablet, be careful not to crush, chew, or break it.

You should not suddenly stop taking Wellbutrin or change your dosage without speaking to your doctor unless you have a seizure. Stopping this medication suddenly can result in very unpleasant withdrawal symptoms.

This medication can trigger a false positive when taking drug tests. If you are required to provide a urine sample for testing, be sure to inform the laboratory staff of your medications, including bupropion. Wellbutrin should only be used to the reason that it was prescribed. Never share any of your prescription medications. If you are unsure of exactly how to take this, or any other medication, consult your doctor or pharmacist.

If you miss a dose, take the skipped dose as soon as you remember.  If it is nearly time for your next regularly scheduled dose, skip the missed dose and continue your regular dosing. You should not take a double dose to make up for a missed dose.

You should not take Wellbutrin if you experience seizures or have an eating disorder, or if you have suddenly quit using alcohol, anti-seizure medications, or sedative medications. Wellbutrin may cause seizures when accompanied by certain pre-existing conditions or certain medications. Ask your doctor about any possible drug reactions, as there are over 800 known drug interactions with Wellbutrin, ranging from mild to severe.

Use of nicotine with on Wellbutrin can increase your blood pressure, which can sometimes result in shortness of breath, dizziness, uneven heartbeats, or chest pain. Use of alcohol while taking Wellbutrin can sometimes result in an increased risk of experiencing abnormal side effects such as some of the following: hallucinations, delusions, mood and behavioral changes, seizures, delusions, depression, suicidal thoughts, anxiety, or panic attacks. If you use alcohol regularly, or have a tendency to frequently use alcohol excessively, you should talk to your doctor before starting Wellbutrin as suddenly discontinuing alcohol use can increase the risk of experiencing seizures.

If you have been prescribed Wellbutrin, you should not take Zyban at the same time to help you quit smoking. If you have taken an MAO inhibiter in the past 14 days, you should not take Wellbutrin as a dangerous drug reaction may occur. MAO inhibiters include, but are not limited to, the following examples: linezolid, selegiline, tranylcypromine, methylene blue injection, rasagiline, and isocarboxazid.

Wellbutrin may affect your thinking and reaction process. Whilst using Wellbutrin, you should be cautious while driving, operating heavy machinery, or anything else requiring you to be alert.

Overdosing on Wellbutrin can be fatal. Overdose symptoms may include some of the following: hallucinations, fast or uneven heartbeat, muscle stiffness, shallow breathing, or fainting. If you think that you may be experiencing an allergic reaction, you should also seek emergency medical help. Symptoms of an allergic reaction can include some of the following: difficulty breathing, hives, and swelling of the facial area, mouth, or throat area.

Be sure to report any worsening or new symptoms to your physician. Examples of what you should report to your doctor are changes in symptoms such as: depression, anxiety, panic attacks, trouble sleeping, general mood or behavior, impulsivity, irritability, agitation, hostility, aggressive tendencies, restlessness, hyperactivity (both mentally and physically), suicidal thoughts, or self harming thoughts.

You should call your doctor as soon as possible if you experience serious side effects. Examples of serious side effects that may be caused by the use of Wellbutrin may include the following: seizures, unusual mood or behaviour changes, blurry vision, tunnel vision, pain or swelling in the eyes, seeing halos around light sources, rapid heartbeat, severe skin reactions, fever, sore throat, general pain or burning feelings in the eyes, facial swelling, or manic episodes. Manic episodes can sometimes be identified through behaviour and mood changes including some of the following: higher-than-normal energy levels, reckless or irresponsible behaviour, extreme feelings of happiness or irritability, racing thoughts, severe trouble with sleep, and talking more than usual.

Some common Wellbutrin side effects can include the following symptoms: joint pains, weight loss, an increase in sweating, feelings of anxiety, problems with sleeping, rapid heartbeat, dizziness, agitation, headaches, blurred vision, dry mouth, stuffy nose, nausea, and constipation.

This is by no means an all inclusive list of side effects. For medical advice about side effects that you are currently experiencing or that you may experience, talk to your doctor.