Generic Wellbutrin SR

Indications for Generic Wellbutrin

Wellbutrin or bupropion hydrochloride is a medication which works through altering the levels of dopamine and norepinephrine, which are chemicals in the brain.

Wellbutrin is generally prescribed as a treatment for major depression. Major depression is characterized by a depressed mood which lasts for two weeks or more as well as a loss of pleasure or interest in regular activities, a decreased sex drive, sleep disturbances, appetite changes, lack of energy, agitation, feelings of guilt, feelings of worthlessness, suicidal behavior and thoughts.

Important Information about Generic Wellbutrin

You should not take Wellbutrin if you have an allergy to bupropion hydrochloride.

Wellbutrin has been associated with increased seizures especially if the medication is taken in a higher dose. There are some factors which could increase the risks of having seizures even more such as history of head trauma or an eating disorder or if an individual has central nervous system tumor, anorexia, bulimia, a severe liver disease or is drinking excessive amounts of alcohol.

To lower the risk of having seizures, the dose should be increased gradually. Also, the total dose of Wellbutrin that could be taken daily should not be more than 450 milligrams.

Make sure to inform your doctor of all medical conditions that you have such as an eating disorder, heart disease, liver disease or kidney disease. If you have any, your dose might need to be changed or decreased.

Tell your doctor if you are taking any other drugs or medications to be sure that they would not interact with Wellbutrin especially if you are using beta-blockers, carbamazepine, cimetidine, heart-stabilizing drugs, cyclophosphamide, levodopa, orphenadrine, phenytoin, nicotine patches and phenobarbital.

Because Wellbutrin can affect the way you think or react so make sure to avoid driving or doing anything which requires your alertness until you are already aware of how it affects you.

Similar to the effect of other antidepressants, Wellbutrin could cause a manic episode in individuals who have bipolar disorder.

You should not combine Wellbutrin with drugs which lower the seizure threshold such as antidepressants classified as MAO inhibitors, antipsychotic drugs, cocaine, diabetes medications, opiates, sedatives, steroid medications, stimulants and theophylline.

Avoid drinking alcohol if you are taking Wellbutrin as alcohol could increase the chances of having a seizure.

If you have any seizure disorders, your doctor might advise you against taking Wellbutrin as medications which contain bupropion can cause seizures. If you experience a seizure while taking Wellbutrin, you should stop taking it and never take it again.

Dosage and Administration of Generic Wellbutrin

Wellbutrin or bupropion hydrochloride should only be administered as it has been prescribed by your doctor for you. The typical dosing regimen is three doses which are evenly spaced throughout the day. Be sure to allow at least six hours between the doses that you take. Your doctor might prescribe you with a low dose at first, which he would gradually be increasing to lessen the side effects of the drug.

If Wellbutrin has been prescribed for you, you may have to take it for several months to make sure that you would be getting the full effects of the medication.

If you miss one dose, make sure that you would be taking it once you remember. However, if the next regularly scheduled dose will be taken within the next four hours, skip the one that you have missed and then just follow your regular dosing schedule. You should not take two doses together.

If you overdose on Wellbutrin, seek emergency medical help right away. Some of the symptoms of an overdose would include hallucinations, loss of consciousness, heart failure, a rapid heartbeat, seizures, lethargy, blurred vision, jitteriness, confusion, lethargy, nausea, light-headedness and vomiting.

Possible Side Effects of Generic Wellbutrin

Wellbutrin or bupropion hydrochloride can cause some side effects including agitation, dizziness, constipation, dry mouth, headache, nausea, excessive sweating, vomiting, sleep disturbances, skin rash and tremors.