Generic Drugs Today

Drug Class: What is Wellbutrin SR and why is it prescribed?

Generic Wellbutrin, a relatively new antidepressant (related to smoking) medication, is given to help relieve certain kinds of major depression.

Major depression involves a severely depressed mood (for 2 weeks or more) and loss of interest or pleasure in usual activities accompanied by sleep and appetite disturbances, agitation or lack of energy, feelings of guilt or worthlessness, decreased sex drive, inability to concentrate, and perhaps thoughts of suicide.

Drug Mechanism: How does Generic Wellbutrin work?

Bupropion regulates certain brain chemicals – dopamine and norepinephrine to elevate mood.

It is believed that depression is caused by chemical imbalances in the brain. Controlling these chemical imbalances will help improve depressive symptoms.

Dosage: How should you take Generic Wellbutrin?

Take Wellbutrin exactly as prescribed by your doctor. The usual dosing regimen is 3 equal doses spaced evenly throughout the day. Allow at least 6 hours between doses. Your doctor will probably start you at a low dosage and gradually increase it; this helps minimize side effects.

You should take Wellbutrin SR, the sustained-release form, in 2 doses, at least 8 hours apart. Swallow Wellbutrin SR tablets whole; do not chew, divide, or crush them.

If Wellbutrin works for you, your doctor will probably have you continue taking Wellbutrin for at least several months.

Possible food and drug interactions when taking Generic Wellbutrin

Do not drink alcohol while you are taking Wellbutrin; an interaction between alcohol and Wellbutrin could increase the possibility of a seizure.

If Wellbutrin is taken with certain other drugs, the effects of either could be increased, decreased, or altered.

Special information on Generic Wellbutrin SR

Special information on Wellbutrin SR if you are pregnant or breastfeeding: If you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant, notify your doctor immediately. Wellbutrin SR should be taken during pregnancy only if clearly needed.

Wellbutrin SR does pass into breast milk and may cause serious reactions in a nursing baby; therefore, if you are a new mother, you may need to discontinue breastfeeding while you are taking Wellbutrin SR

Generic Wellbutrin SR side effects

Side effects od Wellbutrin SR cannot be anticipated. If any develop or change in intensity, inform your doctor as soon as possible. Only your doctor can determine if it is safe for you to continue taking Wellbutrin.

Seizures are perhaps the most worrisome side effect.

More common side effects of Wellbutrin SR may include: Abdominal pain (Wellbutrin SR), agitation, anxiety (Wellbutrin SR), constipation, dizziness, dry mouth, excessive sweating, headache, loss of appetite (Wellbutrin SR), nausea, palpitations (Wellbutrin SR), vomiting, skin rash, sleep disturbances, sore throat (Wellbutrin SR), tremor.