Wellbutrin is a medicine that is used to treat depression.
Who Should Not Take Wellbutrin?
Never take Wellbutrin if you are taking another drug used to treat depression,
called a Monoamine Oxidase Inhibitor (MAOI), or if you have stopped taking
a MAOI in the last 14 days. Taking Wellbutrin close in time to a MAOI can
result in serious, sometimes fatal, reactions, including:
High body temperature
Coma
Seizures (convulsions)
MAOI drugs include Nardil (phenelzine sulfate), Parnate (tranylcypromine sulfate),
Marplan (isocarboxazid) and other brands.
Wellbutrin can cause seizures. Never take Wellbutrin if you have any of the
following because you have a higher chance of having seizures with Wellbutrin:
A seizure disorder
Take Zyban or any other medicine containing Wellbutrin
A current or past eating disorder such as bulimia or anorexia nervosa
Stop suddenly, the use of alcohol or sedatives, including medicines for anxiety
and sleeping problems called benzodiazepines.
What Are The Risks Of Wellbutrin?
Suicidal Thoughts or Actions: See
Welbutrin FDA Alert.
Seizures: Wellbutrin can cause seizures. See "Who should
not take Wellbutrin?" You also have a higher chance for seizures with Wellbutrin
if you take a higher dose, had a head injury, brain tumor, severe liver disease,
abuse alcohol or drugs, or take certain medicines that interact with Wellbutrin.
Stop Wellbutrin if you have a seizure and never take it again. Possible liver
damage
Serious allergic reactions: Call your healthcare professional
right away if you get a skin rash, hives, chest pain, swelling, or trouble
breathing. Agitation, anxiety, and trouble sleeping
Mental problems, including psychosis, confusion and hallucinations.
Mania: You may become hyperactive, excitable, or elated.
Weight and appetite change: More people lose weight, than
gain it, while taking Wellbutrin.
High Blood Pressure (hypertension). The chance for high blood pressure is
increased if you also use nicotine replacement products to stop smoking .
Other side effects of Wellbutrin include agitation, dry mouth, trouble sleeping,
headache and migraine, nausea and vomiting, constipation, and tremor
Tell your healthcare professional about all your medical conditions, especially
if you have liver, kidney, or heart disease. Tell your healthcare professional
if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant. Tell your healthcare professional
if you are breast-feeding or plan to breast-feed your baby.
Are There Any Interactions of Wellbutrin With Medicines Or Foods?
Wellbutrin may interact with medicines other than the ones already mentioned
in this information sheet, causing serious side effects. Tell your healthcare
professional about all the medicines, vitamins, and herbal supplements you
take, especially those used for treating seizures, depression, mental illness,
asthma, high blood pressure, or heart problems.
If you plan to drink alcohol, talk to your healthcare professional.
How Do I Take Wellbutrin?
Wellbutrin is taken by mouth, with or without food, exactly as prescribed
by your doctor. Swallow tablets whole. Do not chew, crush, or divide Wellbutrin
tablets.