Wellbutrin (bupropion)

Wellbutrin (bupropion) is an antidepressant medication. It works in the brain to treat depression.

Wellbutrin is used to treat major depressive disorder and seasonal affective disorder.

Bupropion is a relatively weak inhibitor of the neuronal uptake of norepinephrine and dopamine, and does not inhibit monoamine oxidase or the re-uptake of serotonin. While the mechanism of action of bupropion, as with other antidepressants, is unknown, it is presumed that this action is mediated by noradrenergic and/or dopaminergic mechanisms.

Do not take Wellbutrin if you have taken a monoamine oxidase inhibitor (MAOI) such as furazolidone (Furoxone), isocarboxazid (Marplan), phenelzine (Nardil), rasagiline (Azilect), selegiline (Eldepryl, Emsam), or tranylcypromine (Parnate) in the last 14 days.

You should not take Wellbutrin if you have:

epilepsy or a seizure disorder;
an eating disorder such as anorexia or bulimia;
if you are using a second form of bupropion; or
if you have suddenly stopped using alcohol or sedatives (such as Valium).
Wellbutrin may cause seizures, especially in people with certain medical conditions. Tell your doctor about all of your medical conditions.

If you have any of these other conditions, your doctor may need to adjust your Wellbutrin dosage or order special tests:

a history of head injury, seizures, or brain or spinal cord tumor;
heart disease, high blood pressure, history of heart attack;
kidney disease;
liver disease (especially cirrhosis);
bipolar disorder (manic depression);
You may have thoughts about suicide when you first start taking an antidepressant such as Wellbutrin, especially if you are younger than 24 years old. Tell your doctor if you have worsening symptoms of depression or suicidal thoughts during the first several weeks of treatment, or whenever your dose is changed.

Your family or other caregivers should also be alert to changes in your mood or symptoms. Your doctor will need to check you at regular visits for at least the first 12 weeks of treatment with Wellbutrin.

Get emergency medical help if you have any of these signs of an allergic reaction to Wellbutrin: hives; difficulty breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.

Report any new or worsening symptoms to your doctor, such as: mood or behavior changes, anxiety, panic attacks, trouble sleeping, or if you feel impulsive, irritable, agitated, hostile, aggressive, restless, hyperactive (mentally or physically), more depressed, or have thoughts about suicide or hurting yourself.

Call your doctor at once if you have a serious side effect while taking Wellbutrin such as:

seizure (convulsions);
severe blistering, peeling, and red skin rash;
fever, swollen glands, rash or itching, joint pain, or general ill feeling;
confusion, trouble concentrating; or
hallucinations, unusual thoughts or behavior.

Less serious Wellbutrin side effects may include:

headache or migraine;
sleep problems (insomnia);
nausea, vomiting, constipation, dry mouth;
dizziness, tremors (shaking);
appetite changes, weight loss or gain;
mild itching or skin rash, increased sweating; or
loss of interest in sex.

While taking Wellbutrin you should avoid drinking alcohol. It may increase your risk of seizures. If you drink alcohol regularly, talk with your doctor before changing the amount you drink. Wellbutrin can cause seizures in people who drink a lot of alcohol and then suddenly quit drinking when they start using the medication. Avoid using bupropion to treat more than one condition at a time. If you take Wellbutrin for depression, do not also take Zyban to quit smoking. Too much of this medicine can increase your risk of a seizure. Wellbutrin may impair your thinking or reactions. Be careful if you drive or do anything that requires you to be alert.