Generic Wellbutrin Sr

Wellbutrin SR, which is generically prescribed as bupropion, is commonly used to treat the symptoms of depression and seasonal affective disorder. It is also used as a smoking cessation tool by reducing the cravings and withdrawal symptoms associated with quitting smoking.

Wellbutrin SR is an antidepressant and should not be mixed with MAO inhibitors. Patients should not suddenly stop drinking or using sedatives while on Wellbutrin. Patients starting antidepressants require careful monitoring to ensure their symptoms do not worsen.

Wellbutrin SR is not appropriate for everyone. A thorough medical history should be assessed prior to prescribing this medication. Patients with a history of an eating disorder, seizures, heavy drinkers, or sedative users should not take Wellbutrin SR. Patients with a history of head injury, brain tumor, spinal cord tumor, heart disease, high blood pressure, kidney disease, liver disease, diabetes, bipolar disorder, use of steroids, or the recent heavy use of alcohol may not be able to take Wellbutrin SR or may require careful monitoring while undergoing drug therapy with Wellbutrin SR, depending on condition and the severity of the condition.

The American Food and Drug Administration has rated Wellbutrin a category C pregnancy risk. Wellbutrin SR may cause harm or birth defects to an unborn baby. Wellbutrin SR passes through the mother’s breast milk and may affect a nursing baby. The prescribing physician should avoid prescribing this medication to pregnant or nursing women or women who are likely to become pregnant.

There is a risk of side effects associated with Wellbutrin SR, some of which are severe. A patient experiencing a serious side effect or an allergic reaction should seek immediate emergency medical attention. An allergic reaction will present with symptoms such as facial swelling, including swelling of the lips, mouth, tongue, or throat. Other serious side effects that require emergency medical attention include fast heart beat, uneven heart rates, or seizures and convulsions.

Other less serious side effects typically do not require emergency medical attention but should be reported to the prescribing physician. Patients should be encouraged to report all side effects. Less serious side effects include symptoms such as insomnia, headaches, migraines, nausea, vomiting, dry mouth, constipation, confusion, agitation, tremors, dizziness, changes in appetite or weight, mild itching, mild skin rash, sweating, or sexual dysfunction. Less serious side effects can often be reduced to a tolerable level by reducing the dosage of Wellbutrin SR.

There is a risk of negative drug interactions associated with Wellbutrin SR. A thorough medical history should be understood prior to prescribing this medication. Patients should be urged to inquire with the prescribing physician before taking any new medications, including over the counter medications and herbal remedies. Medications that are known to negatively interact with Wellbutrin SR include medications that cause drowsiness such as sedatives, pain relievers, muscle relaxants, anti anxiety medication, cough and cold medication, and additional antidepressants. Patients who have taken an MAOI must wait at least 14 days before taking Wellbutrin SR. Mixing an MAOI with Wellbutrin SR can cause serious drug interactions that may result in coma or death.

Wellbutrin SR should not be suddenly stopped. There should be a gradual weaning period before this medication is stopped. Some patients experience worsening depression and thoughts of suicide when taking Wellbutrin SR. Patients, especially under the age of 25, should be carefully monitored while taking this medication. If mood changes, irritability or aggression and thoughts of self harm and suicide arise, the patient should seek immediate emergency medical attention. Great care should be taken if prescribing this medication to anyone under the age of 18.