Wellbutrin SR, also known as Bupropion, is an antidepressant. It treats
depression by affecting the chemical balance of the brain. It is also
prescribed under the name Zyban as a quit-smoking aid. Doctors sometimes
prescribe Wellbutrin SR for other conditions.
Forms of Wellbutrin SR
It is available in 100 mg and 150 mg tablets. The 100 mg tablets are round,
blue, film-coated and sustained-release, which means they must be taken on a
schedule as they slowly release into your system. In addition to the medical components,
it also contains carnauba wax, edible black ink, FD&C Blue No. 1 Lake,
polysorbate 80, titanium dioxide, polyethylene glycol, magnesium stearate,
cysteine hydrochloride, hyroxypropyl cellulose, and microcrystalline cellulose.
The 150 mg tablets are round, purple, film-coated and sustained-release. The
non-medicinal ingredients are carnauba wax, cysteine hydrochloride, edible
black ink,titanium dioxide, polysorbate 80, polyethylene glycol,
microcrystalline cellulose, magnesium stearate, hydroxypropyl methycellulose,
FD&C Red No. 40 Lake, and FD&C Blue No. 2 Lake.
You will also see Wellbutrin SR sold under the names Wellbutrin and
Wellbutrin XL. All are available in generic form.
Dosages
The recommended dose for depression is 100 mg-300 mg per day. Daily doses
that exceed 150 mg are divided into twice a day doses that must be spaced at
least 8 hours apart. People with liver or kidney problems may be prescribed a
lower dosage.
Side Effects
The most commonly reported side effects are dry mouth, irritation,
constipation, tremors, insomnia, headaches, and nausea. Some people experience
weight loss and very rarely there are cases of manic episodes or
hallucinations. There is also a 4 in 1000 chance of a seizure for patients
taking under 450 mg a day. The risk increases 10 times over if your daily
dosage exceeds 450 mg.
Persons withdrawing from benzodiazepines, such as Valium and Xanax, are also
at increased risk for seizures. People taking drugs to keep back onsets of
seizures are also at risk for side effects. Such drugs include Compazine and
Thorazine, and any other antipsychotic medications of the phenothiazine class.
Abruptly stopping this medication may cause dizziness, headaches, mood
swings, nausea, and changes in the senses of taste and smell. It is recommended
that the dosages be gradually downgraded when the medication is no longer
necessary.
It may be taken during pregnancy if the physician feels it is necessary, but
it not known if Buproprion is secreted in breast milk so it is not recommended
for breast-feeding mothers.