Indications
Wellbutrin SR is an antidepressant medication used to treat major depressive disorder and seasonal affective disorder. It Wellbutrin SR is also FDA-approved to help people quit smoking. It contains the active ingredient bupropion hydrochloride.
Wellbutrin SR works by blocking the reuptake of the neurotransmitters norepinephrine and dopamine in the brain. By doing so, it increases the levels of these neurotransmitters, which can improve mood and reduce symptoms of depression. It is sometimes also prescribed to help people quit smoking or treat attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD).
Bupropion comes in the form of an SR tablet and is typically taken twice daily, with the dosage based on individual factors such as medical condition, liver function, and response to treatment. Follow the dosage and usage instructions provided by the doctor to reduce the risk of side effects and ensure the medication is effective.
Uses and Dosage
Wellbutrin SR comes in the form of an SR tablet and should be taken by mouth with or without food as directed by your doctor, typically twice a day. If the medication causes stomach upset, it may be taken with food or after a meal/snack. The tablets should be swallowed whole and should not be crushed or chewed, as doing so could release all the drug at once, increasing the risk of side effects.
The first dose should be taken in the morning as soon as the patient wakes up, and the second dose should be taken at least 8 hours later or as directed by the doctor. Taking Wellbutrin SR late in the day may cause insomnia. Take Wellbutrin SR regularly to obtain the most benefit from it. To aid in remembering, it should be taken at the same time each day.
The dosage of Wellbutrin SR is individualized based on the patient's medical condition, liver function, and response to treatment. To reduce the risk of side effects, the doctor may direct the patient to begin taking the medication at a low dose and gradually increase it. The usual adult target dose for Wellbutrin SR is 300 mg per day, given as 150 mg twice daily. The initial dosing is typically 150 mg per day given as a single daily dose, and then the dose may be increased gradually to the target dose. However, the dosage of Wellbutrin SR is individualized based on the patient's medical condition, liver function, and response to treatment.
The dose should not be increased or taken more frequently or for a longer duration than prescribed. Doing so will not improve the patient's condition any faster and will increase the risk of side effects. Patients should not stop taking Wellbutrin SR without consulting their doctor. The dose may need to be gradually decreased. It may take up to 4 weeks or longer before patients experience the full benefits of Wellbutrin SR.
Side Effects
Common Side Effects of Wellbutrin SR (Bupropion SR):
- Anxiety
- Constipation
- Diarrhea
- Dizziness
- Dry mouth
- Headache
- Nausea
- Sore throat or cold-like symptoms
- Sweating
- Trouble sleeping
Serious Side Effects of Wellbutrin SR (Bupropion SR):
- Blurred vision
- Confusion
- Eye pain or swelling
- Fast or irregular heartbeats
- Feeling extremely happy or irritable
- Increased energy
- Racing thoughts
- Reckless behavior
- Seeing halos around lights
- Seizure (convulsions)
- Severe problems with sleep
- Talking more than usual
- Tunnel vision
- Unusual changes in mood or behavior
Form and Strength
Wellbutrin SR (Bupropion SR) is available in the following forms and strength:
Wellbutrin SR: SR Tablet
- 100 mg
Bupropion SR: SR Tablet
- 100 mg
- 150 mg
Caution
- Wellbutrin SR carries a warning about the increased risk of suicidal thoughts or behaviors in children, adolescents, and young adults. Patients should be monitored closely during treatment.
- Wellbutrin SR can lower the seizure threshold, and the risk of seizures is higher at higher doses. Patients with a history of seizures, head trauma, or eating disorders may be at higher risk and should be closely monitored.
- Wellbutrin SR can increase blood pressure, especially at higher doses. Patients with a history of high blood pressure should be closely monitored.
- Wellbutrin SR can exacerbate symptoms of depression, anxiety, or other psychiatric disorders. Patients should be monitored for any changes in mood or behavior while taking the medication.
- Wellbutrin SR can cause an allergic reaction, which can be severe in some cases. Patients should seek medical attention immediately if they experience symptoms of an allergic reaction, such as rash, itching, swelling, or difficulty breathing.
- The risk of side effects such as insomnia, headache, and dry mouth, nausea, and constipation increases with higher doses of Wellbutrin SR. Patients should be started on the lowest effective dose and monitored closely for side effects.
- Abruptly stopping Wellbutrin SR can cause withdrawal symptoms such as irritability, anxiety, insomnia, and headaches. Patients should be tapered off the medication gradually under medical supervision.
- Wellbutrin SR should only be used during pregnancy or breastfeeding if the benefits outweigh the potential risks to the fetus or infant. The medication can pass into breast milk and may harm a nursing baby.
- Wellbutrin SR can interact with certain medications, including monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs), medications that lower the seizure threshold, and drugs that affect the liver. Patients should inform their doctor of all medications they are taking before starting Wellbutrin SR.
- Wellbutrin SR should be used with caution in patients with a history of alcohol or drug abuse, as it can worsen these conditions.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Can Wellbutrin SR cause seizures?
Wellbutrin SR may lower the seizure threshold, especially in patients with a history of seizures, head trauma, or eating disorders. Seizure risk may be reduced by starting with a lower dose and gradually increasing the dose over time.
Can Wellbutrin SR cause weight loss?
Wellbutrin SR is associated with weight loss in some patients. However, weight loss is not a guaranteed effect, and some patients may experience weight gain.
How should I stop taking Wellbutrin SR?
Gradually reduce the dose of Wellbutrin SR over time, rather than stopping abruptly. This may help to reduce the risk of withdrawal symptoms.
Resources
- https://medlineplus.gov/druginfo/meds/a695033.html
- https://www.drugs.com/mtm/wellbutrin-sr.html#side-effects
- https://www.accessdata.fda.gov/drugsatfda_docs/label/2020/020358s064lbl.pdf
- https://www.webmd.com/drugs/2/drug-14211/wellbutrin-sr-oral/details
- https://www.accessdata.fda.gov/drugsatfda_docs/label/2001/20358s19lbl.pdf
- https://www.goodrx.com/wellbutrin/wellbutrin-sustained-release-vs-wellbutrin-extended-release-whats-the-difference
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