Suicidal Thoughts and Behavior
Antidepressants such as Wellbutrin SR may increase the risk of suicidal thoughts or behavior in some children, adolescents, and young adults, especially when treatment is first started or the dose is changed.
Watch for new or worsening:
- Depression
- Anxiety
- Agitation
- Irritability
- Unusual changes in mood or behavior
- Thoughts of self-harm or suicide
Contact a healthcare provider right away if these symptoms appear or become worse.
Seizure Risk
Wellbutrin SR can increase the risk of seizures, especially at higher doses.
Do not take Wellbutrin SR if you have:
- A seizure disorder
- A current or past diagnosis of bulimia
- A current or past diagnosis of anorexia nervosa
The risk may also be higher if you have had a serious head injury or if you suddenly stop drinking alcohol or stop certain sedative medications.
The dose should be increased gradually and should not exceed the amount prescribed by your healthcare provider.
High Blood Pressure
Wellbutrin SR can raise blood pressure.
Your healthcare provider may check your blood pressure before treatment and periodically while you are taking the medication.
Tell your healthcare provider if you have high blood pressure or develop severe headaches, chest discomfort, or other concerning symptoms.
Mood and Behavior Changes
Wellbutrin SR can sometimes cause changes in mood or behavior.
These may include:
- Anxiety
- Agitation
- Mania or hypomania
- Hallucinations
- Confusion
- Paranoia
Tell your healthcare provider if you or someone close to you notices unusual changes in your mood, thinking, or behavior.
Bipolar Disorder
Antidepressants can sometimes trigger a manic or hypomanic episode in people with bipolar disorder.
Tell your healthcare provider if you or a family member has a history of bipolar disorder, mania, or severe mood swings before starting Wellbutrin SR.
Allergic Reactions
Serious allergic reactions can occur.
Seek emergency medical attention if you develop:
- Hives
- Severe rash
- Swelling of the face, lips, tongue, or throat
- Difficulty breathing or swallowing
Common Side Effects
Wellbutrin SR may cause side effects such as:
- Trouble sleeping
- Headache
- Dry mouth
- Nausea
- Constipation
- Dizziness
- Increased sweating
Contact your healthcare provider if these effects become severe or persistent.
Drug Interactions
Wellbutrin SR can interact with many medications.
Do not take it with a monoamine oxidase inhibitor (MAOI) or within 14 days of using certain MAOIs.
It can also interact with medicines that:
- Lower the seizure threshold
- Affect dopamine
- Are processed by CYP2D6
- Affect blood pressure
Tell your healthcare provider about all prescription medications, over-the-counter products, vitamins, supplements, and herbal products you use.
Alcohol and Sedatives
Avoid suddenly stopping heavy alcohol use while taking Wellbutrin SR because this can increase the risk of seizures.
Also tell your healthcare provider if you regularly use alcohol, benzodiazepines, barbiturates, or seizure medications.
Pregnancy
Tell your healthcare provider if you are pregnant or planning to become pregnant.
Your healthcare provider will consider the benefits of treating depression and the potential risks of Wellbutrin SR during pregnancy.
Breastfeeding
Bupropion can pass into breast milk.
Tell your healthcare provider if you are breastfeeding so they can help decide whether Wellbutrin SR is appropriate for you.
Eye Problems
Antidepressants, including Wellbutrin SR, may rarely trigger angle-closure glaucoma in people with anatomically narrow eye angles.
Seek medical attention if you develop sudden eye pain, blurred vision, redness, or halos around lights.
Do Not Stop or Change Your Dose on Your Own
Do not suddenly change your dose or stop Wellbutrin SR without speaking with your healthcare provider.
Although bupropion is not typically associated with a classic antidepressant withdrawal syndrome, your healthcare provider should guide any change in treatment to reduce the chance of symptoms returning or other problems developing.
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