Wellbutrin General Information

Generic name: "bupropion hydrochloride" which is pronounced as "byoo pro pee on"
Brand Name: "aplenzin", "Budeprion", "wellbutrin", "wellbutrin SR", "wellbutrin XL", "Zyban"
It works by affecting some particular brain chemicals , known as "norepinephrine" & "dopamine". Among many other chemicals, these are used to send messages from one nerve cell to the other nerve cell.
So these chemicals travel from one nerve cell & reaches the other leading the other nerve cell to activates.The left over chemical in the gap between the cells is absorbed by the first cell.
When the level of these chemicals decreases , it leads to mood swings & depression.
Wellbutrin helps stopping the absorption of the chemicals by the first cell from the gap between cell , thereby maintaining good amount of chemical in the gap. Because of this the chemicals get enough time to activate the other cell.

Wellbutrin Uses

Wellbutrin is generally used as antidepressant i.e. it helps in the treatment of depression.
It is used for the treatment of "depressive disorder" & "seasonal affective disorder"
One of the brand of wellbutrin which is Zyban is used to stop smoking.
It helps to reduce smoking by reducing the cravings.

How Take Wellbutrin

For people who have taken monoamine oxidase such as "marplan" , "Nardil" , "Azilect", "Eldepryl" or "parnate" in last 14 days , to them wellbutrin should not be given.
Also if you have "seizures" or if you are using bupropion or you have recently stopped alcohol or sedatives , you should not take wellburtin.
The dose will have to be adjusted for people having

• High blood pressure
• History of heart problems
• History of head injury
• Brain or spinal cord tumor
• kidney disease
• bipolar disorder
• liver problem

Wellbutrin Warnings

It may cause seizure, especially in certain health conditions . So before starting the medicine , tell your doctor about all the medicines you are taking.
Also it may lead to mood swings, impulsive feeling , aggressiveness, restlessness, hostile, agitated, hyperactive . In any case call your doctor at once.
Also avoid taking alcohol if you are using wellbutrin. Taking alcohol along with wellbutrin may lead to seizure.

Wellbutrin Missed Dose

If you miss the dose , do not take extra dose to catch up.
Continue with your normal schedule.

Wellbutrin Side Effects

The side effects are:

• increase suicidal thoughts
• weight loss
• dry mouth
• nausea
• sore throat
• flatulence
• constipation

Wellbutrin Storage Advice

It should be kept in cool & dry place.

Wellbutrin Overdose

Make sure to stick to the doctor's prescription for the medicine . If you are feeling low after taking medicines do not take extra dose . Over dose may lead to seizures, panic attack, trouble sleeping etc.
Specially Wellbitrin XL, it should not be taken 450mg/day, else it may lead to seizure.

Wellbutrin More Information

If you are planning for child or you are expecting , tell the doctor before starting the medicine. This medicine pass through breast milk to the child & may be harmful to the baby.
It should not be given to children younger than 18 years. Wellbutrin is manufactured by "GalxoSmithKline". Wellbutrin XL is trademark of "Biovail Corporation"