![wellbutrin.gif (3120 bytes)](wellbutrin.gif)
Bupropion ( Amfebutamone,
Wellbutrin )
Bupropion ( Wellbutrin ) has a stimulant type of effect and is used
primarily for the treatment of major depression. Bupropion (
Wellbutrin ) can also be used to treat ADHD, Bipolar
depression, treat chronic fatigue syndrome, in reducing
cocaine craving, to help kick smoking, and to reduce lower
back pain.
Bupropion ( Wellbutrin
) was released for use in the United States of America in 1989.
About 28% of persons taking this drug will loss five or more pounds
and about 0.04% will experience seizures.
CLASS: Monocyclic
Aminoketone.
Generic name: Bupropion Hydrochloride.
Type: Antidepressant.
Strengths:
Tables:
75 mg, 100 mg.
Dosage: Actual dosage
must be determined by a physician.
Normal dosage:
If under 18 years of age, DO
NOT USE!
18 to 60 years of age, 200 mg in two doses.
Over 60 years of age, Lower dosage increased cautiously.
Oral:
Start: 100 mg
in the morning and then 100 mg in the evening, 200 mg total
daily.
Increases: After three days, 100 mg
morning, 100 mg noon, and 100 mg evening
( 6 hours apart and continued for 3 or 4 weeks. ) May be increased
slowly up to 450 mg daily. Increases should not be greater
than 100 mg daily over a 3 day period.
Maximum: 450 mg in 24 hours.
Approximately
four in every thousand will have seizures.
Higher doses increase risk of seizures.
Prolonged usage: Check
kidney / liver function. Check blood levels of serum bupropion.
Problems with:
Liver Function: Lower
dosage, as needed with careful monitoring.
Kidney Function: Must lower dosage,
as needed.
Test:
Before taking:
None.
While taking: None.
Take With: Empty
stomach and a full glass of water. Can be taken with food to
lessen stomach irritation.
Full Benefits In:
In three or four weeks.
Missed Dose(s):
If within one hour take, if over an hour skip and then continue
on your normal schedule.
Never Take a Double Dose!
If Stop Taking:
Do not stop without consulting your physician and never abruptly.
Overdose symptoms include:
Heart failure, hallucinations, loss of consciousness,
rapid heartbeat, or seizures.
Warnings
Important: Do
not take this drug if you are taking any type of monoamine oxidase
inhibitor ( MAO ) or have taken one within the past two weeks.
Do not take this drug if you have any
type of seizure disorder.
Do not take this drug if you have a history
of anorexia or bulimia.
Do not drink alcohol while taking this
drug.
Do not take this drug if you are pregnant.
Try some non-drug alternatives.
Do not take this drug if planning to become
pregnant. Do not take if you are breast-feeding.
Do not give this drug to any one under
eighteen. If over sixty only use drug in small doses and with
close monitoring of its side effects.
The habit-forming potential is none.
Do not use if:
You had negative reactions to this drug in the past. If you
have a history of epilepsy, bulimia, or anorexia.
Inform your Doctor:
If you have had a negative reactions to this drug
in the past.
If you have epilepsy.
If you have heart, liver, or kidney disease.
If you have a history of alcoholism or drug abuse.
If you are taking any other prescription or non-prescription
drugs.
Including any anti-psychotic or anti-depressant type drug:
Clozaril, Dilantan, Haldol, Larodopa, Lithium,
Loxapine,
Maprotiline,
Molindone, Phenobarbital, Phenothiazines,
Prozac,
Tagamet, Thioxanthenes, Trazodone, or Tegretol.
If you will be under
anesthesia or have any surgery in the next few months.
If you will be undergoing any medical tests.
Bupropion ( Symptoms or Effects
)
Common: Agitation, change in
appetite, constipation, diarrhea, dizziness,
dry mouth, headache, increased perspiration, insomnia,
nausea, or vomiting.
Rare: Acne, blurred vision,
chest pain, chills, coordination problems, confusion,
decrease in white blood cell count, fainting, fever,
gum irritation, hair color changes, hair loss, hallucinations,
hives, indigestion, itching, liver toxicity,
loss of movement, nightmares, racing heartbeat / palpitations,
seizure, skin rash, sexual problems, suicidal thoughts,
tinnitus ( ringing in the ears ), excessive thirst, toothaches,
tremors, urinary problems, or weight gain / loss.
See physician always:
Acne, blurred vision, chest pain, chills, coordination
problems, confusion, decrease in white blood cell count,
fever, gum irritation, hair color changes, hair loss,
hallucinations, hives, indigestion, itching, liver
toxicity, loss of movement, racing heartbeat / palpitations,
seizure, skin rash, sexual problems, suicidal thoughts,
tinnitus ( ringing in the ears ), excessive thirst, toothaches,
tremors, urinary problems, vomiting, or weight gain
/ loss.
See physician if severe:
Agitation, change in appetite, constipation, diarrhea,
dizziness, dry mouth, headache, increased perspiration,
insomnia, nightmares, or nausea.
See physician
NOW: Skin rash.
Stop taking
and see physician NOW: Fainting or Seizures.
![](home.jpg) ![](next.jpg)
|