IMPORTANT WELLBUTRIN SR WARNING:

Why is Wellbutrin SR prescribed?

Bupropion (Wellbutrin, Wellbutrin SR), an antidepressant (mood elevator), is used to treat depression. Bupropion (Wellbutrin, Wellbutrin SR) (Zyban) is used to help people stop smoking.

Wellbutrin SR is sometimes prescribed for other uses; ask your doctor or pharmacist for more Wellbutrin SR information.

How should Wellbutrin SR be used?

Bupropion (Wellbutrin, Wellbutrin SR) comes as a tablet to take by mouth. Wellbutrin SR is usually taken one to three times a day and may be taken with or without food. Do not crush, chew, or divide Wellbutrin SR or Zyban tablets. Follow the directions on your Wellbutrin SR prescription label carefully, and ask your doctor or pharmacist to explain any part you do not understand. Take Bupropion (Wellbutrin, Wellbutrin SR) exactly as directed.

Continue to take Bupropion (Wellbutrin, Wellbutrin SR) even if you feel well. Do not stop taking Bupropion (Wellbutrin, Wellbutrin SR) without talking to your doctor, especially if you have taken large Wellbutrin SR doses for a long time. Your doctor probably will want to decrease your Wellbutrin SR dose gradually. Wellbutrin SR must be taken regularly for a few weeks before its full effect is felt.

Bupropion (Wellbutrin, Wellbutrin SR) can be habit forming. Do not take a larger Wellbutrin SR dose, take it more often, or for a longer period than your doctor tells you.

What special Wellbutrin SR precautions should I follow?

Before taking Bupropion (Wellbutrin, Wellbutrin SR),

• tell your doctor and pharmacist if you are allergic to Bupropion (Wellbutrin, Wellbutrin SR) or any other drugs.
• in addition to the drugs listed in the IMPORTANT WARNING section, tell your doctor and pharmacist what other prescription and nonprescription drugs you are taking, or have taken in the last 2 weeks, especially anticoagulants [warfarin (Coumadin)]; antihistamines; antipsychotics; carbamazepine (Tegretol); cimetidine (Tagamet); diet pills; insulin; levodopa (Sinemet, Larodopa); lithium (Eskalith, Lithobid); MAO inhibitors [phenelzine (Nardil), tranylcypromine (Parnate)]; medication for high blood pressure, seizures, asthma, colds, or allergies; methylphenidate (Ritalin); oral antidiabetic medications; other antidepressants; ritonavir (Norvir); sedatives; sleeping pills; theophylline (Theobid, Theo-Dur, others), thyroid medications; tranquilizers; and vitamins. You should not take Wellbutrin or Wellbutrin SR and Zyban together. Also tell your doctor if you drink large amounts of alcohol or are addicted to cocaine, opiates or other drugs so that you can properly taper and end their use. Abrupt withdrawal increases seizure risk.
• in addition to the conditions listed in the IMPORTANT WELLBUTRIN SR WARNING section, also tell your doctor if you have or have ever had glaucoma, an enlarged prostate, difficulty urinating, an over active thyroid gland, or liver, or kidney or heart disease.
• tell your doctor if you are pregnant, plan to become pregnant, or are breast-feeding. If you become pregnant while taking Bupropion (Wellbutrin, Wellbutrin SR), call your doctor immediately.
• if you are having surgery, including dental surgery, tell the doctor or dentist that you are taking Bupropion (Wellbutrin, Wellbutrin SR).
• you should know that Wellbutrin SR may make you drowsy. Do not drive a car or operate machinery until you know how Wellbutrin SR affects you.
• remember that alcohol can add to the drowsiness caused by Wellbutrin SR.

What should I do if I forget a Wellbutrin SR dose?

If you take several Wellbutrin SR doses per day, take the missed Wellbutrin SR dose as soon as you remember it and take any remaining Wellbutrin SR doses for that day at evenly spaced intervals. However, if it is almost time for the next Wellbutrin SR dose, skip the missed Wellbutrin SR dose and continue your regular Wellbutrin SR dosing schedule.

If you take Bupropion (Wellbutrin, Wellbutrin SR) once a day at bedtime and do not remember to take it until the next morning, skip the missed Wellbutrin SR dose. Do not take a double Wellbutrin SR dose to make up for a missed one.

What side effects can Wellbutrin SR cause?

Side effects from Bupropion (Wellbutrin, Wellbutrin SR) are common:

• drowsiness
• weakness or tiredness
• excitement or anxiety
• dry mouth
• insomnia
• nightmares
• change in appetite or weight

Tell your doctor if any of these Wellbutrin SR symptoms are severe or do not go away:

• frequent urination
• difficulty urinating
• constipation
• blurred vision
• change in sex drive or ability
• excessive sweating
• headaches

If you experience any of the following Wellbutrin SR symptoms, call your doctor immediately:

• seizures or tremors
• loss of coordination
• fever
• severe skin rash
• itching
• hives
• chest pain
• shortness of breath
• muscle or joint pain
• yellowing of the skin or eyes
• irregular heartbeat

What storage conditions are needed for Wellbutrin SR?

Keep Wellbutrin SR in the container it came in, tightly closed, and out of reach of children. Store Wellbutrin SR at room temperature and away from excess heat and moisture (not in the bathroom). Throw away any Wellbutrin SR that is outdated or no longer needed. Talk to your pharmacist about the proper disposal of your Wellbutrin SR.

In case of Wellbutrin SR emergency/overdose

In case of Wellbutrin SR overdose, call your local poison control center at 1-800-222-1222. If the victim has collapsed or is not breathing, call local emergency services at 911.

Symptoms of Wellbutrin SR overdose may include:

• difficulty breathing or swallowing
• dizziness
• fainting
• shakiness
• sweating
• confusion
• blurred vision
• seizure
• seeing things or hearing voices that do not exist (hallucinating)
• loss of consciousness
• rapid or pounding hearbeat
• blurred vision
• lightheadedness
• confusion
• lack of energy
• upset stomach
• jitteriness

What other Wellbutrin SR information should I know?

Keep all appointments with your doctor and the laboratory. Your doctor will order certain lab tests to check your response to Bupropion (Wellbutrin, Wellbutrin SR).

Do not let anyone else take your Wellbutrin SR. Ask your pharmacist any Wellbutrin SR questions you have about refilling your Wellbutrin SR prescription.