Wellbutrin XL (Bupropion)

Wellbutrin XL (bupropion hydrochloride) is a prescription antidepressant used to treat major depression in adults and to help prevent seasonal affective disorder during fall and winter. It works by helping restore the balance of certain chemicals in the brain involved with mood. Wellbutrin XL is different from many other antidepressants and comes as an extended-release tablet that gradually releases medicine throughout the day.

Directions

Wellbutrin XL comes as extended-release tablets that should be swallowed whole. Do not crush, split, or chew them. Most people start with 150 mg once each morning for depression. If needed, a doctor may increase the dose to 300 mg once daily after 4 days. For seasonal affective disorder, the usual dosage is 150 to 300 mg once daily. The medication can be taken with or without food. People with liver or kidney problems may need a reduced dose.

Ingredients

The active ingredient in this drug is bupropion hydrochloride.

Cautions

• Before using this medication, you may want to consult a healthcare provider about the following:
  • Any existing health conditions
  • Any allergies
  • A list of all medications currently being taken
• Antidepressants like Wellbutrin XL can sometimes worsen depression or trigger suicidal thoughts, especially in children, teens, and young adults during the first few months of treatment or after dose changes.
• Wellbutrin XL may cause anxiety, agitation, restlessness, insomnia, irritability, impulsive behavior, or mood changes, which should be reported to a healthcare provider if they are new, severe, or worsening.
• This medication can increase the risk of seizures, especially at higher doses or in people with certain conditions such as eating disorders, seizure disorders, heavy alcohol use, or sudden withdrawal from sedatives.
• Wellbutrin XL may increase blood pressure, particularly in people with pre-existing hypertension or when combined with nicotine replacement therapy. Blood pressure should be checked before and during treatment.
• Manic or hypomanic episodes can occur, especially in people with bipolar disorder or a family history of bipolar illness. Screening for bipolar disorder is recommended before starting treatment.
• Some people may experience hallucinations, paranoia, confusion, or other severe mental changes; stop the medication and consult a healthcare provider if this happens.
• Rare but serious allergic reactions, including swelling of the face or throat, trouble breathing, severe rash, or blistering skin reactions, require immediate medical attention.
• Wellbutrin XL can trigger angle-closure glaucoma in people with narrow eye angles, which may cause sudden eye pain, vision changes, or redness.
• When bupropion is used for smoking cessation (not an approved use of Wellbutrin XL), serious mood and behavior changes have been reported, even in people without a history of mental health problems.

Contraindications

Avoid taking or using this medication if any of the following apply:

• Seizure disorder or history of seizures
• Current or prior diagnosis of bulimia or anorexia nervosa
• Abrupt discontinuation of alcohol, benzodiazepines, barbiturates, or anticonvulsants
• Use of monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs) within 14 days before or after treatment
• Allergy to bupropion or any ingredients in Wellbutrin XL
• Current use of other bupropion-containing products like Zyban, Wellbutrin SR, or Aplenzin

Side Effects

Common side effects of Wellbutrin XL include:

• Trouble sleeping (insomnia)
• Feeling anxious or jittery
• Stuffy nose
• Nausea
• Dry mouth
• Constipation
• Dizziness
• Joint aches

These side effects are usually mild and may improve as your body adjusts to the medication. Taking Wellbutrin XL earlier in the day can help reduce sleep problems. Let your healthcare provider know if any symptoms persist or interfere with daily activities.

More serious side effects can occur, including seizures, high blood pressure, severe allergic reactions, and severe changes in mood or behavior. Some people may experience new or worsening depression, agitation, mania, unusual thoughts, or suicidal thoughts, especially when starting treatment or changing doses. Wellbutrin XL can also cause vision changes or eye pain and, in rare cases, life-threatening allergic reactions with swelling or breathing difficulty. Seek medical attention for seizures, severe mood changes, vision problems, chest pain, rash with swelling, or trouble breathing.