COMMON BRAND NAME(S):
Wellbutrin SR

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Uses: (1) Helps smokers quit smoking (Zyban); (2) treatment of major depressive disorders.

Other (unlabeled) generally accepted uses: (1) May ease chronic fatigue syndrome symptoms; (2) can reduce cocaine craving when combined with psychotherapy; (3) drug of choice in people who have significant weight gain while taking tricyclic antidepressants; (4) can help some cases of low back pain not responding to other agents; (5) increased sexual desire in 77% of patients in one study; (6) an Alabama Veterans Affairs medical center study found this drug to be effective in post-traumatic stress disorder; (7) works to help people stop using smokeless tobacco; (8) is an alternative to stimulant-type medicines to treat attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) based on one cohort study with variable dosing (both in children and in adults); (8) useful in chronic fatigue syndrome; (9) eases periodic limb movement disorder.

How This Drug Works: Bupropion increases levels of two nerve transmitters (norepinephrine and dopamine). It is biochemically unique and works differently from other antidepressants (may be a benefit if other medicines have failed). How it works in quitting smoking is unknown.

Available Dosage Forms and Strengths

Tablets, immediate release - 75 mg, 100 mg
Tablets, sustained release - 50 mg (Canada), 100 mg, 150 mg, 200 mg

Recommended Dosage Ranges (Actual dose and schedule must be determined for each patient individually.)

Infants and Children: Dosage not established for those under 18 years of age.

18 to 60 Years or Age:
Depression: For first 3 days, 100 mg in the morning and evening. On the fourth day, dose may be increased to 100 mg in the morning, at noon, and in the evening; total daily dose of 300 mg. This schedule of 100 mg, three times daily, 6 hours apart, is used for 3 to 4 weeks. If needed and beneficial, dose may be slowly increased to a maximum of 450 mg daily. Increases should not exceed 100 mg per day in a period of 3 days. No single dose should exceed 150 mg. If daily dose is 450 mg, take 150 mg in the morning, then 100 mg every 4 hours for three more doses. The lowest effective dose should be used. Drug should be stopped if significant improvement is not seen after a trial of 450 mg daily. Doses higher than 450 mg daily may only increase risk of seizures. For the sustained release (SR) form, the starting dose is 150 mg in the morning.
Smoking cessation: 150 mg once a day for 3 days, then 150 mg twice dailv for 7 to 12 weeks. If progress has not been made in 7 weeks, talk with your doctor.
ADHD in adults: 100 to 200 mg of the SR form twice daily.

Over 60 Years of Age: Same as 18 to 60 years of age.

Conditions Requiring Dosing Adjustments

Liver Function: Lower dosages and caution in monitoring should be used.
Kidney Function: Not specifically studied in Zyban form; however, prudent to decrease the dose in people with damaged kidneys or who develop kidney damage while taking this drug.

Dosing Instructions: May be taken with food to reduce stomach upset. Best to swallow the tablet whole, not chewing or crushing it; this drug has a bitter taste and a local numbing effect on the lining of the mouth. Sustained release forms should never be crushed or altered. If you forget a dose (and you take the regular-release tablets): Take the medicine right away, unless it is nearly time for your next dose. When this medicine is being used to help stop smoking, it takes about a week to achieve needed blood levels. The medicine should be started while the patient is still smoking and a quit date decided on by both patient and doctor in the second week. For the sustained-release forms: If you miss a dose, don't take the missed dose, simply take the next scheduled dose. DO NOT double doses. Call your doctor if you miss more than one dose. Some doctors use combined therapy with bupropion and nicotine "patches" (transdermals).

Please Note: The information contained on this page is intended as an educational aid only. It is not intended as medical advice for individual conditions or treatment. It is not a substitute for a medical exam, nor does it replace the need for services provided by medical professionals. Talk to your doctor, nurse or pharmacist before taking any prescription or over the counter drugs or following any treatment or regimen. Only your doctor, nurse or pharmacist can provide you with advice on what is safe and effective for you.

CLICK HERE TO BUY WELLBUTRIN SR FROM OUR CANADIAN PHARMACY