Other brand names of Wellbutrin SR are Zyban, Bupropion, Amfebutamone.

Why do some drugs have different names?
These are trade or brand names registered by the manufacturer. In different countries manufacturers will often use different trade names. The medications have the same active ingredients, but may look different and have a different trade name. Generic drugs are the unadvertised brands. Generic drugs are approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) as a safe, effective treatment option and they can save you money.

Brand names: Wellbutrin XL, Wellbutrin SR, Wellbutrin

Why is Wellbutrin SR prescribed?
Wellbutrin is prescribed to help relieve major depression. Symptoms include a severely depressed mood (for 2 weeks or more) and loss of interest or pleasure in usual activities accompanied by sleep and appetite disturbances, agitation or lack of energy, feelings of guilt or worthlessness, decreased sex drive, inability to concentrate, and sometimes, suicidal thoughts or behavior.

Wellbutrin is thought to work by altering levels of the brain chemicals norepinephrine and dopamine. It is not chemically related to other antidepressants such as tricyclics (Elavil), MAO inhibitors (Nardil, Parnate), or serotonin re-uptake inhibitors (Paxil and Prozac).

Most important fact about Wellbutrin SR
Wellbutrin is associated with an increased risk of seizures. This risk is greater at higher doses (approximately 4 in 1,000 patients at dosages of 300 to 450 milligrams a day). Certain factors increase the risk of seizure, including:
— A history of head trauma or previous seizure
— Central nervous system tumor
— Severe liver disease such as cirrhosis
— A history of eating disorders, including anorexia and bulimia
— Excessive use of alcohol, or abrupt withdrawal from alcohol or sedatives
— Taking medications that lower the seizure threshold (see «Possible food and drug interactions when taking Wellbutrin SR»)

To minimize the risk of seizures, dose increases should be done gradually, and the total daily dose of Wellbutrin should not exceed 450 milligrams. Additionally, the doctor should be aware of all your medical conditions, and you should not take any other medications (both prescription and over-the-counter) unless the doctor approves.

How should you take Wellbutrin SR?
Take Wellbutrin exactly as prescribed by your doctor. The usual dosing regimen is 3 equal doses spaced evenly throughout the day. Allow at least 6 hours between doses. Your doctor will probably start you at a low dosage and gradually increase it; this helps minimize side effects.

You should take Wellbutrin SR, the sustained-release form, in 2 doses, at least 8 hours apart. Wellbutrin XL extended-release tablets should be taken once a day in the morning. Swallow Wellbutrin SR and Wellbutrin XL tablets whole; do not chew, divide, or crush them.

If Wellbutrin works for you, your doctor will probably have you continue taking it for at least several months.

If you miss a dose...
Take it as soon as you remember. If it is within 4 hours of your next dose, skip the one you missed and go back to your regular schedule. Never take 2 doses at the same time.

Storage instructions...
Store at room temperature. Protect from light and moisture.

What side effects may occur?

Side effects cannot be anticipated. If any develop or change in intensity, inform your doctor as soon as possible. Only your doctor can determine if it is safe for you to continue taking Wellbutrin.

Side effects of Wellbutrin SR may include:
Agitation, constipation, dizziness, dry mouth, insomnia, nausea, rash, sweating, weight loss

Why should Wellbutrin SR not be prescribed?
Do not take Wellbutrin if you are sensitive to or have ever had an allergic reaction to it.

Since Wellbutrin causes seizures in some people, do not take it if you have any type of seizure disorder or if you are taking another medication containing bupropion, such as Zyban, the used to help quit smoking. If you have a seizure while taking Wellbutrin, stop taking the drug and never take it again.

Do not take Wellbutrin while abruptly giving up alcohol or sedatives, including tranquilizers such as Librium, Valium, and Xanax. Rapid withdrawal increases the risk of seizures.

If you have had any kind of heart trouble or liver or kidney disease, be sure your doctor knows about it before you start taking Wellbutrin SR. It must be used with extreme caution if you have severe cirrhosis of the liver. A reduced dosage may be needed if you have any sort of liver or kidney problem.

You should not take Wellbutrin if you currently have, or formerly had, an eating disorder. For some reason, people with a history of anorexia nervosa or bulimia seem to be more likely to experience Wellbutrin-related seizures. Do not take Wellbutrin if, within the past 14 days, you have taken a monoamine oxidase inhibitor (MAO inhibitor) drug, such as the antidepressants Marplan, Nardil or Parnate. This particular drug combination could cause you to experience a sudden, dangerous rise in blood pressure.