What is the most important information I should know before I buy Bupropion?

Do not stop taking Bupropion without first talking to your doctor. It may be several weeks before you begin to feel better, and you may require continuous treatment for quite some time. Avoid alcohol or drink it only in moderation while taking bupropion. Alcohol may increase the risk of having a seizure while taking bupropion. However, if you drink a lot of alcohol and suddenly stop, you may also increase the risk of having a seizure. Therefore, talk to your doctor about alcohol use before starting treatment with Bupropion. Do not crush, chew, or break the sustained-release tablets (Wellbutrin SR and Zyban). Swallow them whole. They are specially formulated to release slowly in your body. If you are unsure whether you have a sustained-release formulation, ask your pharmacist, doctor, or nurse. Bupropion may be used to treat different medical conditions. You should not be taking more than one product containing bupropion at a time (e.g., Wellbutrin and Zyban). Talk to your doctor if a second product containing Bupropion is prescribed for you. Too much of this medicine can increase the risk of a seizure.

What should I discuss with my healthcare provider before taking Bupropion?

Do not take Bupropion if you have taken a monoamine oxidase inhibitor (MAOI) such as isocarboxazid (Marplan), phenelzine (Nardil), or tranylcypromine (Parnate) in the last 14 days. Do not take Bupropion if you have epilepsy or another type of seizure disorder, or if you have ever been diagnosed with anorexia or bulimia. Bupropion may increase the risk of having a seizure if you have any of these conditions. Before taking this medication, tell your doctor if you have any other medical conditions such as heart, liver, or kidney disease. You may require a dosage adjustment or special monitoring during your treatment with Bupropion. Bupropion may be used to treat different medical conditions. You should not be taking more than one product containing Bupropion at a time (e.g., Wellbutrin and Zyban). Talk to your doctor if a second product containing Bupropion is prescribed for you. Too much of this medicine can increase the risk of a seizure. Bupropion is in the FDA pregnancy category B. This means that it is unlikely to harm an unborn baby. Do not take Bupropion without first talking to your doctor if you are pregnant. It is not known whether Bupropion will harm a nursing baby. Do not take Bupropion without first talking to your doctor if you are breast-feeding a baby.

How should I take Bupropion?

Take Bupropion exactly as directed by your doctor. If you do not understand these directions, ask your pharmacist, nurse, or doctor to explain them to you. Take each dose with a full glass of water. Do not crush, chew, or break the sustained-release tablets (Wellbutrin SR and Zyban). Swallow them whole. They are specially formulated to release slowly in your body. If you are unsure whether you have a sustained-release formulation, ask your pharmacist, doctor, or nurse. Never take more Bupropion in one dose or in one day than is directed by your doctor. Taking too much Bupropion can increase the risk of a seizure. Maximum doses of Bupropion are as follows:  

• Single doses of Zyban should not exceed 150 mg and doses should be taken at least 8 hours apart with a maximum daily dose of 300 mg.

Take Bupropion exactly as directed by your doctor. If you are taking Bupropion to help you stop smoking, a target "quit date" is usually set for a date during the second week of treatment with Bupropion. Although it is not physically harmful to smoke while taking Bupropion, continuing to smoke after the date you set to stop smoking will seriously reduce your chance of breaking the smoking habit. Nicotine replacement products (patches or gum) can be used during treatment with Bupropion under the supervision of a doctor. Bupropion and a nicotine replacement product together may raise your blood pressure and your doctor will probably want to check your blood pressure regularly. Do not smoke at any time if you are using a nicotine product along with Bupropion as this can cause serious side effects from too much nicotine. Do not stop taking Bupropion without first talking to your doctor. It may be several weeks before you begin to feel better, and you may require continuous treatment for quite some time. Bupropion tablets may have an odor. If present, this odor is normal. Store Bupropion at room temperature away from moisture and heat.

What happens if I miss a dose of Bupropion?

Skip the missed dose and take only your next regularly scheduled dose. Do not take a double dose.

What happens if I overdose on Bupropion?

Seek emergency medical attention. Symptoms of a Bupropion overdose include seizures, hallucinations, loss of consciousness, weakness, a fast heartbeat, and heart attack.

What should I avoid while taking Bupropion?

Avoid alcohol or drink it only in moderation while taking Bupropion. Alcohol may increase the risk of having a seizure while taking Bupropion. However, if you drink a lot of alcohol and suddenly stop, you may also increase the risk of having a seizure. Therefore, talk to your doctor about alcohol use before starting treatment with Bupropion. Use caution when driving, operating machinery, or performing other hazardous activities. Bupropion may cause dizziness or drowsiness. If you experience dizziness or drowsiness, avoid these activities. Dizziness may be more likely to occur when you rise from a sitting or lying position. Rise slowly to prevent dizziness and a possible fall. Bupropion may be used to treat different medical conditions. You should not be taking more than one product containing Bupropion at a time (e.g., Wellbutrin and Zyban). Talk to your doctor if a second product containing Bupropion is prescribed for you. Too much of this medicine can increase the risk of a seizure.

What are the possible side effects of Bupropion?

If you experience any of the following uncommon but serious side effects, stop taking Bupropion and seek emergency medical attention or contact your doctor immediately:

• an allergic reaction (difficulty breathing; closing of your throat; swelling of your lips, tongue, or face; or hives);
• seizures; or
• fast or irregular heartbeats.

Other, less serious side effects may be more likely to occur. Continue to take Bupropion and talk to your doctor if you experience

• headache;
• insomnia;
• dry mouth;
• tremors, restlessness, agitation, or anxiety;
• dizziness or drowsiness;
• sweating;
• skin rash;
• ringing in the ears;
• flulike symptoms such as aching muscles, fatigue, and discomfort;
• frequent urination; or
• weight loss or gain.

Side effects other than those listed here may also occur. Talk to your doctor about any side effect that seems unusual or that is especially bothersome.

What other drugs will affect Bupropion?

Do not take Bupropion if you have taken a monoamine oxidase inhibitor (MAOI) such as isocarboxazid (Marplan), phenelzine (Nardil), or tranylcypromine (Parnate) in the last 14 days. Many drugs can interact with Bupropion, resulting in side effects and/or decreased effectiveness of the medication. Do not take any other prescription or over-the-counter medicines, including herbal or natural products, without first talking to your doctor during treatment with Bupropion.

Where can I get more information on Bupropion?

Your pharmacist has more information about Bupropion written for health professionals that you may read.