What is this medication for?
Bupropion belongs to the family of medications known as antidepressants. It is used for the treatment of depression. It works by affecting the balance of chemicals that occur naturally in the brain. For the treatment of depression, the full effects of the medication may not be seen until after several weeks of treatment.
Your doctor may have suggested this medication for conditions other than those listed here. As well, some forms of this medication may not be used for all of the conditions discussed here. If you are not sure why you are taking this medication, speak to your doctor. Do not stop taking this medication without consulting your doctor.
Do not give this medication to anyone else, even if they have the same symptoms as you do. It can be harmful for people to take this medication if their doctor has not prescribed it.
What form(s) does this medication come in?
Wellbutrin® by GlaxoSmithKline is available as:
Some medications may have other generic brands available. Always ask your doctor or pharmacist about the safety of switching between brands of the same medication.
How should I use this medication?
The usual starting dose of bupropion (regular release) for treatment of depression is 100 mg twice daily. Your doctor may choose to increase the dose depending on your response to the medication. The usual recommended dose of bupropion is 100 mg 3 times daily.
The usual starting dose of bupropion (sustained release) for treatment of depression is 150 mg once daily in the morning. Your doctor may choose to increase the dose depending on your response to the medication. The usual recommended dose of bupropion is 150 mg twice daily.
Multiple daily doses should be taken at least 8 hours apart. It is very important that bupropion tablets be swallowed whole. The sustained release formulations of this medication cannot be chewed, crushed, or broken.
Many things can affect the dose of medication that a person needs, such as body weight, other medical conditions, and other medications. If your doctor has recommended a dose different from the ones listed here, do not change the way that you are taking the medication without consulting your doctor.
It is important that this medication be taken exactly as prescribed by your doctor. If you miss a dose, take it as soon as possible and continue with your regular schedule. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and continue with your regular dosing schedule. Do not take a double dose to make up for a missed one. If you are not sure what to do after missing a dose, contact your doctor or pharmacist for advice.
Store this medication at room temperature, protect it from light and moisture, and keep it out of the reach of children.
Who should NOT take this medication?
Bupropion should not be taken by anyone who:
- is allergic to bupropion or to any of the ingredients of this medication
- is having abrupt withdrawal from alcohol or sedatives
- is taking another medication that contains bupropion (e.g., Zyban® or Wellbutrin® SR)
- has a seizure disorder
- has or has had an eating disorder (bulimia or anorexia nervosa)
- has taken a monoamine oxidase inhibitor (MAO inhibitor; e.g., phenelzine, tranylcypromine) within the past 2 weeks