Bupropion (Systemic)

Brand Names : Wellbutrin, Wellbutrin SR, Zyban, amfebutamone

Proper Use of This Medicine

Use bupropion only as directed by your doctor . Do not use more of it, do not use it more often, and do not use it for a longer time than your doctor ordered. To do so may increase the chance of side effects.

For patients taking the prompt-release tablet form of this medicine

• Take doses at least 4 hours apart to decrease the chance of seizures.

For patients taking the extended-release tablet form of this medicine

• Take doses at least 8 hours apart to decrease the chance of seizures.
• Swallow tablets whole. Do not crush, break, or chew them.

To lessen stomach upset, this medicine may be taken with food, unless your doctor has told you to take it on an empty stomach.

For patients taking this medicine to help stop smoking

• Start taking bupropion 1 week before you plan to stop smoking. A date in the second week that you are taking bupropion should be chosen as the target date on which to stop smoking.
• While you are taking bupropion it is important to participate in a support program to help you stop smoking, as recommended by your doctor.

For patients taking this medicine for mental depression

• Usually this medicine must be taken for several weeks before you feel better. Your doctor should check your progress at regular visits.
• You will probably need to keep taking bupropion for at least 6 months to help prevent the return of the depression.

Dosing - The dose of bupropion will be different for different patients. Follow your doctor's orders or the directions on the label . The following information includes only the average doses of bupropion. If your dose is different, do not change it unless your doctor tells you to do so.

The number of tablets that you take depends on the strength of the medicine. Also, the number of doses you take each day, the time allowed between doses, and the length of time you take the medicine depend on the medical problem for which you are taking bupropion .

• For oral extended-release dosage form (tablets):
  • For mental depression:
    • Adults - At first, 150 milligrams (mg) once a day in the morning. Your doctor may increase your dose as needed. However, the dose usually is not more than 200 mg two times a day.
    • Children - Use and dose must be determined by your doctor.
  • To help you stop smoking:
    • Adults - At first, 150 mg once a day. Your doctor may increase your dose as needed. However, the dose usually is not more than 150 mg two times a day.
    • Children - Use and dose must be determined by your doctor.

• For oral prompt-release dosage form (tablets):
  • For mental depression:
    • Adults - At first, 100 mg two times a day. Your doctor may increase your dose as needed. However, the dose usually is not more than 150 mg three times a day.
    • Children - Use and dose must be determined by your doctor.

Missed dose - If you are taking the extended-release or the prompt-release form of this medicine and you miss a dose, skip the missed dose and go back to your regular dosing schedule. Do not double doses.

Storage - To store this medicine:

• Keep out of the reach of children.
• Store away from heat and direct light.
• Do not store in the bathroom, near the kitchen sink, or in other damp places. Heat or moisture may cause the medicine to break down.
• Do not keep outdated medicine or medicine no longer needed. Be sure that any discarded medicine is out of the reach of children.