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Wellbutrin: How and when should this
antidepressant be taken?
How should you take this
antidepressant?
 You
should take Wellbutrin exactly as your doctor prescribes it. The usual dosage
regimen for this antidepressant is 3 equal doses spaced evenly throughout the
day. Allow at least six hours between doses. Your doctor will probably start
at a low dosage of Wellbutrin and gradually increase it to help minimize the
side effects of this antidepressant.
Wellbutrin SR is the
sustained release form, and is usually taken in two doses at least eight hours
apart. You should swallow all Wellbutrin SR tablets whole and should not chew,
divide or crush them.
If this antidepressant works
for you, your doctor will probably have you continue taking it for at least
several months.
If you miss a dose...
If it is within four hours
of your next dose however you should skip the one you miss and get back to your
regular schedule. Never take more than one dose at a time.
Storage instructions for Wellbutrin...
Store this antidepressant
medication at room temperature. You should protect it from light and moisture.
When should Wellbutrin not
be prescribed?
You should not take this
antidepressant if you’re sensitive to or have ever had an allergic reaction to
it. Also, Wellbutrin has been known to cause seizures in some people. You
should not take it if you have had any type of seizure disorder or if you are
taking another medication containing buproprian, such as Zyban, the quit smoking
medication. If you have a seizure while taking Wellbutrin, stop taking this
medication and never take it again.
You should not take this
antidepressant when trying to give up alcohol or sedatives abruptly. This
includes tranquilizers such as Librium, Valium, and Xanax. Rapid withdrawal
will increase the risk of seizures.
If you've had any kind of
heart trouble or liver or kidney disease, you should be sure that your doctor
knows about it before you start taking this antidepressant. It must be used
with extreme caution if you have ever had a problem with cirrhosis of the
liver. A reduced dosage may be required if you ever had any type of liver or
kidney problem.
You should not take
Wellbutrin if you currently have an eating disorder or of ever had a similar
problem. People with eating disorders have been found to have an increased risk
for seizures with this antidepressant. You should also not take this medication
if within the past 14 days you've taken a monoamine oxidase inhibitor (MAO
inhibitor) drug such as the antidepressants Marplan, Nardil or Parnate. This
particular drug combination may cause you to have a dangerous and sudden
increase in blood pressure.
Information provided by
The PDR Pocket Guide to Prescription Drugs - Sixth Edition
Additional information by
Paul Susic M.A. Licensed Psychologist Ph.D. Candidate
 See additional
pictures of various dosages of Wellbutrin
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