Wellbutrin is an atypical antidepressant. It is unrelated to tricyclic, tetracyclic, selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors or other known antidepressants.

Drug Uses

Wellbutrin is used to treat depression, ADHD (Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder), Bipolar Disorder (manic depression), chronic fatigue syndrome, cocaine and nicotine addiction as well as lower back pain. Welbutrin acts directly on the brain and nerve cells.

How Taken

Wellbutrin comes in tablet form to be taken orally. The usual dosage is one tablet 1-3 times a day. Wellbutrin does not have to be taken with food. It should be swallowed. Do not crush, break, chew or divide the tablet. After Wellbutrin has been used regularly for a couple of weeks, patients generally report an improvement in their condition. Do not stop taking Wellbutrin without your doctor’s permission, even if you feel better. Patients who have been using Wellbutrin for a long time will need the dosage to be gradually reduced before stopping the medication completely. Never increase or decrease the dose without first consulting a doctor.

Missed Dose

If a dose is missed, it can be taken as soon as you remember, as long as it is within four hours of the next scheduled dose. In this case, rather skip the missed dose. Never take a double dose.

More Information

Patients have reported dizziness or losing consciousness when using Wellbutrin. When getting up from a sitting or lying position, do it slowly. If symptoms persist, you should notify your doctor. Limit caffeine intake while using Wellbutrin.

Warnings/Precautions

Your doctor must be informed if you have a history of seizures, head injury or brain tumor, heart/liver/kidney disease, an eating disorder, diabetes, alcohol dependence, allergies, or intention to stop smoking. Be careful when driving, operating machinery or performing any potentially dangerous activity. Avoid activities that cause dizziness or drowsiness. Limit the intake of alcohol, as alcohol can increase the risk of seizures. Do not take Wellbutrin if you are pregnant, likely to become pregnant or breastfeeding as there have not been adequate studies of Wellbutrin’s effects during pregnancy. Wellbutrin is excreted into breast milk. Patients over the age of 65 are likely to be more sensitive to the effects of Wellbutrin.