Brand Name: Wellbutrin SR (not available in generic)

Manufacturer: GlaxoWellcome, Inc.

Description: Bupropion hydrochloride is an antidepressant in the aminoketone class and is chemically unrelated to tricyclic, tetracyclic, or other known antidepressant agents. Its neurochemical mechanism of action is unknown.                         

Indications and Uses: Bupropion is approved for use to treat depression. Recently it has been used with some success to treat Attention Deficit - Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD), although this is not a use that has been approved by the FDA.

Contraindications, Warnings and Precautions: Wellbutrin SR should not be used in patients with a seizure disorder. Wellbutrin SR may cause generalized seizures in a dose dependent manner.  Wellbutrin SR should not be taken with Zyban because Zyban contains the same active ingredients.  Patients diagnosed with anorexia or bulimia (current or prior) should not take Bupropion because a higher incidence of seizures when such patients took Wellbutrin immediate release.  Bupropion is contraindicated in patients on MAOI's (monoamine oxidase inhibitors).  Not recommended for nursing mothers because of the potential for adverse reactions in their nursing infants.  There are no adequate and well controlled studies in pregnant woman.

Adverse Reactions: Possible common side effects are agitation, dry mouth, insomnia, sweaty, anorexia,  headache/migraine, nausea, dizziness, tinnitus, mylagia, abdominal pain, constipation, and tremor. Bupropion does not generally cause sexual dysfunction (loss of interest and inability to orgasm) often associated with many other antidepressants.

Dosing Range: Usual adult target dosage is 300 mg per day given in divided doses. Usually dosing begins at 150mg per day. The maximum allowable daily dose is 400mg per day given in divided doses. There should be an 8 hour interval between doses.  Dosing should be done in a manner to minimize seizure risk.

 Increasing dosages should be done slowly to avoid agitation and insomnia. Timing the last dose after the evening meal rather than at bedtime can minimize insomnia.

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© 2000 Red Oak Psychiatry Associates, P.A.    Updated 11/26/2007