Wellbutrin XL Helps Treat the Following Conditions:

Major depressive disorder

Depression is a mood disorder, manifesting in feelings of tiredness, apathy, sleep disturbances, and anxiety. While it is normal for all people to experience some negative emotions, patients with depression suffer episodes that may last days or weeks.

Such patients usually have trouble carrying out everyday activities. Depression may require long-term treatment involving medications and psychotherapy.

Seasonal affective disorder (SAD)

Seasonal affective disorder is a type of depression influenced by seasonal changes. Most people begin feeling depressed in the autumn.

Symptoms include oversleeping, food cravings for carbohydrate-rich foods, weight gain, and tiredness. These symptoms persist throughout winter and normally resolve with the advent of spring.

In a small number of patients, depressive episodes start in spring or early summer. Symptoms include anxiety, insomnia, and loss of appetite.

Wellbutrin XL Active Ingredient

Generic Wellbutrin XL Alternative:Bupropion Hydrochloride XL

Wellbutrin XL contains the active ingredient bupropion XL, which helps to balance levels of neurotransmitters like dopamine and norepinephrine in the brain.

General Drug Information 

What is Wellbutirn XL and What Is It Used For?

Wellbutrin XL is prescribed to patients diagnosed with depression and seasonal affective disorder. The medication helps to improve the user’s mood and feeling of well-being. Wellbutrin XL may also be prescribed to smokers who are in the process of quitting.

Usage and Application

Wellbutrin XL should be taken exactly as prescribed by a patient’s doctor, and the dosage depends on the patient’s medical condition, liver function, and response to treatment.

Most patients are prescribed one daily oral dose, usually in the morning. Patients with stomach problems may take the medication with food. Taking Wellbutrin XL late in the day may cause insomnia.

It is necessary to use this medication regularly in order to experience its full benefit. To help patients remember, it is recommended that they take Wellbutrin XL at the same time each day.

The extended-release tablet should be swallowed whole. It should not be split or chewed as this can cause the drug to release all at once, increasing the risk of negative side effects.

Some patients are instructed to start the medication at a low dose and increase it gradually. This is done to reduce the risk of negative side effects. Patients should follow their prescription strictly and take exactly the amount they have been prescribed.

It may take four weeks or longer for patients to experience the full benefit of Wellbutrin XL.

This medication can only be stopped following a consultation with a treating physician. Oftentimes, patients are directed to reduce their dose gradually, giving the body time to readjust.

Considerations Before Taking Wellbutrin XL

Before starting treatment, patients need to discuss the possibility of allergic reactions to Wellbutrin XL.

Patients should mention their medical history, especially problems like diabetes, high blood pressure, heart disease, or liver disease. It is important to alert a physician about any kidney problems, history of glaucoma (both personal or family), and alcohol or drug use.

Wellbutrin XL should not be used if patients decide to suddenly stop the regular use of sedatives like lorazepam. Mixing Wellbutrin XL with alcohol or drugs prescribed to treat seizures should also be avoided as it increases the risk of seizures.

This medication can cause dizziness or drowsiness. Therefore it is not advisable to drive, use machinery, or perform other tasks which require alertness until the effects of the medication are known. Patients should avoid alcohol and talk to their doctor in case they are marijuana users. Older adults may be more sensitive to negative side effects like dizziness and memory loss.

Patients preparing for surgery or certain dental procedures should inform their doctor or dentist about all medicines, supplements and herbal products they are taking.

Women who are pregnant – or planning on becoming pregnant – should discuss the risks and benefits with their doctor. Depression is a serious condition and treatment cannot be stopped suddenly or without prior consultation with a doctor. Wellbutrin XL should only be used when clearly needed during pregnancy.

This medication passes into breast milk and may have undesirable effects on a nursing infant.

Delayed and Omitted Doses

Patients who miss a dose of Wellbutrin XL should take it as soon as they remember. If this happens near the time for the next dose, patients should skip the missed dose and proceed as usual. Patients should not double up the dose in order to catch up.

Other Medications and Wellbutrin XL

Drug interactions may change the way Wellbutrin XL or its generic alternatives work and can increase the risk of side effects. Before starting treatment, patients need to discuss the full list of medications and supplements they are taking with their doctor. Patients should not change their dose or stop taking this medication unless their physician advises them to do so.

Certain medications – like codeine, pimozide, and tamoxifen– may interact negatively with Wellbutrin XL.

There is a risk of serious (and possibly fatal) interaction when this medication is taken with MAO inhibitors. These drugs should not be taken together with Wellbutrin XL. Below is a list of common MAO inhibitors:

• Isocarboxazid
• Linezolid (Zyvox)
• Methylene blue
• Moclobemide (Manerix)
• Phenelzine (Nardil)
• Procarbazine (Matulane)
• Rasagiline (Azilect)
• Safinamide (Xadago)
• Selegiline
• Tranylcypromine (Parnate)

Most of the above-mentioned MAO inhibitors should also not be taken for two weeks before or after the start of treatment.

Patients should also be aware that this medicine may interact with certain lab tests, possibly causing false results. Examples include the urine test for amphetamines and brain scanning for Parkinson’s disease.

Adverse Reactions

Most patients are able to take Wellbutrin XL safely without serious side effects.

Some patients may experience dry mouth, sore throat, nausea, vomiting, dizziness, and headache. Additional symptoms include ringing in the ears, decreased appetite, weight loss, constipation, trouble sleeping, and increased sweating. It is also possible to develop tremors. Patients should contact their doctor in the event these effects persist or worsen.

Some patients may experience empty tablet shells appear in their stool. This is not a cause for concern.

Wellbutrin XL may cause high blood pressure, so patients should regularly monitor this and alert their doctor if their blood pressure is high.

Serious side effects – like irregular heartbeat and unusual weight loss or gain – should immediately be reported to the treating physician. Patients should also monitor for mood changes such as anxiety, agitation, unusual thoughts, and memory loss.

Patients should stop the medication and seek immediate medical assistance in the event they experience seizures, eye pain, swelling or redness, and vision changes. Treatment should also be stopped in the event of vision changes, such as blurred vision and seeing rainbows around lights at night.

Serious allergic reactions to Wellbutrin XL are rare, yet patients should be aware of allergy symptoms such as rash, itching and swelling, severe dizziness and trouble breathing.

How to Store Wellbutrin XL

Wellbutrin XL should be stored at room temperature away from light and moisture. Do not store in the bathroom. Keep away from children and pets.

Unwanted medication should be disposed of properly and should not be poured into drains or flushed down the toilet. Patients should consult a pharmacist or their local waste disposal company to find out more about safe disposal methods.