Key facts about Wellbutrin SR
What is Wellbutrin SR?
Wellbutrin SR is the brand name for bupropion and is available as a sustained-realease oral tablet.
What dosages is Wellbutrin SR available in?
Wellbutrin SR is available as a 100 mg, 150 mg, and 200 mg sustained-realease oral tablet.
What is Wellbutrin SR used for?
Wellbutrin SR is an atypical antidepressant that is used to treat:
- Depression
- Seasonal affective disorder (SAD) – only bupropion HCl extended-release (Wellbutrin XL)
How does Wellbutrin SR work?
Wellbutrin SR is an atypical antidepressant. It’s not fully known how the medication works but it’s thought to boost norepinephrine and dopamine levels in the brain, which can help to improve mood and depression.
How do I take Wellbutrin SR?
Wellbutrin SR is typically started at 150 mg by mouth once daily in the morning. After 3 days, your provider might raise your dose to 150 mg twice daily with at least 8 hours between doses. The maximum dose is 400 mg per day.
Is it safe for me to take Wellbutrin SR?
Wellbutrin SR is a safe and effective treatment when used for FDA licensed indications. However, like all medications, they may give you unwanted side effects. You should always discuss potential side effects with your physician to ensure the medication is suitable and right for you. You should not use this medication if you have any of the following:
- History of seizures
- History of eating disorders (e.g., bulimia or anorexia)
- Stopping alcohol, benzodiazepines, barbiturates, antiepileptic medications suddenly
- Take, have recently taken (within the last 14 days), or plan to take (within the next 14 days) medications called monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs), such as rasagiline (Azilect) or selegiline (Eldepryl)
- Treatment with linezolid or intravenous methylene blue
Wellbutrin SR Common Side Effects
Common side effects of Wellbutrin SR:
- Headache
- Dry mouth
- Nausea
- Trouble sleeping
- Dizziness
- Sore throat
- Constipation
- Restlessness (agitation)
- Stomach pain
- Anxiety
Wellbutrin SR Serious Side Effects
Serious side effects are rare with Wellbutrin SR. Contact your healthcare provider immediately if you experience any of the following.
- Suicidal thoughts and changes in mood or behavior
- Serious allergic reactions: itchy skin, skin rash, hives, swelling, shortness of breath, chest pain
- Severe skin reactions: painful rash, fluid-filled blisters, fever, sore throat, peeling skin
- Seizures
- Manic episodes: very high or low energy, angry or very happy, problems with sleep
- Vision problems: eye pain, changes in vision, swelling or redness in or around the eye
Effects of other drugs, drug classes and over-the-counter products on Wellbutrin SR
The following medications may interact with Wellbutrin SR:
- CYP2B6 inducers: Dose increase may be necessary if coadministered with CYP2B6 inducers (e.g., ritonavir, lopinavir, efavirenz carbamazepine, phenobarbital, and phenytoin) based on clinical response but should not exceed the maximum recommended dose
- Drugs metabolized by CYP2D6: Bupropion inhibits CYP2D6 and can increase concentrations of: antidepressants (e.g., venlafaxine nortriptyline, imipramine, desipramine, paroxetine, fluoxetine, sertraline) antipsychotics (e.g., haloperidol, risperidone, thioridazine), beta-blockers (e.g., metoprolol), and Type 1C antiarrhythmics (e.g., propafenone flecainide) Consider dose reduction when using with bupropio.
- Digoxin: May decrease plasma digoxin levels. Monitor digoxin levels
- Drugs that lower seizure threshold: Dose Wellbutrin SR with caution
- Dopaminergic drugs (levodopa and amantadine): CNS toxicity can occur when used concomitantly with Wellbutrin SR
- MAOIs: Increased risk of hypertensive reactions can occur when used concomitantly with Wellbutrin SR
- Drug-laboratory test interactions: Wellbutrin SR can cause falsepositive urine test results for amphetamines
Who makes Wellbutrin SR?
GlaxoSmithKline
Is Wellbutrin SR safe in pregnancy?
It is not known if Wellbutrin SR will harm your
unborn baby. You and your doctor will have to decide if you should take Wellbutrin SR while you are pregnant or if you plan to become pregnant. There is an independent pregnancy exposure registry that monitors pregnancy outcomes in
women exposed to any antidepressants during pregnancy. Healthcare providers are encouraged
to register patients by calling the National Pregnancy Registry for Antidepressants at 1-844-405-
6185 or visiting online at MGH Center for womens mental health.
