Before you begin using a medication, be sure to inform your doctor of any medical conditions or Allergies you may have, any medications you are taking, whether you are pregnant or breast-feeding, and any other significant facts about your health. These factors may affect how you should use Wellbutrin XL (Bupropion).
Drowsiness/reduced alertness: Wellbutrin XL (Bupropion) may affect the mental or physical abilities needed to drive or operate machinery. Avoid driving, operating machinery, or performing other hazardous tasks until you have determined how Wellbutrin XL (Bupropion) affects you.
Glaucoma: Wellbutrin XL (Bupropion) may cause the symptoms of glaucoma (increased pressure in the eye) to become worse. If you have glaucoma, discuss with your doctor how Wellbutrin XL (Bupropion) may affect your medical condition, how your medical condition may affect the dosing and effectiveness of Wellbutrin XL (Bupropion), and whether any special monitoring is needed. Report any changes in vision to your doctor as soon as possible while you are taking Wellbutrin XL (Bupropion).
Heart disease: It is not known whether Wellbutrin XL (Bupropion) is safe for use by people with a recent history of Heart Attack or unstable heart disease. Wellbutrin XL (Bupropion) may cause increases in blood pressure. If you have heart problems, discuss with your doctor how Wellbutrin XL (Bupropion) may affect your medical condition, how your medical condition may affect the dosing and effectiveness of Wellbutrin XL (Bupropion), and whether any special monitoring is needed.
Identical medications: Wellbutrin® XL, Wellbutrin® SR, Zyban®, and several other medications contain the same active ingredient (Wellbutrin XL (Bupropion)). If you are taking one of these medications, do not take the other or any other product containing Wellbutrin XL (Bupropion), as the risk of seizures increases with an increased dosage. To reduce the risk of seizures, the total daily dose of Wellbutrin XL (Bupropion) should not be greater than 300 mg.
Kidney function: Wellbutrin XL (Bupropion) is removed from the body by the kidneys. Decreased kidney function can cause Wellbutrin XL (Bupropion) to build up in the body, causing side effects. If you have Kidney Disease, discuss with your doctor how Wellbutrin XL (Bupropion) may affect your medical condition, how your medical condition may affect the dosing and effectiveness of Wellbutrin XL (Bupropion), and whether any special monitoring is needed.
Liver function: Wellbutrin XL (Bupropion) is removed from the body by the liver. Decreased liver function can cause Wellbutrin XL (Bupropion) to build up in the body, causing side effects. If you have liver disease, discuss with your doctor how Wellbutrin XL (Bupropion) may affect your medical condition, how your medical condition may affect the dosing and effectiveness of Wellbutrin XL (Bupropion), and whether any special monitoring is needed.
Wellbutrin XL (Bupropion) may also cause a decrease in liver function. If you experience symptoms of liver problems such as fatigue, feeling unwell, loss of appetite, nausea, yellowing of the skin or whites of the eyes, dark urine, pale stools, abdominal pain or swelling, and itchy skin, contact your doctor immediately.
Seizure risk: Wellbutrin XL (Bupropion) may increase the risk of seizures. If you are at risk of seizures, discuss with your doctor how Wellbutrin XL (Bupropion) may affect your medical condition, how your medical condition may affect the dosing and effectiveness of Wellbutrin XL (Bupropion), and whether any special monitoring is needed.
Things which increase the risk of seizures include:
- addiction to cocaine, stimulants (e.g., amphetamines), or opiates (e.g., Morphine, Codeine, Oxycodone)
- Diabetes treated with oral medications or insulin
- excessive alcohol use
- history of head trauma or seizures (including Epilepsy)
- severe liver problems
- tumours of the brain or spinal cord
- use of other medications that make seizures more likely (e.g., antipsychotics, antidepressants, lithium, Theophylline, steroids)
- use of over-the-counter stimulants or appetite suppressants
Stopping the medication: Stopping Wellbutrin XL (Bupropion) suddenly may lead to side effects. If you are thinking of stopping the medication, check with your doctor first.
Serotonin syndrome: Severe reactions are possible when Wellbutrin XL (Bupropion) is combined with other medications that act on serotonin, such as tricyclic antidepressants and serotonin reuptake inhibitors, other medications used to treat depression. Similar effects occur when too much Wellbutrin XL (Bupropion) is taken or is allowed to build up in the body. Symptoms of a reaction may include muscle rigidity and spasms, difficulty moving, and changes in mental state including delirium and agitation. These reactions should be treated as a medical emergency and immediate medical treatment should be obtained as coma and death are possible.
Suicidal or agitated behaviour, or other behaviour changes: Especially in the first few weeks or when doses are changed, a small number of people may feel worse instead of better when taking Wellbutrin XL (Bupropion). People may feel agitated (restless, anxious, aggressive, emotional, and feeling not like themselves), or they may want to hurt themselves or others. If you experience these side effects or notice them in a family member who is taking Wellbutrin XL (Bupropion), contact your doctor immediately. Your doctor will monitor you closely for these side effects while you are taking Wellbutrin XL (Bupropion).
Pregnancy: Wellbutrin XL (Bupropion) should not be taken during pregnancy unless the benefits outweigh the risks. It has been reported that babies born to pregnant women who have taken medications of this kind during pregnancy may be adversely affected. If you become pregnant while taking Wellbutrin XL (Bupropion), contact your doctor immediately.
Breast-feeding: Wellbutrin XL (Bupropion) passes into breast milk. Because Wellbutrin XL (Bupropion) presents risks to breast-feeding infants, a decision should be made whether to discontinue breast-feeding or to discontinue Wellbutrin XL (Bupropion), taking into account the importance of the medication to the mother. Talk to your doctor about whether you should continue breast-feeding.
Children: The safety and effectiveness of using Wellbutrin XL (Bupropion) have not been established for children and adolescents under 18 years of age. The use of Wellbutrin XL (Bupropion) in children under 18 may cause behavioural and emotional changes, such as suicidal thoughts and behaviour.
Seniors: Because Wellbutrin XL (Bupropion) is removed from the body by the kidneys and liver, seniors may be at an increased risk of side effects, including seizures, if they use Wellbutrin XL (Bupropion). If you are over 65, discuss with your doctor whether any special monitoring is required.
