Wellbutrin Information: Exploring Adverse Reactions, Proper Dosing, Potential Substitutes, and Additional Details
Wellbutrin, a brand-name prescription drug, is available in two forms: Wellbutrin SR and Wellbutrin XL. Both forms are long-acting and release their active drug slowly into the body over time. The generic version of Wellbutrin is called bupropion ER.
Release Mechanism and Duration
The primary differences between Wellbutrin SR and Wellbutrin XL lie in their release mechanisms and dosing schedules.
- Wellbutrin SR is a sustained-release formulation, meaning it releases the active ingredient, bupropion, more quickly than Wellbutrin XL, reaching steady levels in about 3 hours. It provides medication for up to 12 hours and typically requires twice-daily dosing.
- Wellbutrin XL is an extended-release formulation, taking about 5 hours to reach steady levels in the bloodstream. It releases medication over a longer period, lasting up to 24 hours, allowing for once-daily dosing.
Usage and FDA Approval
Both medications are effective for treating depression. Wellbutrin XL is also FDA-approved for seasonal affective disorder (SAD), a type of depression that occurs during the fall and winter months.
Side Effects and Overall Impact
While both medications increase the risk of suicidal thoughts in children, adolescents, and young adults, the slower release of Wellbutrin XL may lead to fewer side effects compared to Wellbutrin SR due to lower peak concentrations.
Important Information for Users
- If you'd like to stop taking Wellbutrin, talk with your doctor.
- If you have thoughts of harming yourself, call 911 or your local emergency number.
- Before taking Wellbutrin, talk with your doctor about your health history.
- If you're pregnant or planning a pregnancy, talk with your doctor before taking Wellbutrin.
- If you're breastfeeding or considering it, talk with your doctor before taking Wellbutrin.
- Wellbutrin is not approved for use in children.
- Wellbutrin may cause a false-positive test result for amphetamines in the urine.
- Wellbutrin should be stored at room temperature between 68°F to 77°F (20°C to 25°C) for Wellbutrin SR and around 77°F (25°C) for Wellbutrin XL.
Dosage and Administration
- When used to help prevent SAD, the typical starting dosage of Wellbutrin XL is 150 mg once per day, and the maximum recommended dosage is 450 mg once per day.
- For SAD, you may take Wellbutrin XL for short periods during the year.
- When used to treat depression, the typical starting dosage of Wellbutrin XL is 150 mg once per day, and the maximum recommended dosage is 450 mg once per day.
- When used to treat depression, the typical starting dosage of Wellbutrin SR is 150 mg once per day, and the maximum recommended dosage is 200 mg twice per day.
Precautions and Interactions
- Wellbutrin can interact with certain antiplatelet drugs, certain antiviral drugs, certain antiseizure drugs, certain antidepressants, certain antipsychotics, certain heart rhythm drugs, certain beta-blockers, certain corticosteroids, certain dopamine agonists, the cancer drug tamoxifen, and the xanthine drug theophylline.
- It's important that you do not stop Wellbutrin treatment "cold turkey" (suddenly).
- Wellbutrin may cause a mild or serious side effects, including headache, sleep problems, increased or decreased libido, sweating, digestive problems, hot flashes, dry mouth or sore throat, dizziness, ringing in the ears, tremor, heart palpitations, muscle pain, skin rash, changes in body weight, and mild allergic reaction.
Availability and Cost
- The cost of Wellbutrin can vary depending on insurance, location, and pharmacy.
- Getting a 90-day supply of Wellbutrin could reduce your number of trips to the pharmacy and help lower the cost.
- Wellbutrin is available in generic versions called bupropion ER.
- Wellbutrin may be available through a mail-order pharmacy.
Reporting Side Effects
- If you would like to notify the FDA about a side effect you've had with Wellbutrin, you can do so through MedWatch.
Seeking Help in Crisis
- Help is available for people in crisis and considering suicide or self-harm. If you or someone you know is in crisis, please reach out to a mental health professional or call a suicide prevention hotline. In the US, you can reach the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 1-800-273-TALK (1-800-273-8255) or text HOME to 741741 to connect with a Crisis Text Line counselor.
- The drug Wellbutrin is used to manage several mental-health conditions, including depression and seasonal affective disorder (SAD).
- Apart from Wellbutrin, bupropion ER is its generic counterpart.
- The release mechanisms and dosing schedules differ between Wellbutrin SR and Wellbutrin XL.
- Wellbutrin SR takes about 3 hours to reach steady levels, providing medication for up to 12 hours with twice-daily dosing, while Wellbutrin XL takes about 5 hours to reach steady levels, lasting up to 24 hours with once-daily dosing.
- Both medications can increase the risk of suicidal thoughts in children, adolescents, and young adults, but the slower release of Wellbutrin XL may lead to fewer side effects.
- When using Wellbutrin, it's important to discuss health history, pregnancies, breastfeeding plans, and any other medications with a doctor.
- Wellbutrin should not be stopped suddenly without consulting a doctor, as it may cause adverse reactions.
- Potential side effects include headaches, sleep problems, digestive issues, and skin rash, among others.
- Wellbutrin may interact with several medications, including antidepressants, antipsychotics, heart rhythm drugs, and corticosteroids.
- It's crucial to report any side effects to the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) through MedWatch.
- In a mental health crisis, help is available in the US through the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline (1-800-273-TALK) and the Crisis Text Line (text HOME to 741741). Besides mental-health crises, Wellbutrin can be used to manage chronic diseases like obesity, COPD, and certain autoimmune disorders, as well as respiratory and digestive health conditions, cardiovascular health, neurological disorders, and skin conditions. Additionally, environmental science plays an essential role in understanding the origins and progression of various health-related concerns, such as degeneration, macular degeneration, cancer, and hearing impairments. Proper management and prevention can contribute significantly to overall health and wellness.
