Wellbutrin XL
Generic Name:
Bupropion hydrochloride
Brand Names:
Wellbutrin XL
Wellbutrin XL Description:
Wellbutrin XL is an extended-release form of bupropion and is an antidepressant medication used to treat severe depression, known as major depressive disorder. The medication can also be used in the prevention of seasonal affective disorder (SAD), a form of depression that occurs during the fall and winter months.
Wellbutrin XL Side Effects:
Serious side effects of Wellbutrin XL include:
- Confusion
- Delusions
- Hallucinations
- Paranoia
- Seizures
For more information, see our Wellbutrin XL side effects page.
Wellbutrin XL Uses:
Wellbutrin XL is used to treat major depressive disorder, a condition characterized by prominent and persistent depression, anxiety, irritability, or restlessness that interferes with daily functioning.
For a patient to be treated with Wellbutrin XL, there should be at least five of the following nine symptoms of major depression present (that persist for at least two weeks):
- Agitated or retarded movement
- Change in sleep patterns
- Difficulty concentrating
- Dramatic change in appetite (often weight loss or weight gain)
- Fatigue and lack of energy
- Feelings of guilt, worthlessness, or self-hate
- Feelings of hopelessness or helplessness
- Loss of interest in usual activities or decrease in sex drive
- Suicidal thoughts or behavior
Wellbutrin XL can also be used in the treatment of seasonal affective disorder (SAD), a condition characterized by recurrent major depressive episodes that can last up to six months and generally coincide with the fall and winter months, when there is a decrease in daylight.
Wellbutrin XL Interactions:
Do not take any other medications while taking Wellbutrin XL, unless your doctor has approved the combination.
Drugs that will interact negatively with Wellbutrin XL include:
- Amantadine (Symmetrel)
- Antidepressants
- Antipsychotics used to treat hallucinations or schizophrenia
- Betablockers such as atenolol (Tenormin), bisoprolol (Zebeta), carvedilol (Coreg, Coreg CR), labetalol (Trandate), metoprolol (Lopressor, Toprol XL), nadolol (Corgard), propranolol (Inderal), sotalol (Betapace),and timolol (Blocadren)
- Cyclophosphamide (Cytoxan)
- Doxorubicin (Adriamycin, Doxil)
- Efavirenz (Sustiva)
- Levodopa (Parcopa, Sinemet, Sinemet CR, Stalevo)
- Monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs) such as isocarboxazid (Marplan), phenelzine (Nardil), rasagiline (Azilect), selegiline (Eldepryl, Emsam, Zelapar), and tranylcypromine (Parnate)
- Nelfinavir (Viracept)
- Nicotine patches (Nicoderm CQ, Nicotrol)
- Orphenadrine (Norflex)
- Ritonavir (Norvir)
- Steroids such as prednisone or methylprednisolone (Medrol)
- Theophylline
- Thiotepa
- Zyban
Wellbutrin XL Dosage Information:
Typical Dosage Recommendations
Wellbutrin XL should be taken at the same time each day, with 24 hours between doses. Tablets should never be chewed, crushed, or cut, as too much medication could be released at one time.
Initial treatment with Wellbutrin XL is generally 150 mg per day as a single dose in the morning. Dosage may be increased to 300 mg per day, taken as a single dose in the morning, as soon as the fourth day of treatment. Patients requiring higher doses can take up to 450 mg per day after several weeks of treatment.
Missing a Dose of Wellbutrin XL
If you miss a dose of Wellbutrin XL, skip the missed dose and wait to return to your regular dosing schedule. Always allow 24 hours between doses, since this medication is an extended-release form and may cause seizures with overdose. Never take double doses of Wellbutrin XL to make up for a missed dose.
Wellbutrin XL Overdose
Seek emergency medical attention if you believe you have overdosed on Wellbutrin XL. Signs of overdose include:
- Arrhythmia (irregular heartbeat)
- Fainting
- Hallucinations
- Irregular heartbeat
- Loss of consciousness
- Muscle stiffness
- Seizure
- Shallow breathing
- Tachycardia (rapid heartbeat)
Wellbutrin XL FDA Approval:
August 29, 2003
Wellbutrin XL Recall/Black Box Warning Information:
Bupropion is not approved for pediatric patients under the age of 18.
Other Warnings
Suicidal Risk and Antidepressants
Bupropion (Wellbutrin XL) and other antidepressant medications are associated with an increased risk of suicidal thoughts and behaviors in children, adolescents, and young adults within the first few months of treatment. In adults over 24 years of age, antidepressants did not show a marked increase of suicidal thoughts or behaviors.
Patients at a higher risk for depression or suicidal thoughts while taking Wellbutrin XL and other antidepressants include people who have or have had a family history of bipolar disorder or suicidal thoughts and actions.
Patients taking bupropion medications should be closely monitored for signs of worsening depression, suicidal behaviors, or changes in behavior, including insomnia, irritability, aggressiveness, impulsive behavior, panic attacks, or anxiety.
Seizure
There is a possible risk of seizures (convulsions, fits) while taking Wellbutrin XL, and the risk increases with larger doses and in people taking certain medications or with preexisting conditions.
High Blood Pressure
Wellbutrin XL may raise blood pressure and cause hypertension (high blood pressure) in some cases. The risk is increased in people who are trying to stop smoking and using nicotine replacement therapy in combination with Wellbutrin XL.
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