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Wellbutrin
Pronounced: Well-BEW-trin
Generic name: Bupropion hydrochloride
Other brand name: Wellbutrin SR
Wellbutrin, a relatively new antidepressant medication, is given to help relieve certain kinds of major depression.
Major depression involves a severely depressed mood (for 2 weeks or more) and loss of interest or pleasure in usual activities accompanied by sleep and appetite disturbances, agitation or lack of energy, feelings of guilt or worthlessness, decreased sex drive, inability to concentrate, and perhaps thoughts of suicide.
Unlike the more familiar tricyclic antidepressants, such as Elavil, Tofranil, and others, Wellbutrin tends to have a somewhat stimulating effect.
The drug is available in regular and sustained-release formulations (Wellbutrin SR).
No single dose of Wellbutrin should exceed 150 milligrams.
*Large amounts of alcohol are to be avoided with this medication. Large amounts of alcohol can increase your risk of seizures if you are taking Wellbutrin.
ADULTS
Wellbutrin
At the beginning, your dose will probably be 200 milligrams per day, taken as 100 milligrams 2 times a day. After at least 3 days at this dose, your doctor may increase the dosage to 300 milligrams per day, taken as 100 milligrams 3 times a day, with at least 6 hours between doses. This is the usual adult dose. The maximum recommended dosage is 450 milligrams per day taken in doses of no more than 150 milligrams each.
Wellbutrin SR
The usual starting dose is 150 milligrams in the morning. After 3 days, if you do well, your doctor will have you take another 150 milligrams at least 8 hours after the first dose. It may be 4 weeks before you feel the benefit and you will take the drug for several months. The maximum recommended dose is 400 milligrams a day, taken in doses of 200 milligrams each.
If you have severe cirrhosis of the liver, your dosage should be no more than 75 milligrams once a day. With less serious liver and kidney problems, the dosage will be somewhat reduced.
CHILDREN
The safety and effectiveness in children under 18 years old have not been established.
OLDER ADULTS
Although they are more sensitive to antidepressant drugs, older people have responded no differently to Wellbutrin than younger people. |
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