Wellbutrin XL (Bupropion)

Do’s

• Before starting or refilling a prescription for Wellbutrin XL, read the Medication Guide provided by your pharmacist and consult your healthcare provider if you have any questions.
• Take Wellbutrin XL by mouth with or without food as directed by your healthcare provider, usually once daily in the morning. Swallow the tablets whole. 
• If you experience stomach upset, you may take this medication with or after a meal or snack. Taking this medication late in the day may cause trouble sleeping (insomnia).
• Take this medication regularly to get the most benefit from it, and to help you remember, take it at the same time each day.
• The dosage is based on your medical condition and response to treatment. Your healthcare provider may direct you to start this medication at a low dose and gradually increase your dose to reduce the risk of side effects. 
• It may take 4 weeks or longer before you get the full benefit of this drug. Inform your healthcare provider if your condition does not improve or if it worsens.

Don’ts

• Do not crush or chew the tablets, as doing so can release all of the drug at once, increasing the risk of side effects
• Do not increase your dose or use this drug more often or for longer than prescribed, as your condition will not improve any faster, and your risk of side effects will increase.
• Do not stop taking this medication without consulting your healthcare provider, as your dose may need to be gradually decreased. 

Common Side Effects:

• Trouble sleeping
• Feeling anxious
• Stuffy nose
• Nausea
• Dry mouth
• Constipation
• Dizziness
• Joint aches
• Appetite loss
• Changes in the way food tastes
• Drowsiness
• Flushing
• Gas
• Hair loss
• Increased sweating
• Nervousness
• Restlessness
• Ringing in your ears
• Tremors
• Urinating more than usual
• Vomiting
• Weakness
• Weight loss

Severe Side Effects:

• Allergic reaction (symptoms can include a skin rash; hives, itching; difficulty breathing; feeling of tightness in your chest)
• Serious skin reaction (fever, sore throat, burning eyes, skin pain, red or purple skin rash with blistering and peeling)

Symptoms such as anxiety, irritability, impulsivity, trouble sleeping, aggressive behavior, or suicidal thoughts that are new, worse, or worrisome should prompt a call to your healthcare provider right away.

This is not an exhaustive list of side effects. If you experience any side effects while taking Wellbutrin XL, consult your healthcare provider for guidance and appropriate management.

Wellbutrin XL can interact with a wide range of medications, including prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products. Not all possible interactions are listed, discuss all medications with your healthcare provider.

Stopping Wellbutrin XL suddenly may cause withdrawal symptoms. Talk to your healthcare provider before stopping the medication, as they can help you slowly lower your dose if needed and stop taking Wellbutrin safely

Wellbutrin XL is contraindicated in patients with a current or prior diagnosis of bulimia or anorexia nervosa, as a higher incidence of seizures was observed in such patients treated with Wellbutrin. It is also contraindicated in patients undergoing abrupt discontinuation of alcohol, benzodiazepines, barbiturates, and antiepileptic drugs.

The use of MAOIs (intended to treat psychiatric disorders) concomitantly with Wellbutrin XL or within 14 days of discontinuing treatment with Wellbutrin XL is contraindicated due to the increased risk of hypertensive reactions

The information provided is not exhaustive, and individuals should consult with their healthcare provider for personalized advice and guidance regarding the use of Wellbutrin XL.