Wellbutrin

 Category: Stop Smoking

Generic name: Bupropion

Wellbutrin tablets

What is Wellbutrin?

Wellbutrin is an antidepressant that belongs to the aminoketone group of drugs. Unlike many other antidepressants, Wellbutrin is not a tetracyclic or tricyclic antidepressant, neither is it a selective serotonin re-uptake inhibitor. The active ingredient in Wellbutrin is bupropion hydrochloride which is formulated in oral film-coated tablets available in doses of 75mg and 100mg.

Drug Uses

Wellbutrin is used to treat major depressive disorder, and seasonal depression, in adults. The active ingredient, bupropion hydrochloride, has also been known to reduce the craving for nicotine and, as such, can be an effective part of a smoking cessation program. Doctors may prescribe Wellbutrin for other conditions not mentioned in this article.

Dosage

Always use Wellbutrin as prescribed by a doctor. The usual dose for adults is 300mg per day, taken three times a day. The starting dose should be 200mg a day, twice a day. This may be increased to 300mg, three times a day, after three days of starting treatment. The beneficial effects of Wellbutrin may not be experienced for up to four weeks or more.

If there is no improvement after several weeks of treatment, a doctor may increase the dose to a maximum of 450mg a day, taken in equally divided doses of 150mg each. If there is no response to the increased dose after an appropriate period, treatment with Wellbutrin should be stopped.

Never increase or decrease the dose of Wellbutrin without consulting a doctor.

Severe cases of depression may require treatment for several months, or even longer.

Missed Dose

If a dose is missed, it can be taken as soon as you remember, as long as it does not clash with the next scheduled dose. In this case, rather skip the missed dose. Never take a double dose.

Precautions

In the early stages of treatment, antidepressants may increase suicidal thoughts or actions. Members of the patient