Bupropion Sustained-Release online information

What is this medicine?

BUPROPION is used to treat depression. It is also effective as a smoking cessation aid

What should I tell my health care provider before I take this medicine?

They need to know if you have any of these conditions:

• an eating disorder, such as anorexia or bulimia
• bipolar disorder or psychosis
• diabetes or high blood sugar, treated with medication
• heart disease, previous heart attack, or irregular heart beat
• head injury or brain tumor
• high blood pressure
• kidney or liver disease
• seizures
• suicidal thoughts or a previous suicide attempt
• Tourette's syndrome
• weight loss
• an unusual or allergic reaction to bupropion, other medicines, foods, dyes, or preservatives
• breast-feeding
• pregnant or trying to become pregnant

How should I use this medicine?

Take this medicine by mouth with a glass of water. Take your medicine twice a day at regular intervals. Do not take your medicine more often than directed. Do not suddenly stop taking your medicine. Your doctor or health care professional may want you to gradually reduce the dose.

Overdosage: If you think you have taken too much of this medicine contact a poison control center or emergency room at once.

NOTE: This medicine is only for you. Do not share this medicine with others.

What if I miss a dose?

If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you can. If it is less than four hours to your next dose, take only that dose and skip the missed dose. Do not take double or extra doses.

What may interact with this medicine?

Do not take this medicine with any of the following medications:

• medicines called MAO Inhibitors like Nardil, Parnate, Marplan, Eldepryl
• other medicines that contain bupropion like Zyban
• procarbazine

This medicine may also interact with the following medications:

• amantadine
• carbamazepine
• cimetidine
• corticosteroids
• cyclophosphamide
• efavirenz
• levodopa or combination drugs containing levodopa
• linezolid
• medicines or herbal products for weight control or appetite
• medicines for mental depression, emotional, or psychotic disturbances
• nelfinavir
• nicotine
• orphenadrine
• phenobarbital
• phenytoin
• ritonavir
• some medicines for heart rhythm or blood pressure
• theophylline
• thiotepa
• tramadol
• warfarin

This list may not describe all possible interactions. Give your health care provider a list of all the medicines, herbs, non-prescription drugs, or dietary supplements you use. Also tell them if you smoke, drink alcohol, or use illegal drugs. Some items may interact with your medicine.

What should I watch for while using this medicine?

Visit your doctor or health care professional for regular checks on your progress. You may have to take this medicine for several days before you start to feel better.

Patients and their families should watch out for depression or thoughts of suicide that get worse. Also watch out for sudden or severe changes in feelings such as feeling anxious, agitated, panicky, irritable, hostile, aggressive, impulsive, severely restless, overly excited and hyperactive, or not being able to sleep. If this happens, especially at the beginning of treatment or after a change in dose, call your doctor.

Alcohol may increase dizziness or drowsiness. Avoid alcoholic drinks while taking this medicine. Drinking excessive alcoholic beverages, using sleeping or anxiety medicines, or quickly stopping the use of these agents while taking this medicine may increase your risk for a seizure.

You may get dizzy or have blurred vision. Do not drive, use machinery, or do anything that needs mental alertness until you know how this medicine affects you. Do not stand or sit up quickly, especially if you are an older patient. This reduces the risk of dizzy or fainting spells.

Your mouth may get dry. Chewing sugarless gum or sucking hard candy, and drinking plenty of water may help. Contact your doctor if the problem does not go away or is severe.

Do not treat yourself for coughs, colds, or allergies without asking your doctor or health care professional. Also do not take any herbal or non-prescription medicines for weight loss without the advice of your doctor or health care professional. Some ingredients may increase possible side effects.

What side effects may I notice from this medicine?

Side effects that you should report to your doctor or health care professional as soon as possible:

• allergic reactions like skin rash, itching or hives, swelling of the face, lips, or tongue
• breathing problems
• changes in vision
• confusion
• fast or irregular heartbeat
• hallucinations
• increased blood pressure
• redness, blistering, peeling or loosening of the skin, including inside the mouth
• seizures
• suicidal thoughts or other mood changes
• unusually weak or tired
• vomiting

Side effects that usually do not require medical attention (report to your doctor or health care professional if they continue or are bothersome):

• change in sex drive or performance
• constipation
• headache
• loss of appetite
• nausea
• tremors
• weight loss

This list may not describe all possible side effects.

Where should I keep my medicine?

Keep out of the reach of children.

Store at room temperature between 15 and 25 degrees C (59 and 77 degrees F), away from direct sunlight and moisture. Keep tightly closed. Throw away any unused medicine after the expiration date.