Monograph Details

Central Nervous System > Mood disorders
WELLBUTRIN
Manufacturer
GlaxoSmithKline Pharmaceuticals
Legal Classification
Rx
Pharmacological Class
Aminoketone.
Generic Name
Bupropion HCl 75mg, 100mg; immediate-rel tabs.
Also
WELLBUTRIN SR
WELLBUTRIN XL
Indications
Depression.
Children
<18yrs: not recommended.
Adults
Avoid bedtime dosing. ≥18yrs: initially 100mg twice daily for at least 3 days; if tolerated, increase to 100mg 3 times daily at least 6 hrs apart; max increase 100mg/day per 3-day period. May increase after several weeks to max 450mg/day in 3 divided doses; max single dose: 150mg (give 400mg/day as 100mg 4 times daily at least 4 hrs apart). Severe hepatic cirrhosis: max 75mg once daily. Mild-moderate hepatic cirrhosis, or renal impairment: consider reduced dose and/or dose frequency.
Contraindications
Seizure disorders. Bulimia. Anorexia nervosa. Within 14 days of MAOIs. Abrupt withdrawal of sedatives or alcohol. Other forms of bupropion (eg, Zyban).
Precautions
Seizure risk or history. Discontinue if seizure occurs; do not restart. Bipolar disorder. Psychosis. Unstable heart disease. CHF. Recent MI. Hepatic or renal dysfunction. Suicidal tendencies. Maintain at lowest effective dose. Write Rx for smallest practical amount. Elderly. Labor & delivery. Pregnancy (Cat.C). Nursing mothers: not recommended.
Interactions
See Contraindications. Avoid alcohol. Levodopa, amantadine may increase toxicity. Caution with drugs that lower seizure threshold (eg, quinolones, theophylline, antidiabetics, anorectics, CNS stimulants, systemic steroids, antidepressants, antipsychotics) or factors that lower seizure threshold (eg, opiate or cocaine addiction, excessive use of alcohol or sedatives). Caution with drugs metabolized by CYP2B6 (eg, orphenadrine, cyclophosphamide) or CYP2D6 including tricyclic antidepressants, SSRIs (eg, paroxetine, fluoxetine, sertraline), antipsychotics (eg, haloperidol, risperidone, thioridazine), β-blockers (eg, metoprolol), Class 1C antiarrhythmics (eg, propafenone, flecainide); consider dose reduction. May be affected by metabolic enzyme inducers (eg, carbamazepine, phenobarbital, phenytoin), or inhibitors (eg, cimetidine). Monitor for hypertension with nicotine replacement.
Adverse Reactions
CNS stimulation (eg, agitation, insomnia, seizures, tremor, dizziness), mania/hypomania, psychosis, weight change, dry mouth, headache, migraine, GI effects, edema, rash (rarely may be serious, eg, erythema multiforme, Stevens-Johnson syndrome), palpitations, urinary frequency, sweating, tinnitus, myalgia, hypertension.
Extra Text
Note: Register pregnant women exposed to bupropion by calling (800) 336-2176.
How Supplied
XL tabs—30, 90
SR tabs—60
Immediate-rel tabs—100
Additional Resources
Related Prescribing Note