Wellbutrin is brand name for bupropion. It is an antidepressant drug. Wellbutrin is used for treatment of major depressive disorder and seasonal affective disorder. It works in brain and effectively treats depressive disorders. It is produced by GlaxoSmithKline. Wellbutrin is also classified as one among the SSRI (Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors) prescription drugs.
Common side effects of Wellbutrin
Wellbutrin can produce many common side effects, which are not dangerous in nature. They are listed below:
- It can produce headache or migraine;
- Other common side effect of this drug is sleep problems or insomnia
- It can also cause nausea and vomiting
- Constipation and dry mouth are other common side effects of this drug
- It can also produce dizziness, tremors or shaking
- It can lead to appetite changes
- It can cause weight changes
- It can produce allergic reaction such as mild itching or skin rash
- It can increase sweating
- Patients using it could have loss of interest in sex
- It can also cause sore throat
- It can cause joint aches
- Blurred vision, strange taste in the mouth are other common side effects of Wellbutrin.
Serious side effects
Some times it can produce severe or fatal side effects too. In such a case immediately seek medical help. Some of the serious side effects of Wellbutrin are listed below.
- Birth defects
- It can cause seizure or convulsions
- Other severe side effects are severe blistering, peeling, and red skin rash
- It can also lead to fever or flu-like symptoms
- It can cause swollen glands, rash or itching etc.
- It can produce acute joint pain
- Patients using it may feel confusion, or generally ill. They may also have trouble while concentrating
- Some patients may have hallucinations or unusual thoughts or behavior
- Wellbutrin can cause seizure in people with certain medical conditions or when interacting with other medicines.
- Chest pain, fast, pounding or irregular heartbeat can also be seen in some patients using it.
- Some patients may develop hearing problems, ringing in the ears.
- Severe headache, mental or mood changes such as agitation, anxiety, uncontrolled movements are other serious side effects of this drug.
- It can also cause unusual muscle pain, tenderness or weakness
- It can also cause change in the amount of urine
- It can produce severe allergic reaction such as rash, itching, hives, swelling of the face, tongue or throat, severe dizziness or breathing troubles.
- It can lead to anxiety, panic attacks, sleeping trouble, feeling of impulsiveness, irritability, agitation, hostility, aggressiveness, restlessness, hyperactivity or severe depression.
Precautions while using Wellbutrin
Avoid taking this drug while using any monoamine oxidase inhibitor drugs
Patients having seizures or eating disorder should not use this drug.
If you are on other similar medicine, avoid using Wellbutrin.
It can cause seizures in people with certain medical conditions. Thus consult your medical history with your doctor.
There should be regular monitoring to check any mood or behavioral change.
Seek immediate medical help if you develop any serious side effects.
Avoid smoking while using this drug.
Drinking alcohol should also be avoided while taking this drug as it can increase risks of seizures.
Consult your doctor before taking medicine if you have epilepsy, a seizure disorder, an eating disorder such as anorexia or if you have suddenly stopped using alcohol or sedatives.
Consult your doctor before taking Wellbutrin if you have following conditions
- Heart disease or history of heart attack
- High blood pressure
- History of head injury or seizures
- Brain or spinal cord tumor
- Any kidney disease
- Any liver disease
- Bipolar disorder
Avoid driving as this drug can make you dizzy.
It is a FDA pregnancy category C drug and its side effects are not known on pregnant or nursing women. It should be avoided or consult a doctor before taking it in pregnancy or breast-feeding.
Anyone below 18 should not use this drug.
