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What is Wellbutrin SR? What is Wellbutrin SR used for?
Welbutrin SR (generic name bupropion) is an antidepressant of the dopamine and norepinephrine reuptake inhibitor. It is most commonly used to treat depression, both as an add-on medication as well as a sole agent in the treatment of depression. Wellbutrin SR is also used in smoking cessation, anxiety and social phobia.
What are the benefits of Wellbutrin SR in comparison with other Antidepressants?
1)No weight gain. Many common antidepressants used will cause a weight gain. Studies have shown that Wellbutrin usually causes a weight loss in most patients.
2)No sexual dysfunction. Many common antidpressants (most notably, Paxil, Prozac, Zoloft) will cause some degree of sexual dysfunction. Wellbutrin has shown to not cause any sexual dysfunction and in some instances is used to treat patients with sexual dysfunction.
How effective is Wellbutrin SR?
Placebo controlled double-blind studies have shown that Wellbutrin SR is highly effective in the treatment of depression. Further, it has been extensively studied in the combination with an SSRI antipressant. SSRI antidepressants (Paxil, Prozac, Lezapro, Zoloft, etc..) are used commonly by primary care physicians as well as psychiatrists as first line therapy in the treatment of depression. The addition of Wellbutrin SR to an SSRI has shown an improvement in 70-80% of patients. Further, it can be noted that the addition of Wellbutrin SR, has helped SSRI patients to deal with weight gain and any sexual dysfunction associated with their SSRI therapy. As well, it can be noted that the addition of Wellbutrin SR will result in higher energy levels and decreased fatigue.
Wellbutrin SR has also been shown to be effective in smoking cessation. It was studied versus placebo for 7 weeks. Following this study, 27% of the Wellbutrin SR treated patients reported an urge to smoke versus 57% of the placebo treated patients.
How will you react to Wellbutrin SR?
It is important to note that you will probably not notice an immediate improvement in your depression symptoms. Most likely, it will be at least 2-3 weeks before you notice an improvement. Most patients on Wellbutrin SR will report an increased energy level and a greater sense of well-being.
What dose of Wellbutrin SR do I take?
Wellbutrin SR is supplied as both 100mg and 150mg tablets The usual dosage of Wellbutrin SR will be 150mg once daily for depression. If the patient has severe liver disease, the dosage will be modified to 100mg once daily.
The dosage for smoking cessation is 150mg twice daily and the patient is advised to quit smoking 10 days after initiating therapy with Wellbutrin SR.
What are the potential side effects of Wellbutrin SR?
The most common side effects of Wellbutrin SR include agitation, constipation, sweating, dizziness, dry mouth, nausea, and insomnia. It is to be noted, that these side effects, if they do occur, will go away as the patient continues treatment. Also, to reduce the risk of insomnia, it should not be taken 8 hours before bedtime.
Who should not take Wellbutrin SR?
1)Epileptic patients. It has been reported that Wellbutrin SR lowers the seizure threshold and may provoke a seizure.
2)Patients in alcohol or benzodiazepine withdrawal. Both alcohol and benzodiazepine withdrawal may reduce seizure threshold and provoke a seizure.
3)Anorexic or bulimic patients. Due to the weight loss effects of Bupropion, this drug is to be avoided in these patients.
4)Patients on an MAO inhibitor medication. There should be at least a 2 week washout between the initiation of Wellbutrin SR and patients who are currently taking a MAO inhibitor.
Caution should be observed in any patient with suicidal behavior, or suicidal ideation (this is a general precaution with all antidepressants. Further caution should be observed in young children, patients with liver damage, severe kidney disease or severe hypertension, and in patients with a brain tumor.
Where can I get more information on Wellbutrin SR?
For more information on Wellbutrin SR, Wellbutrin SR prescribed Patients, who are trying place an order for Wellbutrin SR from an online pharmacy store can place their prescription order at CanadaDrugsOnline.com which is an online Canadian pharmacy store.
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