Wellbutrin: Special warnings about this depression medication 

If you take the depression medication Wellbutrin, you may be subject to seizures if you're dosage is too high, if you've ever suffered from brain damage, or if you have a history of seizures in the past.  You should stop taking Wellbutrin immediately and call your doctor if you have difficulty breathing or swallowing or notice swelling in your face, lips, tongue or throat, or develop swollen legs and arms or break out with itchy eruptions.  These may be warning signs that you are having an allergic reaction to this depression medication. 

It is usually believed that the risk of seizures is greater in individuals addicted to narcotics, cocaine or stimulants, or those taking over-the-counter stimulants or diet pills.  Alcohol abuse or withdrawal also seems to increase the risk in addition to other depression medications or major tranquilizers.  The risk is also higher if you're taking insulin or oral diabetes medication. Also, it is a good idea to have a sense of how Wellbutrin affects you before you drive or operate dangerous machinery. 

Possible food and drug interactions when taking Wellbutrin 

Wellbutrin should not be taken while drinking alcohol due to the possibility of a seizure.  If this depression medication is taken with certain other drugs, the effects of either could be increased, decreased or altered in some other way.  It is usually important for you to check with your doctor when you're combining Wellbutrin with any of the following: 

• Beta-blockers (used for high blood pressure and heart conditions) such as Inderal, Lopressor, and Tenormin

• Carbamazepine (Tegretol)

• Cimetidine (Tagamet)

• Cyclophosphamide (Cytoxan)

• Heart-stabilizing drugs such as Rythmol and Tambocor

• Levodopa (Larodopa)

• Major tranquilizers such as Haldol, Risperdol, Thorazine, and Mellaril

• MAO inhibitors (such as the antidepressants Parnate and Nardil)

• Nicotine patches such as Habitrol, Nicoderm CQ and Nicotrol patch

• Orphenadrine (Norgasic)

• Other antidepressants such as Elavil, Norpramin, Pamelor, Paxil, Prozac, Tofranil and Zoloft

• Phenobarbital

• Steroid medications such as Prednisone

• Theophylline (Theo-Dur)

Wellbutrin: Special information if you're pregnant or breast-feeding 

You to should not be taking Wellbutrin during pregnancy unless it is absolutely necessary.  If you're pregnant or become pregnant, you should notify your doctor immediately if you are taking this depression medication.  Wellbutrin passes into breast milk and may cause serious reactions in a baby that is nursing. If you are a new mother you may need to quit taking this antidepressant while you are breast-feeding.

Additional information by Paul Susic M.A. Licensed Psychologist Ph.D. Candidate

See additional pictures of various dosages of Wellbutrin

Information provided by The PDR Pocket Guide to Prescription Drugs - Sixth Edition

 

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