Before having a urine drug test for amphetamines, be sure the healthcare professional giving you the test knows if you’re taking Wellbutrin. They may give you a different type of drug test that isn’t affected by Wellbutrin. For instance, some interactions can interfere with how well a drug works.

1. No, your doctor can’t prescribe a 600-mg dose of Wellbutrin.
2. If your local pharmacy doesn’t have these options, your doctor or pharmacist may be able to direct you to one that does.
3. Wellbutrin belongs to a group of drugs called norepinephrine and dopamine reuptake inhibitors.

Wellbutrin SR and Wellbutrin XL are available in generic versions called bupropion ER. A generic drug is an exact copy of the active drug in a brand-name medication. The generic is considered to be as safe and effective as the original drug. To find out how the cost of bupropion compares to the cost of Wellbutrin SR or Wellbutrin XL, talk with your doctor or pharmacist.

More about Wellbutrin (bupropion)

However, it usually takes around six to eight weeks to work effectively as a treatment for depression. For example, either drug may increase seizure risk, especially in people prone to seizures. As antidepressants, Wellbutrin and Lexapro carry a boxed warning that alerts users to the possibility of severe risks or side effects. If you wish to stop either drug, a tapering schedule is required.

Then, after 3 days, your doctor may increase your dose to 150 mg twice daily. If this dose isn’t working for you, your doctor may recommend another dose increase, up to 200 mg twice daily to treat your depression. This is the maximum dose of Wellbutrin SR that’s recommended. Medicines that interact with the dangers of drinking after work Wellbutrin may either decrease its effect, affect how long it works, increase side effects, or have less of an effect when taken with Wellbutrin. Bupropion is metabolized in the liver by CYP2B6 to hydroxybupropion. Non-CYP metabolism follows to form erythrohydrobupropion and threohydrobupropion.

Frequently asked questions about taking Wellbutrin

These doses are approximately 6 and 2 times the MRHD, respectively, on a mg/m2 basis. In the rat study there was an increase in nodular proliferative lesions of the liver at doses of 100 to 300 mg/kg/day (approximately 2 to 6 times the MRHD on a mg/m2 basis); lower doses were not tested. The question of whether or not such lesions may be precursors of neoplasms of the liver is currently unresolved.

Bupropion inhibits the reuptake of dopamine and norepinephrine. Concomitant use of MAOIs and bupropion is contraindicated because there is an increased risk of hypertensive reactions if bupropion is used concomitantly with MAOIs. Studies in animals demonstrate that the acute toxicity of bupropion is enhanced by the MAO inhibitor phenelzine. At least 14 days should elapse between discontinuation of an MAOI intended to treat depression and initiation of treatment with WELLBUTRIN. Conversely, at least 14 days should be allowed after stopping WELLBUTRIN before starting an MAOI antidepressant [see DOSAGE AND ADMINISTRATION, CONTRAINDICATIONS].

Generic Name(S): bupropion HCl

The effect was present for at least 7 days after the last dose of bupropion. Concomitant use of bupropion with other drugs metabolized by CYP2D6 has not been formally studied. Depressed patients treated with WELLBUTRIN have had a variety of neuropsychiatric signs alcohol-induced blackouts blackout drunk alcohol blackouts and symptoms, including delusions, hallucinations, psychosis, concentration disturbance, paranoia, and confusion. Some of these patients had a diagnosis of bipolar disorder. In some cases, these symptoms abated upon dose reduction and/or withdrawal of treatment.

Drinking alcohol with bupropion may increase your risk of seizures. If you drink alcohol regularly, talk with your doctor before changing the amount you drink. This medicine can also cause seizures in people who drink a lot of alcohol and then suddenly quit drinking when they start using the medication.

A drug’s half-life is the time it takes for your body to get rid of half of a dose of the drug. And it usually takes about five half-lives for your system to get rid of a drug entirely.The half-life of Wellbutrin is about 21 hours. So each dose of Wellbutrin will stay in your system for about 105 hours (more than 4 days) after your last dose. We recommend telling your medical professional about any sexual side effects you have with Wellbutrin. They can help you figure out if the effects are from the condition you’re taking Wellbutrin to treat or from the drug itself. Some of these effects were common in studies of Wellbutrin SR or Wellbutrin XL.

Read and carefully follow any Instructions for Use provided with your medicine. Ask your doctor or pharmacist if you do not understand these instructions. It may not be safe to breastfeed while using this medicine. Ask your doctor about taking this medicine if you are pregnant. It is not known whether Wellbutrin XL will harm an unborn baby.

Most MAO inhibitors should also not be taken for two weeks before and after treatment with this medication. Ask your doctor when to start or stop taking this medication. Older adults may be more sensitive to the side effects of this drug, especially dizziness and memory loss. Tell your doctor about all your current medicines and any medicine you start or stop using. You may have a higher risk of seizures if you use certain other medicines while taking Wellbutrin XL. Do not use an MAO inhibitor within 14 days before or 14 days after you take Wellbutrin XL.

By Ayesha Gulzar, PharmDAyesha Gulzar is a clinical pharmacist interested in medical research, pharmacy practice, and medication therapy management. Dr. Gulzar has been working in medical communications, writing medical and clinical research for patients and health professionals in the United Kingdom. Although it is a safe and proven treatment option, Wellbutrin carries a boxed warning describing its potential to increase or worsen suicidal thoughts in young people. The drugs listed below may potentially affect Wellbutrin’s effectiveness and potentially cause adverse reactions.