Bupropion Tab

GENERIC NAME: BUPROPION (bue-PROE-pee-on)

COMMON USES: This medicine is an antidepressant used to treat depression. It may also be used to treat other conditions as determined by your doctor.

BEFORE USING THIS MEDICINE: WARNING: Antidepressants may increase the risk of suicidal thoughts or actions in children, teenagers, and young adults. However, depression and certain other mental problems may also increase the risk of suicide. Talk with the patient’s doctor to be sure that the benefits of using this medicine outweigh the risks. This medicine contains the same ingredient that is in Zyban, a medicine used to help certain patients stop smoking. Some patients using bupropion to help them stop smoking have also developed depression and certain other mental or mood problems. FAMILY AND CAREGIVERS MUST CLOSELY WATCH patients who take this medicine. It is important to keep in close contact with the patient's doctor. Contact the doctor at once if new, worsened, or sudden symptoms such as agitation; hostility; depressed mood; or any unusual change in mood or behavior occur. Contact the doctor right away if any signs of suicidal thoughts or actions occur. Discuss any questions with the patient’s doctor. Some medicines or medical conditions may interact with this medicine. INFORM YOUR DOCTOR OR PHARMACIST of all prescription and over-the-counter medicine that you are taking. DO NOT TAKE THIS MEDICINE IF you are taking another medicine that contains bupropion or if you are taking or have taken a monoamine oxidase inhibitor (MAOI) (e.g., phenelzine) within the last 14 days. ADDITIONAL MONITORING OF YOUR DOSE OR CONDITION may be needed if you are taking amantadine, antipsychotics (e.g., haloperidol, risperidone), clopidogrel, corticosteroids (e.g., prednisone), cyclophosphamide, efavirenz, HIV protease inhibitors (e.g., nelfinavir), insulin, levodopa, nicotine patches, oral hypoglycemic (e.g., glipizide), orphenadrine, sympathomimetics (e.g., pseudoephedrine), theophylline, thiotepa, tiagabine, ticlopidine, carbamazepine, phenobarbital, phenytoin, rifampin, ritonavir, antiarrhythmics (e.g., propafenone, flecainide), beta-blockers (e.g., motoprolol), or phenothiazines (e.g., thiorizadine), selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRI) antidepressants (e.g., fluoxetine), other antidepressants (e.g., amitriptyline, fluvoxamine), or tricyclic antidepressants (e.g., nortriptyline). DO NOT START OR STOP any medicine without doctor or pharmacist approval. Inform your doctor of any other medical conditions, including diabetes, kidney problems, high blood pressure, heart problems (e.g., congestive heart failure), recent heart attack, allergies, pregnancy, or breast-feeding. Tell your doctor if you have a history of seizure, head injury, tumor in the brain or spinal cord, or liver problems (e.g., cirrhosis). Tell your doctor if you of a family member has a history of bipolar disorder (manic depression), other mental or mood problems (e.g., depression), suicidal thoughts or attempts, or alcohol or substance abuse. Tell your doctor if you are taking nonprescription weight loss medicines or stimulants. USE OF THIS MEDICINE IS NOT RECOMMENDED if you have a history of an eating disorder (e.g., anorexia, bulimia) or seizures (e.g., epilepsy). USE OF THIS MEDICINE IS NOT RECOMMENDED if you are suddenly stopping the use of alcohol or sedatives (e.g., benzodiazepines) after long-term use. Contact your doctor or pharmacist if you have any questions or concerns about using this medicine.

HOW TO USE THIS MEDICINE: Follow the directions for taking this medicine provided by your doctor. This medicine has a MEDICATION GUIDE approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration. Read it carefully. Ask your doctor nurse or pharmacist any questions that you may have about this medicine. TAKE THIS MEDICINE by mouth with or without food. If stomach upset occurs, take with food to reduce stomach irritation. STORE THIS MEDICINE at room temperature, between 59 and 77 degrees F (15 and 25 degrees C), in a tight, light-resistant container away from heat, moisture, and light. Do not store in the bathroom. KEEP THIS MEDICINE out of the reach of children and away from pets. SEVERAL WEEKS MAY PASS BEFORE YOUR SYMPTOMS IMPROVE. Do not stop taking this medicine without checking with your doctor. TAKE YOUR DOSES AT THE SAME TIMES EACH DAY AT LEAST 6 HOURS APART unless directed otherwise by your doctor. This may help to decrease the risk of seizures with this medicine. CONTINUE TO TAKE THIS MEDICINE EVEN IF YOU FEEL WELL. Do not miss any doses. IF YOU MISS A DOSE OF THIS MEDICINE, skip the missed dose. Go back to your regular dosing schedule. Do not take more than 1 dose within 6 hours. Do not take 2 doses at once.

CAUTIONS: DO NOT USE THIS MEDICINE IF you are allergic to an ingredient in this medicine. THIS MEDICINE MAY CAUSE DROWSINESS, DIZZINESS, OR BLURRED VISION. These effects may be worse if you take it with alcohol or certain medicines. Use this medicine with caution. DO NOT DRIVE, operate machinery, or perform other possibly unsafe tasks until you know how you react to it. CHECK WITH YOUR DOCTOR BEFORE YOU DRINK ALCOHOL OR USE MEDICINES THAT MAY CAUSE DROWSINESS (e.g., aids, muscle relaxers) while you are taking this medicine; it may add to their effects. Ask your pharmacist if you have questions about which medicines may cause drowsiness. THIS MEDICINE MAY INCREASE YOUR RISK OF SEIZURES. Your risk may be greater if you also have certain medical conditions, use certain medicines, or if you drink large amounts of alcohol. Talk to your doctor to see if you may have a greater risk of seizures while taking this medicine. IF YOU ALREADY DRINK ALCOHOL OR USE SEDATIVES, do not suddenly stop them without first checking with your doctor. Suddenly stopping them may increase your seizure risk. DO NOT TAKE decongestants (e.g., pseudoephedrine), stimulants, or diet pills while you are taking this medicine without first checking with your doctor. They may increase your risk of seizures. The risk of seizures may be greater if you take this medicine in high doses or for a longtime. Do NOT take more than the recommended dose, change your dose, or use this medicine for longer than prescribed without checking with your doctor. CHILDREN, TEENAGERS, AND YOUNG ADULTS WHO TAKE THIS MEDICINE MAY BE AT INCREASED RISK FOR SUICIDAL THOUGHT ACTIONS. Watch all patients who take this medicine closely. Contact the doctor at once if new, worsened, or sudden symptoms such as depressed mood; anxious, restless, or irritable behavior; panic attacks; or any, unusual change in mood or behavior, occur. Contact the doctor right away if any signs of suicidal thoughts or actions occur. IF YOU HAVE TROUBLE SLEEPING, you may be taking your dose too close to bedtime. Talk with your doctor about changing your dosing schedule. THIS MEDICINE CONTAINS THE SAME INGREDIENTS AS ZYBAN, a medicine used to help stop smoking, and APLENZIN, another medicine used to treat depression. Do not take this medicine if you are also taking Zyban or Aplenzin. Discuss any questions or concerns with your doctor. BEFORE YOU BEGIN TAKING ANY NEW MEDICINES, either prescription or over-the-counter, check with your doctor or pharmacist. Use this medicine with caution in the ELDERLY; they may be more sensitive to its effects. FOR WOMEN: IF YOU BECOME PREGNANT, contact your doctor. You will need to discuss the benefits and risks of using this medicine while you are pregnant. This medicine is found in breast milk. DO NOT BREAST-FEED while taking this medicine.

POSSIBLE SIDE EFFECTS: SIDE EFFECTS that may occur while taking this medicine include changes in appetite; constipation; dizziness; drowsiness; dry mouth; headache; increased sweating; nausea; nervousness; restlessness; taste changes; trouble sleeping; vomiting; or weight changes. If they continue or are bothersome, check with your doctor. CONTACT YOUR DOCTOR IMMEDIATELY if you experience blurred vision or other vision changes; changes in sexual desire or ability; chest pain; confusion; dark urine; delusions; fainting; fast or irregular heartbeat; fever, chills, or sore throat; hallucinations; hearing problems; menstrual changes; new or worsening mental or mood changes (e.g., concentration problems, depression, panic attacks, aggressiveness, agitation, anxiety, impulsiveness, irritability, hostility, exaggerated feeling of well-being, or inability to sit still); pale stools; red, swollen, blistered, or peeling skin; seizures; severe headache or dizziness; severe or persistent joint or muscle pain; severe or persistent nausea, vomiting, or stomach pain; severe or persistent nervousness, restlessness or trouble sleeping; shortness of breath; suicidal thoughts or attempts; tremor; unusual swelling; or yellowing of the skin or eyes. AN ALLERGIC REACTION to this medicine, is unlikely, but seek immediate medical attention if it occurs. Symptoms of an allergic reaction include rash; hives; itching; difficulty breathing; tightness in the chest; swelling of the mouth, face, lips, or tongue; or unusual hoarseness. This is not a complete list of all side effects that may occur. If you have questions about side effects, contact your healthcare provider. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

OVERDOSE: IF OVERDOSE IS SUSPECTED, contact your local poison control center or emergency room immediately. Symptoms may include chest pain; fainting; fast, slow, or irregular heartbeat; fever; hallucinations; loss of consciousness; rigid or painful muscles; seizures; severe dizziness; or slow or difficult breathing.

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION: If your symptoms do not improve or if they get worse, contact your doctor. DO NOT SHARE THIS MEDICINE with others for whom it was not prescribed. DO NOT USE THIS MEDICINE for other health conditions. IF USING THIS MEDICINE FOR AN EXTENDED PERIOD OF TIME, obtain refills before your supply runs out. CHECK WITH YOUR PHARMACIST about how to dispose of unused medicine.

The information in this monograph is not intended to cover all possible uses, directions, precautions, drug interactions, or adverse effects. This information is generalized and is not intended as specific medical advice. If you have questions about the medicines you are taking or would like more information, check with your doctor, pharmacist, or nurse.