Wellbutrin SR
® (
bupropion SR) is a prescription medicine used for the treatment of
depression (also known as major depression or clinical depression). It is a sustained-release (long-acting) version of Wellbutrin
® (
bupropion hydrochloride).
Wellbutrin SR is manufactured by GlaxoSmithKline.
Generic Wellbutrin SR is made by several manufacturers.
How Does Wellbutrin SR Work?
Wellbutrin SR is a norepinephrine and dopamine reuptake inhibitor, or NDRI for short.
NDRIs, such as Wellbutrin SR, affect specific chemicals within the brain known as norepinephrine and dopamine. Norepinephrine and dopamine are two of several chemicals used to send messages from one nerve cell to another.
As a message travels down a nerve, it causes the end of the cell to release norepinephrine (or dopamine). The norepinephrine (or dopamine) enters the gap between the first nerve cell and the one next to it. When enough norepinephrine or dopamine reaches the second nerve cell, it activates receptors on the cell and the message continues on its way. The first cell then quickly absorbs any norepinephrine or dopamine that remains in the gap between the cells. This is called "reuptake."
Normally, this process works without any problems. However, when the levels of dopamine and norepinephrine become unbalanced, it can cause a variety of conditions, including depression and seasonal affective disorder. Wellbutrin SR helps to block the reuptake of norepinephrine and dopamine so that more remains in the space between the brain's nerve cells. This gives the norepinephrine and dopamine a better chance of activating the receptors on the next nerve cell.
Currently, the only NDRI
antidepressants approved for use are medications containing bupropion. Wellbutrin SR is a sustained-release version of bupropion, usually taken twice a day. Bupropion also comes in several other forms, including:
- Wellbutrin® (bupropion hydrochloride), a short-acting version, taken three or four times a day
- Wellbutrin XL® (bupropion XL), the longest-acting version, taken once a day
- Zyban® (bupropion SR), a sustained-release version used for smoking cessation, taken twice a day.
Studies of
Wellbutrin (the short-acting version of Wellbutrin SR) have shown that Wellbutrin is effective for
depression treatment. While it is assumed that Wellbutrin SR is equally effective, the same studies have not been performed with Wellbutrin SR.
When and How to Take Wellbutrin SR
Some general considerations for when and how to take Wellbutrin SR include:
- Wellbutrin SR comes in tablet form. The medicine is taken by mouth, usually twice a day.
- Be sure to swallow Wellbutrin SR tablets whole. The tablets should not be cut, crushed, broken, or chewed.
- It does not matter if you take Wellbutrin SR with or without food. If Wellbutrin SR bothers your stomach, try taking it with food.
- Wellbutrin SR should be taken at the same times each day to maintain even levels of the drug in your blood.
- For Wellbutrin SR to work properly, it must be taken as prescribed. Wellbutrin SR will not work if you stop taking it.
The dose of Wellbutrin SR your healthcare provider recommends will vary depending on a number of factors, including:
- Your age
- Other medical conditions you may have
- Other medications you may be currently taking.
As always, do not adjust your Wellbutrin SR dose unless your healthcare provider specifically instructs you to do so.
Side Effects of Wellbutrin SR
As with any medicine, there are possible side effects with
Wellbutrin SR. However, not everyone who takes Wellbutrin SR will experience side effects. In fact, most people tolerate the medication well. When Wellbutrin SR side effects do occur, in most cases they are minor and either require no treatment or can easily be treated by you or your healthcare provider. Serious side effects are less common.
Some of the most common side effects of Wellbutrin SR include:
(Click Wellbutrin SR Side Effects to learn about the specific side effects of Wellbutrin SR, including some of the more serious side effects that you should report to your healthcare provider. You can also read about possible Wellbutrin SR side effects by going to:
Drug Interactions With Wellbutrin SR
Wellbutrin SR can potentially interact with a number of other medicines.
Wellbutrin SR: What Should I Tell My Healthcare Provider?
You should talk with your healthcare provider prior to taking
Wellbutrin SR if you have:
Also let your healthcare provider know if you:
You should also make sure to tell your healthcare provider about all of the medicines you take, including prescription and non-prescription medicines, vitamins, and herbal supplements.
Alternatives to Wellbutrin SR
Depression, even in its most severe form, is highly treatable. As with many illnesses, getting
depression treatment early is more effective and reduces the chances of recurrence.
The most common forms of treatment for depression are medication (
antidepressants) and psychotherapy ("talk therapy"). In some cases of severe depression, healthcare providers may recommend electroconvulsive therapy (ECT). Some people may also try complementary or alternative treatments for depression
(see Natural Remedies for Depression).
For most people,
Wellbutrin SR is quite effective at treating depression. It is also generally well-tolerated. However, it is possible that
Wellbutrin SR side effects will occur or that the medicine may not work as well as needed. In these cases, your healthcare provider may recommend an alternative to Wellbutrin SR. Some examples of substitute depression medications include:
Overdose With Wellbutrin SR
People who take too much Wellbutrin SR may have overdose symptoms that could include:
- Seizures
- Hallucinations
- Fainting
- A rapid heart rate (tachycardia)
- Irregular heart rhythms (arrhythmias)
- A fever
- Muscle tension, pain, and damage
- Low blood pressure (hypotension)
- Breathing problems
- Coma
- Loss of life.
If you happen to overdose on Wellbutrin SR, seek medical attention immediately.
Wellbutrin SR Storage Methods
Wellbutrin SR should be stored at room temperature, away from moisture or heat. Wellbutrin SR tablets should be kept in an airtight container.
Keep Wellbutrin SR and all other medications out of the reach of children.
Wellbutrin SR: What Should I Do If I Miss a Dose?
If you do not take your Wellbutrin SR as scheduled, take your missed dose as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and continue with your regular schedule. Do not take a double dose of Wellbutrin SR.
Wellbutrin SR tablets are available in three strengths:
- Wellbutrin SR 100 mg tablets
- Wellbutrin SR 150 mg tablets
- Wellbutrin SR 200 mg tablets.
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