Bupropion hydrochloride is a type of medication prescribed for major depression, available under the brand name Wellbutrin from the pharmaceutical company Sandoz. Bupropion hydrochloride is theorized to alter levels of the brain chemicals norepinephrine and dopamine. Wellbutrin is taken in three doses a day, and the sustained-release form, Wellbutrin SR, in two doses. The most hazardous side effect with either type is an increased risk of seizures.
Clinical Trials
In clinical trials, 9 percent of patients treated with 300 milligrams per day of Wellbutrin SR and 11 percent of those treated with 400 milligrams a day of Wellbutrin SR discontinued treatment because of negative side effects. Nearly all side effects were more common with the higher dosage.
Side Effects
About 25 percent of patients treated with either 300 or 400 milligrams experienced headaches and dry mouth. Less-common side effects included abdominal pain, nausea, insomnia, dizziness and agitation. Side effects occurring in fewer than 8 percent of the patients in clinical trials included migraine headaches, chest pain, heart palpitations, hot flashes, constipation or diarrhea, loss of appetite, vomiting, muscular pain, irritability, tremors, ringing in ears, blurred vision and increased frequency of urination.
Seizure Risk
Approximately four in 1,000 patients at dosages between 300 and 450 milligrams a day experienced seizures while taking Wellbutrin SR. Some factors increase this risk, so people with these issues should consider avoiding Wellbutrin. The associated risk factors include having a history of seizures or head trauma, a tumor in the central nervous system, severe liver disease such as hepatitis or cirrhosis, a history of eating disorders, excessive use of alcohol or recent sudden discontinuance of alcohol or sedative use.
Drug Interactions
Bupropion hydrochloride interacts with various drugs, including some heart-stabilizing medications. Certain anti-convulsant drugs such as carbamazepine and phenytoin also should not be taken with Wellbutrin SR. Since bupropion is the active ingredient in some smoking-cessation aids, Wellbutrin SR should not be taken with those substances.
Dosage Considerations
The total daily dose of Wellbutrin SR should not exceed 450 milligrams. Higher doses increase the risk of seizures and can cause overdose symptoms. These symptoms include blurred vision, confusion, lightheadedness, a jittery feeling, lethargy, nausea and vomiting.
Tags: Bupropion hydrochloride, percent patients, treated with, blurred vision, clinical trials, milligrams experienced, milligrams Wellbutrin