The drug — bupropion hydrochloride — is a medicine used for depression and stopping seasonal affective disorder (SAD). Wellbutrin XL 150 mg is the brand name of Bupropion oral tablet. It is available only as an extended-release tablet or an immediate-release tablet.
When this medicine is prescribed?
The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has approved Wellbutrin XL 150mg for treating major depressive disorder also called clinical depression.
The medicine is prescribed when patients suffer from depression for extended periods, lasting for over two weeks, which can affect one’s day-to-day activities.
The symptoms include concentration problems, sleep problems, loss of energy, fatigue, and change in appetite.
Off label uses
Doctors prescribe Wellbutrin XL 150mg to people who seek help to stop smoking as FDA has provided approval for it as well.
Further, patients who gain weight because of psychiatric medications have been prescribed this medicine. Also, depression associated with obesity and bipolar disorder is treated with this medicine.
Experts are still not clear as to how bupropion works. Apparently, it works by increasing levels of norepinephrine and neurotransmitters dopamine in the brain.
The effects of Wellbutrin appear after two weeks of medication and patients can gradually get relief from depression. However, it is necessary that the medicine is taken without any gap as prescribed by the physician.
Side Effects
There are certain side effects reported by patients. These side effects include — anxiety, agitation, restlessness, and insomnia. People may go through these side effects within days of starting the medication. As many as 2 percent of people stop taking this medicine when they face the side effects.
This medicine is not suitable for those people who suffer from depression along with high levels of anxiety. It is best to consult a competent physician for proper evaluation so that they can prescribe the right medication.
Go for a licensed therapist to treat depression. Expert help can not only help control the symptoms and bring relief but also helps lead a normal life.
In more than 10 percent of people who take this medicine undergo side effects such as constipation, throat inflammation, sinusitis, unexplained weight loss, dizziness, skin rashes, headache, blurred vision, fast heartbeat, muscle tremors, insomnia, nausea, dry mouth, and agitation.
Worsening suicidal ideation and an increase in the frequency of seizures may be reported by some patients but that is less common.
The Best Approach
Before taking Wellbutrin, it is advisable that patients inform their doctors if they have a previous history of suicide attempts or suicidal ideation liver disease, or any other kind of liver problem or seizures.
Medicines are prescribed to patients to relieve them from their condition and enduring side effects is not one of them. It is important to inform the doctor if the side effects persist as the doctor will help balance the situation by adjusting the doses of the medicine or switching to another medicine that could be an alternative.
Also, Wellbutrin XL 150mg can interact with other medicines or supplements taken by the patient. It is necessary to inform the doctor if one adds any herbal or dietary supplements to their diet or treatment regimen while taking this drug.
