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BUPROPRION
Buproprion SR
Wellbutrin / Bupropion SR is the "sustained-release' version
of Bupropion antidepressant. It was approved by the FDA in late 1996.
Sustained-release basically means extended-release or long-acting.
It is important to note that Bupropion SR is not typically prescribed
for the treat of depression (as is the case with regular Bupropion).
While it does contain the same active ingredient as Bupropion, it
is typically used to help patients to quit smoking.
How should Wellbutrin / Bupropion SR be used?
It is usually taken twice a day, with doses at least 8 hours apart.
Bupropion SR should be taken exactly as directed. Patients should
not take more or less of it or take it more often than prescribed
by their doctor. The sustained-release tablets should be swallowed
whole (do not split, chew, or crush them).
Wellbutrin/Bupropion-SR compared to regular Bupropion
Compared with Bupropion, the SR formulation is said to demonstrate
similar efficacy and has been found to have similar, but to some
degree fewer, side effects. Its efficacy is said to be similar to
that of other newer antidepressants. Side effects of bupropion SR
are limited and are not dissimilar to those of the serotonergic
antidepressants; however, bupropion SR does not apparently produce
substantial sexual side effects nor drug interactions. Study data
demonstrate that seizure incidence, which is a concern with high-dose
regular Bupropion, is substantially lower with Bupropion SR.
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