General Dosing Considerations: It is particularly important to administer bupropion hydrochloride extended-release tablets (XL) in a manner most likely to minimize the risk of seizure (see WARNINGS). Gradual escalation in dosage is also important if agitation, motor restlessness, and insomnia, often seen during the initial days of treatment, are to be minimized. If necessary, these effects may be managed by temporary reduction of dose or the short-term administration of an intermediate to long-acting sedative hypnotic. A sedative hypnotic usually is not required beyond the first week of treatment. Insomnia may also be minimized by avoiding bedtime doses. If distressing, untoward effects supervene, dose escalation should be stopped. Bupropion hydrochloride extended-release tablets (XL) should be swallowed whole and not crushed, divided, or chewed, as this may lead to an increased risk of adverse effects including seizures. Bupropion hydrochloride extended-release tablets (XL) may be taken without regard to meals.
Major Depressive Disorder: Initial Treatment: The usual adult target dose for bupropion hydrochloride extended-release tablets (XL) is 300 mg/day, given once daily in the morning. Dosing with bupropion hydrochloride extended-release tablets (XL) should begin at 150 mg/day given as a single daily dose in the morning. If the 150-mg initial dose is adequately tolerated, an increase to the 300-mg/day target dose, given as once daily, may be made as early as day 4 of dosing. There should be an interval of at least 24 hours between successive doses.
Increasing the Dosage Above 300 mg/day: As with other antidepressants, the full antidepressant effect of bupropion hydrochloride extended-release tablets (XL) may not be evident until 4 weeks of treatment or longer. An increase in dosage to the maximum of 450 mg/day, given as a single dose, may be considered for patients in whom no clinical improvement is noted after several weeks of treatment at 300 mg/day.
Maintenance Treatment: It is generally agreed that acute episodes of depression require several months or longer of sustained pharmacological therapy beyond response to the acute episode. It is unknown whether or not the dose of bupropion hydrochloride extended-release tablets (XL) needed for maintenance treatment is identical to the dose needed to achieve an initial response. Patients should be periodically reassessed to determine the need for maintenance treatment and the appropriate dose for such treatment.
Seasonal Affective Disorder: For the prevention of seasonal major depressive episodes associated with seasonal affective disorder, bupropion hydrochloride extended-release tablets (XL) should generally be initiated in the autumn prior to the onset of depressive symptoms. Treatment should continue through the winter season and should be tapered and discontinued in early spring. The timing of initiation and duration of treatment should be individualized based on the patient's historical pattern of seasonal major depressive episodes. Patients whose seasonal depressive episodes are infrequent or not associated with significant impairment should not generally be treated prophylactically.
Dosing with bupropion hydrochloride extended-release tablets (XL) should begin at 150 mg/day given as a single daily dose in the morning. If the 150-mg initial dose is adequately tolerated, the dose of bupropion hydrochloride extended-release tablets (XL) should be increased to the 300-mg/day dose after 1 week. If the 300-mg dose is not adequately tolerated, the dose can be reduced to 150 mg/day. The usual adult target dose for bupropion hydrochloride extended-release tablets (XL) is 300 mg/day, given once daily in the morning.
For patients taking 300 mg/day during the autumn-winter season, the dose should be tapered to 150 mg/day for 2 weeks prior to discontinuation.
Doses of bupropion hydrochloride extended-release tablets (XL) above 300 mg/day have not been studied for the prevention of seasonal major depressive episodes.
Switching Patients from WELLBUTRIN® Tablets (bupropion hydrochloride tablets) or from WELLBUTRIN SR® Sustained-Release Tablets (bupropion hydrochloride extended release tablets (SR)): When switching patients from WELLBUTRIN® Tablets (bupropion hydrochloride tablets) to bupropion hydrochloride extended-release tablets (XL), or from WELLBUTRIN SR® Sustained-Release Tablets (bupropion hydrochloride extended release tablets (SR)) to bupropion hydrochloride extended-release tablets (XL), give the same total daily dose when possible. Patients who are currently being treated with WELLBUTRIN® Tablets (bupropion hydrochloride tablets) at 300 mg/day (for example, 100 mg 3 times a day) may be switched to bupropion hydrochloride extended-release tablets (XL) 300 mg once daily. Patients who are currently treated with WELLBUTRIN SR® Sustained-Release Tablets (bupropion hydrochloride extended release tablets (SR)) at 300 mg/day (for example, 150 mg twice daily) may be switched to bupropion hydrochloride extended-release tablets (XL) 300 mg once daily.
Dosage Adjustment for Patients With Impaired Hepatic Function: Bupropion hydrochloride extended-release tablets (XL) should be used with extreme caution in patients with severe hepatic cirrhosis. The dose should not exceed 150 mg every other day in these patients. Bupropion hydrochloride extended-release tablets (XL) should be used with caution in patients with hepatic impairment (including mild to moderate hepatic cirrhosis) and a reduced frequency and/or dose should be considered in patients with mild to moderate hepatic cirrhosis (see CLINICAL PHARMACOLOGY, WARNINGS, and PRECAUTIONS).
Dosage Adjustment for Patients With Impaired Renal Function: Bupropion hydrochloride extended-release tablets (XL) should be used with caution in patients with renal impairment and a reduced frequency and/or dose should be considered (see CLINICAL PHARMACOLOGY and PRECAUTIONS).
PHARMACIST-DETACH HEREAND GIVE MEDICATION GUIDE TO PATIENT
MEDICATION GUIDE
Bupropion Hydrochloride Extended-Release Tablets USP (XL)
Read this Medication Guide carefully before you start using bupropion hydrochloride extended-release tablets (XL) and each time you get a refill. There may be new information. This information does not take the place of talking with your doctor about your medical condition or your treatment. If you have any questions about bupropion hydrochloride extended-release tablets (XL), ask your doctor or pharmacist.
IMPORTANT: Be sure to read the three sections of this Medication Guide. The first section is about the risk of suicidal thoughts and actions with antidepressant medicines; the second section is about the risk of changes in thinking and behavior, depression and suicidal thoughts or actions with medicines used to quit smoking; and the third section is entitled “What Other Important Information Should I Know About Bupropion Hydrochloride Extended-Release Tablets (XL)?”
Antidepressant Medicines, Depression and Other Serious Mental Illnesses, and Suicidal Thoughts or Actions
This section of the Medication Guide is only about the risk of suicidal thoughts and actions with antidepressant medicines. Talk to your doctor, or your family member’s, healthcare provider about:
all risks and benefits of treatment with antidepressant medicines
all treatment choices for depression or other serious mental illness
What is the most important information I should know about antidepressant medicines, depression and other serious mental illnesses, and suicidal thoughts or actions?
Antidepressant medicines may increase suicidal thoughts or actions in some children, teenagers, and young adults within the first few months of treatment.
Depression and other serious mental illnesses are the most important causes of suicidal thoughts and actions. Some people may have a particularly high risk of having suicidal thoughts or actions. These include people who have (or have a family history of) bipolar illness (also called manic-depressive illness) or suicidal thoughts or actions.
How can I watch for and try to prevent suicidal thoughts and actions in myself or a family member?
Pay close attention to any changes, especially sudden changes, in mood, behaviors, thoughts, or feelings. This is very important when an antidepressant medicine is started or when the dose is changed.
Call the healthcare provider right away to report new or sudden changes in mood, behavior, thoughts, or feelings.
Keep all follow-up visits with the healthcare provider as scheduled. Call the healthcare provider between visits as needed, especially if you have concerns about symptoms.
Call a healthcare provider right away if you or your family member has any of the following symptoms, especially if they are new, worse, or worry you:
thoughts about suicide or dying trouble sleeping (insomnia)
attempts to commit suicide new or worse irritability
new or worse depression acting aggressive, being angry, or violent
new or worse anxiety acting on dangerous impulses
feeling very agitated or restless an extreme increase in activity and talking (mania)
panic attacks other unusual changes in behavior or mood
What else do I need to know about antidepressant medicines?
Never stop an antidepressant medicine without first talking to a healthcare provider. Stopping an antidepressant medicine suddenly can cause other symptoms.
Antidepressants are medicines used to treat depression and other illnesses. It is important to discuss all the risks of treating depression and also the risks of not treating it. Patients and their families or other caregivers should discuss all treatment choices with the healthcare provider, not just the use of antidepressants.
Antidepressant medicines have other side effects. Talk to the healthcare provider about the side effects of the medicine prescribed for you or your family member.
Antidepressant medicines can interact with other medicines. Know all of the medicines that you or your family member takes. Keep a list of all medicines to show the healthcare provider. Do not start new medicines without first checking with your healthcare provider.
Not all antidepressant medicines prescribed for children are FDA approved for use in children. Talk to your child’s healthcare provider for more information.
Bupropion hydrochloride extended-release tablets (XL) have not been studied in children under the age of 18 and is not approved for use in children and teenagers.
Quitting Smoking, Quit-Smoking Medications, Changes in Thinking and Behavior, Depression, and Suicidal Thoughts or Actions
This section of the Medication Guide is only about the risk of changes in thinking and behavior, depression and suicidal thoughts or actions with drugs used to quit smoking.
Although bupropion hydrochloride extended-release tablets (XL) are not a treatment for quitting smoking, it contains the same active ingredient (bupropion hydrochloride) as ZYBAN® which is used to help patients quit smoking.
Some people have had changes in behavior, hostility, agitation, depression, suicidal thoughts or actions while taking bupropion to help them quit smoking. These symptoms can develop during treatment with bupropion or after stopping treatment with bupropion.
If you, your family member, or your caregiver notice agitation, hostility, depression, or changes in thinking or behavior that are not typical for you, or you have any of the following symptoms, stop taking bupropion and call your healthcare provider right away:
thoughts about suicide or dying an extreme increase in activity and talking (mania)
attempts to commit suicide abnormal thoughts or sensations
new or worse depression seeing or hearing things that are not there (hallucinations)
new or worse anxiety feeling people are against you (paranoia)
panic attacks feeling confused
feeling very agitated or restless other unusual changes in behavior or mood
acting aggressive, being angry, or violent
acting on dangerous impulses
When you try to quit smoking, with or without bupropion, you may have symptoms that may be due to nicotine withdrawal, including urge to smoke, depressed mood, trouble sleeping, irritability, frustration, anger, feeling anxious, difficulty concentrating, restlessness, decreased heart rate, and increased appetite or weight gain. Some people have even experienced suicidal thoughts when trying to quit smoking without medication. Sometimes quitting smoking can lead to worsening of mental health problems that you already have, such as depression.
Before taking bupropion, tell your healthcare provider if you have ever had depression or other mental illnesses. You should also tell your doctor about any symptoms you had during other times you tried to quit smoking, with or without bupropion.
What Other Important Information Should I Know About Bupropion Hydrochloride Extended-Release Tablets (XL)?
Seizures: There is a chance of having a seizure (convulsion, fit) with bupropion hydrochloride extended-release tablets (XL), especially in people:
with certain medical problems.
who take certain medicines.
The chance of having seizures increases with higher doses of bupropion hydrochloride extended-release tablets (XL). For more information, see the sections “Who should not take bupropion hydrochloride extended-release tablets (XL)?” and “What should I tell my doctor before using bupropion hydrochloride extended-release tablets (XL)?” Tell your doctor about all of your medical conditions and all the medicines you take. Do not take any other medicines while you are using bupropion hydrochloride extended-release tablets (XL) unless your doctor has said it is okay to take them.
If you have a seizure while taking bupropion hydrochloride extended-release tablets (XL), stop taking the tablets and call your doctor right away. Do not take bupropion hydrochloride extended-release tablets (XL) again if you have a seizure.
High blood pressure (hypertension). Some people get high blood pressure, that can be severe, while taking bupropion hydrochloride extended-release tablets (XL). The chance of high blood pressure may be higher if you also use nicotine replacement therapy (such as a nicotine patch) to help you stop smoking.
Severe allergic reactions. Some people have severe allergic reactions to bupropion hydrochloride extended-release tablets (XL). Stop taking bupropion hydrochloride extended-release tablets (XL) and call your doctor right away if you get a rash, itching, hives, fever, swollen lymph glands, painful sores in the mouth or around the eyes, swelling of the lips or tongue, chest pain, or have trouble breathing. These could be signs of a serious allergic reaction.
Unusual thoughts or behaviors. Some patients have unusual thoughts or behaviors while taking bupropion hydrochloride extended-release tablets (XL), including delusions (believe you are someone else), hallucinations (seeing or hearing things that are not there), paranoia (feeling that people are against you), or feeling confused. If this happens to you, call your doctor.
What are bupropion hydrochloride extended-release tablets (XL)?
Bupropion hydrochloride extended-release tablets (XL) are a prescription medicine used to treat adults with a certain type of depression called major depressive disorder and for prevention of autumn-winter seasonal depression (seasonal affective disorder).
Who should not take bupropion hydrochloride extended-release tablets (XL)?
Do not take bupropion hydrochloride extended-release tablets (XL) if you:
have or had a seizure disorder or epilepsy.
are taking ZYBAN®* (used to help people stop smoking) or any other medicines that contain bupropion hydrochloride, such as WELLBUTRIN®* (bupropion hydrochloride tablets) or WELLBUTRIN SR® (bupropion hydrochloride extended-release tablets (SR)). Bupropion is the same active ingredient that is in bupropion hydrochloride extended-release tablets (XL).
drink a lot of alcohol and abruptly stop drinking, or use medicines called sedatives (these make you sleepy) or benzodiazepines and you stop using them all of a sudden.
have taken within the last 14 days medicine for depression called a monoamine oxidase inhibitor (MAOI), such as NARDIL®*(phenelzine sulfate), PARNATE®*(tranylcypromine sulfate), or MARPLAN®*(isocarboxazid).
have or had an eating disorder such as anorexia nervosa or bulimia.
are allergic to the active ingredient in bupropion hydrochloride extended-release tablets (XL), bupropion, or to any of the inactive ingredients. See the end of this leaflet for a complete list of ingredients in bupropion hydrochloride extended-release tablets (XL).
What should I tell my doctor before using bupropion hydrochloride extended-release tablets (XL)?
Tell your doctor if you have ever had depression, suicidal thoughts or actions, or other mental health problems. See “Antidepressant Medicines, Depression and Other Serious Mental Illnesses, and Suicidal Thoughts or Actions.”
Tell your doctor about your other medical conditions including if you:
are pregnant or plan to become pregnant. It is not known if bupropion hydrochloride extended-release tablets (XL) can harm your unborn baby.
are breastfeeding. Bupropion hydrochloride passes through your milk. It is not known if bupropion hydrochloride extended-release tablets (XL) can harm your baby.
have liver problems, especially cirrhosis of the liver.
have kidney problems.
have an eating disorder such as anorexia nervosa or bulimia.
have had a head injury.
have had a seizure (convulsion, fit).
have a tumor in your nervous system (brain or spine).
have had a heart attack, heart problems, or high blood pressure.
are a diabetic taking insulin or other medicines to control your blood sugar.
drink a lot of alcohol.
abuse prescription medicines or street drugs.
Tell your doctor about all the medicines you take, including prescription and nonprescription medicines, vitamins and herbal supplements. Many medicines increase your chances of having seizures or other serious side effects if you take them while you are using bupropion hydrochloride extended-release tablets (XL).
How should I take bupropion hydrochloride extended-release tablets (XL)?
Take bupropion hydrochloride extended-release tablets (XL) exactly as prescribed by your doctor.
Do not chew, cut, or crush bupropion hydrochloride extended-release tablets (XL). If you do, the medicine will be released into your body too quickly. If this happens you may be more likely to get side effects including seizures. You must swallow the tablets whole.Tell your doctor if you cannot swallow medicine tablets.
Take bupropion hydrochloride extended-release tablets (XL) at the same time each day.
Take your doses of bupropion hydrochloride extended-release tablets (XL) at least 24 hours apart.
You may take bupropion hydrochloride extended-release tablets (XL) with or without food.
If you miss a dose, do not take an extra tablet to make up for the dose you forgot. Wait and take your next tablet at the regular time. This is very important. Too much bupropion hydrochloride extended-release tablets (XL) can increase your chance of having a seizure.
If you take too much bupropion hydrochloride extended-release tablets (XL), or overdose, call your local emergency room or poison control center right away.
The bupropion hydrochloride extended-release tablet (XL) is covered by a shell that slowly releases the medicine inside your body. You may notice something in your stool that looks like a tablet. This is normal. This is the empty shell passing from your body.
Do not take any other medicines while using bupropion hydrochloride extended-release tablets (XL) unless your doctor has told you it is okay.
If you are taking bupropion hydrochloride extended-release tablets (XL) for the treatment of major depressive disorder, it may take several weeks for you to feel that bupropion hydrochloride extended-release tablets (XL) are working. Once you feel better, it is important to keep taking bupropion hydrochloride extended-release tablets (XL) exactly as directed by your doctor. Call your doctor if you do not feel bupropion hydrochloride extended-release tablets (XL) are working for you.
If you are taking bupropion hydrochloride extended-release tablets (XL) for the prevention of seasonal major depressive episodes associated with seasonal affective disorder, it is important to keep taking bupropion hydrochloride extended-release tablets (XL) through the autumn-winter season, or as directed by your doctor.
Do not change your dose or stop taking bupropion hydrochloride extended-release tablets (XL) without talking with your doctor first.
What should I avoid while taking bupropion hydrochloride extended-release tablets (XL)?
Do not drink a lot of alcohol while taking bupropion hydrochloride extended-release tablets (XL). If you usually drink a lot of alcohol, talk with your doctor before suddenly stopping. If you suddenly stop drinking alcohol, you may increase your chance of having seizures.
Do not drive a car or use heavy machinery until you know how bupropion hydrochloride extended-release tablets (XL) affect you. Bupropion hydrochloride extended-release tablets (XL) can impair your ability to perform these tasks.
What are possible side effects of bupropion hydrochloride extended-release tablets (XL)?
Bupropion hydrochloride extended-release tablets (XL) can cause serious side effects. Read this entire Medication Guide for more information about these serious side effects.
Common side effects reported in studies of major depressive disorder include weight loss, loss of appetite, dry mouth, skin rash, sweating, ringing in the ears, shakiness, stomach pain, agitation, anxiety, dizziness, trouble sleeping, muscle pain, nausea, fast heartbeat, sore throat, and urinating more often. In studies of seasonal affective disorder, common side effects included weight loss, constipation, and gas.
If you have nausea, take your medicine with food. If you have trouble sleeping, do not take your medicine too close to bedtime.
These are not all the side effects of bupropion hydrochloride extended-release tablets (XL). For a complete list, ask your doctor or pharmacist.
Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to Anchen Pharmaceuticals Inc. at 1-888-493-0857 or FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.
How should I store bupropion hydrochloride extended-release tablets (XL)?
Store bupropion hydrochloride extended-release tablets (XL) at room temperature. Store out of direct sunlight. Keep bupropion hydrochloride extended-release tablets (XL) in its tightly closed bottle.
Bupropion hydrochloride extended-release tablets (XL) may have an odor.
General Information about bupropion hydrochloride extended-release tablets (XL).
Medicines are sometimes prescribed for purposes other than those listed in a Medication Guide. Do not use bupropion hydrochloride extended-release tablets (XL) for a condition for which it was not prescribed. Do not give bupropion hydrochloride extended-release tablets (XL) to other people, even if they have the same symptoms you have. It may harm them. Keep bupropion hydrochloride extended-release tablets (XL) out of the reach of children.
If you take a urine drug screening test, bupropion hydrochloride extended-release tablets (XL) may make the test result positive for amphetamines. If you tell the person giving you the drug screening test that you are taking bupropion hydrochloride extended-release tablets (XL), they can do a more specific drug screening test that should not have this problem.
This Medication Guide summarizes important information about bupropion hydrochloride extended-release tablets (XL). For more information, talk with your doctor. You can ask your doctor or pharmacist for information about bupropion hydrochloride extended-release tablets (XL) that is written for health professionals.
What are the ingredients in bupropion hydrochloride extended-release tablets (XL)?
Active ingredient: bupropion hydrochloride.
Inactive ingredients: dehydrated alcohol, ethylcellulose, hydrochloric acid, hydroxypropylcellulose, methacrylic acid copolymer, povidone, silicon dioxide, hydrogenated vegetable oil and ethyl alcohol. The tablets are printed with edible black ink.