Wellbutrin Generic Name: bupropion (oral) (byoo PRO pee on) Brand Names: Wellbutrin, Wellbutrin SR, Wellbutrin XL, Zyban SR, What is the most important information I should know about Wellbutrin? You should not take Wellbutrin if you have epilepsy or a seizure disorder, an eating disorder such as anorexia or bulimia, if you are using a second form of bupropion, or if you have suddenly stopped using alcohol or sedatives. Do not take Wellbutrin if you have taken a monoamine oxidase inhibitor (MAOI) such as isocarboxazid (Marplan), phenelzine (Nardil), rasagiline (Azilect), selegiline (Eldepryl), or tranylcypromine (Parnate) in the last 14 days. You may have an increased risk of suicidal thoughts or behavior at the start of treatment with an antidepressant medication, especially if you are 18 years of age or younger. Talk with your doctor about this risk. While you are taking this medication you will need to be monitored for worsening symptoms of depression and/or suicidal thoughts during the first weeks of treatment, or whenever your dose is changed. Your doctor will need to check you at regular visits for at least the first 12 weeks of treatment. Contact your doctor if you have any of the following side effects, especially if they are new symptoms or if they get worse: mood changes, anxiety, panic attacks, trouble sleeping, irritability, agitation, aggressiveness, severe restlessness, mania (mental and/or physical hyperactivity), or thoughts of suicide or hurting yourself. Do not stop taking Wellbutrin without first talking to your doctor. You may have unpleasant side effects if you stop taking this medication suddenly. Avoid using bupropion to treat more than one condition at a time. If you take Wellbutrin for depression, do not also take Zyban to quit smoking. Too much of this medicine can increase your risk of a seizure. Do not smoke at any time if you are using a nicotine product along with Zyban. Too much nicotine can cause serious side effects. Avoid drinking alcohol while taking Wellbutrin. Alcohol may increase your risk of a seizure while you are taking Wellbutrin. If you drink alcohol regularly, talk with your doctor before changing the amount you drink. Wellbutrin can cause seizures in people who drink a lot of alcohol and then suddenly quit drinking when they start using the medication. There are many other drugs that can affect Wellbutrin. Tell your doctor about all the prescription and over-the-counter medications you use. This includes vitamins, minerals, herbal products, and drugs prescribed by other doctors. Do not start using a new medication without telling your doctor. What is Wellbutrin? Wellbutrin is an antidepressant medication. Wellbutrin is used to treat major depressive disorder and seasonal affective disorder. At least one brand of bupropion (Zyban) is used to help people stop smoking by reducing cravings and other withdrawal effects. Wellbutrin may also be used for purposes other than those listed in this medication guide.