Welbutrin Overview / Welbutrin Side Effects

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What is Welbutrin?

Welbutrin is an anti-depressant that acts as a stimulant in the depressed individual. Welbutrin’s active ingredient is bupropion hydrochloride.

Specific Uses for Welbutrin:

Welbutrin is usually used for treating the symptoms of depression. It is also used in treating ADHD and bipolar disorder. Welbutrin has also been used to help diminish with cigarette and cocaine addictions.

Welbutrin Side Effects:

Bupropion has been linked to seizures in about four out of a thousand patients who were given up to 450 mg/day. Other possible side effects include: anxiety, headache, hyperactive sweating, constipation, nausea, vomiting, fatigue, dry mouth and blurred vision. Other side effects that are less common but more serious include: palpitations, unusual weight loss or gain, agitation, slowed movements, trouble sleeping, tremor, dizziness, fainting, mood changes, difficulty urinating, drowsiness, decreased sex drive, seizures, mental problems, fever, muscle aches, yellowing of the eyes or skin. Allergic reactions to this drug may show the following symptoms: trouble breathing, rash, itching, swelling, or severe dizziness.

Prescription Drug Warnings for Welbutrin:

• Patients should be instructed to take bupropion in equally divided doses three or four times a day to minimize the risk of seizure.
• Patients should be aware that any CNS-active drug like bupropion can weaken the patients motor and cognitive skills. Until the patient know whether or not this will be a factor in their case, the individual should stay away from tasks that involve heavy machinery.
• Patients should be aware of the fact that problems can develop if the patient has recently stopped drinking alcohol. Also, alcohol should be avoided when taking this drug.
• Patients should inform their doctor if they are taking or planning to take any prescription or over-the-counter drugs. This is because bupropion and other drugs may negatively affect each other.
• Patients should also make sure the doctor knows if there are any plans of having a baby in the near future or if one is already on the way.

Alternatives to Welbutrin:

If you are considering taking Welbutrin for depression, please consider a non-prescription alternative. Depression, Bipolar Disorder and mood swings often have underlying causes that are a result of maladaptive thinking patterns, emotions and behavioral responses. Welbutrin, like other antidepressants, targets the chemical imbalance that occurs as a result of environmental stresses presented to us. Welbutrin cannot relieve the underlying causes of the depression.

Cognitive Behavior Therapy or similar emotional wellness therapies can help you to identify where the depressive feelings come from and help you develop coping techniques that provide real, permanent results.

Over the course of the last 3 decades, a large amount of clinical evidence and research suggests that natural alternatives like St. Johns Wort, 5-HTP, SAM-e, Kava Kava and other herbal supplements can help to provide short-term relief without the adverse side effects.

Author: Nan Little

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