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Continuing Treatment with WELLBUTRIN XL
It is important to keep taking WELLBUTRIN XL for as long as your doctor recommends. You may wonder why your doctor wants you to stay on treatment even after you feel better. Here's why: Continued use of WELLBUTRIN XL can lower your risk of getting depressed again in the future (also called relapse).
Once you have had an episode of depression, you have a greater chance of becoming depressed again in the future (relapse). Studies have shown that staying on antidepressant treatment reduces this risk of relapse by 70%. As a result, medical guidelines recommend that you continue antidepressant treatment for at least 4-9 months after you feel better. Your doctor will determine the best length of treatment for you. If your doctor has prescribed WELLBUTRIN XL, remember to take it exactly as prescribed and be sure to take it for as long as he or she has recommended.
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WELLBUTRIN XL is not for everyone. There is a risk of seizure with WELLBUTRIN XL which increases with higher doses. Taking more than 450 mg/day increases the chance of serious side effects. Don't use it if you've had a seizure or eating disorder, or if you abruptly stop using alcohol or sedatives. Don't take with MAOIs, or medicines that contain bupropion. When used with a nicotine patch or alone, there is a risk of increased blood pressure, sometimes severe. To reduce risk of serious side effects, tell your doctor if you have liver or kidney problems. Other side effects may include weight loss, dry mouth, nausea, difficulty sleeping, dizziness, sore throat, constipation, or flatulence.
WELLBUTRIN XL is approved only for adults 18 years and over. In some children, teens, and young adults, antidepressants increase suicidal thoughts or actions. Whether or not you are taking antidepressants, you or your family should call the doctor right away if you have worsening depression, thoughts of suicide, or sudden or severe changes in mood or behavior, especially at the beginning of treatment or after a change in dose (see Medication Guide: Antidepressant Medicines, Depression and Other Serious Mental Illnesses, and Suicidal Thoughts or Actions).
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Antidepressant Medication Guide and Patient Information for WELLBUTRIN XL |
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Antidepressant Medication Guide and Patient Information for WELLBUTRIN XL® (bupropion HCl extended-release tablets), is provided in Adobe's Portable Document Format (PDF). To view these documents you will need Adobe Acrobat Reader; if you do not have it, follow the link to download a copy. |
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