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What is Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD)?
What can cause SAD?
How to talk with your doctor about SAD
Taking WELLBUTRIN XL for the prevention of SAD episodes
Side Effect Overview
Symptoms of SAD

How do I know if I have Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD)?

SAD sufferers have a wide range of changes in mood and behavior, all of which are also among the signs of depression. These may include:
  • Changes in mood, starting in fall or winter
  • A depressive episode that may last up to 6 months
  • Disappearance of symptoms in early spring
  • A consistent pattern of seasonal mood changes over a 2-year period
  • A tendency to sleep longer
  • Overeating and weight gain
  • Depression combined with irritability
  • Decreased interest in social connections
  • Decreased interest in enjoyable activities
  • Feelings of extreme fatigue

If you are experiencing some of these symptoms, talk to your primary care doctor or mental health professional. You may have SAD.




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).

Antidepressant Medication Guide and Patient Information for WELLBUTRIN XL
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.
Complete Prescribing Information for WELLBUTRIN XL® (bupropion HCl extended-release tablets).
Complete Prescribing 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.
If you are unable to or do not wish to download Acrobat Reader, but still wish to receive complete Prescribing Information, please click here.

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