WELLBUTRIN XL is an antidepressant used to treat a variety of conditions, including depression, other mental/mood disorders, and smoking cessation. It can improve your mood and feelings of well-being. It may work by restoring the balance of certain natural chemicals (neurotransmitters) in the brain. WELLBUTRIN XL may also be used to treat attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), or to help people quit smoking by decreasing your cravings and nicotine withdrawal effects. It may also be used in combination with other mood stabilizers to treat bipolar disorder (depressive phase).

Do not chew, cut, or crush WELLBUTRIN XL tablets because it will be released into your body too quickly and this will increase the chances of experiencing side effects including seizures. You must swallow the tablets whole.

Take WELLBUTRIN XL at the same time each day; however doses should be taken at least 24 hours apart. You may take WELLBUTRIN XL with or without food. Do not take any other medicines while using WELLBUTRIN XL unless your doctor has approved its use.

It may take several weeks for you to feel that WELLBUTRIN XL is working. Once you feel better, it is important to keep taking WELLBUTRIN XL exactly as directed by your doctor. Call your doctor if you do not feel WELLBUTRIN XL is working for you.

Tell your doctor about all of your medical conditions, especially if you have liver or kidney problems, and all the medicines you take. Do not take WELLBUTRIN XL if:

• Have or had a seizure disorder or epilepsy
• Are taking ZYBAN or any other medicines that contain bupropion hydrochloride, which have the same active ingredient as WELLBUTRIN XL
• If you consume large quantities of alcohol and abruptly stop drinking
• If you are using sedatives (these make you sleepy) or benzodiazepines and you stop using them all of a sudden
• Have or had an eating disorder such as anorexia nervosa or bulimia
• Are allergic to the active ingredient in WELLBUTRIN XL, bupropion, or to any of the inactive ingredients

Before taking WELLBUTRIN XL, advise your doctor if you have ever had depression, suicidal thoughts or actions, or other mental health problems. Additionally, inform your doctor about the following if they apply to you:

• are pregnant or plan to become pregnant
• are breastfeeding
• 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

• Weight loss
• Dry mouth
• Nausea
• Difficulty sleeping
• Dizziness
• Sore throat

This drug may rarely cause seizures. Seek immediate medical attention if you experience a seizure. If you have a seizure while taking bupropion, you should not take this drug again. Getting a very serious allergic reaction to this drug is unlikely, but seek immediate medical attention if it occurs. Symptoms of a serious allergic reaction include: rash, itching/swelling (especially of the face/tongue/throat), severe dizziness, trouble breathing.

This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Call your doctor for medical advice about additional side effects or any side effect that bothers you or that do not go away.