DRUGS AND SUPPLEMENTS

Bupropion

March 21, 2017

Bupropion Hydrobromide Oral tablet, extended-release

What is this medicine?

BUPROPION (byoo PROE pee on) is used to treat depression.

This medicine may be used for other purposes; ask your health care provider or pharmacist if you have questions.

What should I tell my health care provider before I take this medicine?

They need to know if you have any of these conditions:

  • an eating disorder, such as anorexia or bulimia

  • bipolar disorder or psychosis

  • diabetes or high blood sugar, treated with medication

  • glaucoma

  • head injury or brain tumor

  • heart disease, previous heart attack, or irregular heart beat

  • high blood pressure

  • kidney or liver disease

  • seizures (convulsions)

  • suicidal thoughts or a previous suicide attempt

  • Tourette's syndrome

  • weight loss

  • an unusual or allergic reaction to bupropion, other medicines, foods, dyes, or preservatives

  • breast-feeding

  • pregnant or trying to become pregnant

How should I use this medicine?

Take this medicine by mouth with a glass of water. Follow the directions on the prescription label. You can take it with or without food. If it upsets your stomach, take it with food. Do not crush, chew, or cut these tablets. This medicine is taken once daily at the same time each day. Do not take your medicine more often than directed. Do not stop taking this medicine suddenly except upon the advice of your doctor. Stopping this medicine too quickly may cause serious side effects or your condition may worsen.

A special MedGuide will be given to you by the pharmacist with each prescription and refill. Be sure to read this information carefully each time.

Talk to your pediatrician regarding the use of this medicine in children. Special care may be needed.

Overdosage: If you think you have taken too much of this medicine contact a poison control center or emergency room at once.

NOTE: This medicine is only for you. Do not share this medicine with others.

What if I miss a dose?

If you miss a dose, skip the missed dose and take your next tablet at the regular time. Do not take double or extra doses.

What may interact with this medicine?

Do not take this medicine with any of the following medications:

  • linezolid

  • MAOIs like Azilect, Carbex, Eldepryl, Marplan, Nardil, and Parnate

  • methylene blue (injected into a vein)

  • other medicines that contain bupropion like Zyban

This medicine may also interact with the following medications:

  • alcohol

  • certain medicines for anxiety or sleep

  • certain medicines for blood pressure like metoprolol, propranolol

  • certain medicines for depression or psychotic disturbances

  • certain medicines for HIV or AIDS like efavirenz, lopinavir, nelfinavir, ritonavir

  • certain medicines for irregular heart beat like propafenone, flecainide

  • certain medicines for Parkinson's disease like amantadine, levodopa

  • certain medicines for seizures like carbamazepine, phenytoin, phenobarbital

  • cimetidine

  • clopidogrel

  • cyclophosphamide

  • furazolidone

  • isoniazid

  • nicotine

  • orphenadrine

  • procarbazine

  • steroid medicines like prednisone or cortisone

  • stimulant medicines for attention disorders, weight loss, or to stay awake

  • tamoxifen

  • theophylline

  • thiotepa

  • ticlopidine

  • tramadol

  • warfarin

This list may not describe all possible interactions. Give your health care provider a list of all the medicines, herbs, non-prescription drugs, or dietary supplements you use. Also tell them if you smoke, drink alcohol, or use illegal drugs. Some items may interact with your medicine.

What should I watch for while using this medicine?

Tell your doctor if your symptoms do not get better or if they get worse. Visit your doctor or health care professional for regular checks on your progress. Because it may take several weeks to see the full effects of this medicine, it is important to continue your treatment as prescribed by your doctor.

Patients and their families should watch out for new or worsening thoughts of suicide or depression. Also watch out for sudden changes in feelings such as feeling anxious, agitated, panicky, irritable, hostile, aggressive, impulsive, severely restless, overly excited and hyperactive, or not being able to sleep. If this happens, especially at the beginning of treatment or after a change in dose, call your health care professional.

Avoid alcoholic drinks while taking this medicine. Drinking large amounts of alcoholic beverages, using sleeping or anxiety medicines, or quickly stopping the use of these agents while taking this medicine may increase your risk for a seizure.

Do not drive or use heavy machinery until you know how this medicine affects you. This medicine can impair your ability to perform these tasks.

Do not take this medicine close to bedtime. It may prevent you from sleeping.

Your mouth may get dry. Chewing sugarless gum or sucking hard candy, and drinking plenty of water may help. Contact your doctor if the problem does not go away or is severe.

The tablet shell for some brands of this medicine does not dissolve. This is normal. The tablet shell may appear whole in the stool. This is not a cause for concern.

What side effects may I notice from receiving this medicine?

Side effects that you should report to your doctor or health care professional as soon as possible:

  • allergic reactions like skin rash, itching or hives, swelling of the face, lips, or tongue

  • breathing problems

  • changes in vision

  • confusion

  • fast or irregular heartbeat

  • hallucinations

  • increased blood pressure

  • redness, blistering, peeling or loosening of the skin, including inside the mouth

  • seizures

  • suicidal thoughts or other mood changes

  • unusually weak or tired

  • vomiting

Side effects that usually do not require medical attention (report to your doctor or health care professional if they continue or are bothersome):

  • change in sex drive or performance

  • constipation

  • headache

  • loss of appetite

  • nausea

  • tremors

  • weight loss

This list may not describe all possible side effects. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

Where should I keep my medicine?

Keep out of the reach of children.

Store at room temperature between 15 and 30 degrees C (59 and 86 degrees F). Throw away any unused medicine after the expiration date.

Bupropion Hydrochloride Oral tablet [Depression/Mood Disorders]

What is this medicine?

BUPROPION (byoo PROE pee on) is used to treat depression.

This medicine may be used for other purposes; ask your health care provider or pharmacist if you have questions.

What should I tell my health care provider before I take this medicine?

They need to know if you have any of these conditions:

  • an eating disorder, such as anorexia or bulimia

  • bipolar disorder or psychosis

  • diabetes or high blood sugar, treated with medication

  • glaucoma

  • heart disease, previous heart attack, or irregular heart beat

  • head injury or brain tumor

  • high blood pressure

  • kidney or liver disease

  • seizures

  • suicidal thoughts or a previous suicide attempt

  • Tourette's syndrome

  • weight loss

  • an unusual or allergic reaction to bupropion, other medicines, foods, dyes, or preservatives

  • breast-feeding

  • pregnant or trying to become pregnant

How should I use this medicine?

Take this medicine by mouth with a glass of water. Follow the directions on the prescription label. You can take it with or without food. If it upsets your stomach, take it with food. Take your medicine at regular intervals. Do not take your medicine more often than directed. Do not stop taking this medicine suddenly except upon the advice of your doctor. Stopping this medicine too quickly may cause serious side effects or your condition may worsen.

A special MedGuide will be given to you by the pharmacist with each prescription and refill. Be sure to read this information carefully each time.

Talk to your pediatrician regarding the use of this medicine in children. Special care may be needed.

Overdosage: If you think you have taken too much of this medicine contact a poison control center or emergency room at once.

NOTE: This medicine is only for you. Do not share this medicine with others.

What if I miss a dose?

If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you can. If it is less than four hours to your next dose, take only that dose and skip the missed dose. Do not take double or extra doses.

What may interact with this medicine?

Do not take this medicine with any of the following medications:

  • linezolid

  • MAOIs like Azilect, Carbex, Eldepryl, Marplan, Nardil, and Parnate

  • methylene blue (injected into a vein)

  • other medicines that contain bupropion like Zyban

This medicine may also interact with the following medications:

  • alcohol

  • certain medicines for anxiety or sleep

  • certain medicines for blood pressure like metoprolol, propranolol

  • certain medicines for depression or psychotic disturbances

  • certain medicines for HIV or AIDS like efavirenz, lopinavir, nelfinavir, ritonavir

  • certain medicines for irregular heart beat like propafenone, flecainide

  • certain medicines for Parkinson's disease like amantadine, levodopa

  • certain medicines for seizures like carbamazepine, phenytoin, phenobarbital

  • cimetidine

  • clopidogrel

  • cyclophosphamide

  • furazolidone

  • isoniazid

  • nicotine

  • orphenadrine

  • procarbazine

  • steroid medicines like prednisone or cortisone

  • stimulant medicines for attention disorders, weight loss, or to stay awake

  • tamoxifen

  • theophylline

  • thiotepa

  • ticlopidine

  • tramadol

  • warfarin

This list may not describe all possible interactions. Give your health care provider a list of all the medicines, herbs, non-prescription drugs, or dietary supplements you use. Also tell them if you smoke, drink alcohol, or use illegal drugs. Some items may interact with your medicine.

What should I watch for while using this medicine?

Tell your doctor if your symptoms do not get better or if they get worse. Visit your doctor or health care professional for regular checks on your progress. Because it may take several weeks to see the full effects of this medicine, it is important to continue your treatment as prescribed by your doctor.

Patients and their families should watch out for new or worsening thoughts of suicide or depression. Also watch out for sudden changes in feelings such as feeling anxious, agitated, panicky, irritable, hostile, aggressive, impulsive, severely restless, overly excited and hyperactive, or not being able to sleep. If this happens, especially at the beginning of treatment or after a change in dose, call your health care professional.

Avoid alcoholic drinks while taking this medicine. Drinking excessive alcoholic beverages, using sleeping or anxiety medicines, or quickly stopping the use of these agents while taking this medicine may increase your risk for a seizure.

Do not drive or use heavy machinery until you know how this medicine affects you. This medicine can impair your ability to perform these tasks.

Do not take this medicine close to bedtime. It may prevent you from sleeping.

Your mouth may get dry. Chewing sugarless gum or sucking hard candy, and drinking plenty of water may help. Contact your doctor if the problem does not go away or is severe.

What side effects may I notice from receiving this medicine?

Side effects that you should report to your doctor or health care professional as soon as possible:

  • allergic reactions like skin rash, itching or hives, swelling of the face, lips, or tongue

  • breathing problems

  • changes in vision

  • confusion

  • fast or irregular heartbeat

  • hallucinations

  • increased blood pressure

  • redness, blistering, peeling or loosening of the skin, including inside the mouth

  • seizures

  • suicidal thoughts or other mood changes

  • unusually weak or tired

  • vomiting

Side effects that usually do not require medical attention (report to your doctor or health care professional if they continue or are bothersome):

  • change in sex drive or performance

  • constipation

  • headache

  • loss of appetite

  • nausea

  • tremors

  • weight loss

This list may not describe all possible side effects. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

Where should I keep my medicine?

Keep out of the reach of children.

Store at room temperature between 15 and 25 degrees C (59 and 77 degrees F), away from direct sunlight and moisture. Keep tightly closed. Throw away any unused medicine after the expiration date.

Bupropion Hydrochloride Oral tablet, extended release 12 hour [Depression/Mood Disorders]

What is this medicine?

BUPROPION (byoo PROE pee on) is used to treat depression.

This medicine may be used for other purposes; ask your health care provider or pharmacist if you have questions.

What should I tell my health care provider before I take this medicine?

They need to know if you have any of these conditions:

  • an eating disorder, such as anorexia or bulimia

  • bipolar disorder or psychosis

  • diabetes or high blood sugar, treated with medication

  • glaucoma

  • head injury or brain tumor

  • heart disease, previous heart attack, or irregular heart beat

  • high blood pressure

  • kidney or liver disease

  • seizures

  • suicidal thoughts or a previous suicide attempt

  • Tourette's syndrome

  • weight loss

  • an unusual or allergic reaction to bupropion, other medicines, foods, dyes, or preservatives

  • breast-feeding

  • pregnant or trying to become pregnant

How should I use this medicine?

Take this medicine by mouth with a glass of water. Follow the directions on the prescription label. You can take it with or without food. If it upsets your stomach, take it with food. Do not cut, crush or chew this medicine. Take your medicine at regular intervals. If you take this medicine more than once a day, take your second dose at least 8 hours after you take your first dose. To limit difficulty in sleeping, avoid taking this medicine at bedtime. Do not take your medicine more often than directed. Do not stop taking this medicine suddenly except upon the advice of your doctor. Stopping this medicine too quickly may cause serious side effects or your condition may worsen.

A special MedGuide will be given to you by the pharmacist with each prescription and refill. Be sure to read this information carefully each time.

Talk to your pediatrician regarding the use of this medicine in children. Special care may be needed.

Overdosage: If you think you have taken too much of this medicine contact a poison control center or emergency room at once.

NOTE: This medicine is only for you. Do not share this medicine with others.

What if I miss a dose?

If you miss a dose, skip the missed dose and take your next tablet at the regular time. There should be at least 8 hours between doses. Do not take double or extra doses.

What may interact with this medicine?

Do not take this medicine with any of the following medications:

  • linezolid

  • MAOIs like Azilect, Carbex, Eldepryl, Marplan, Nardil, and Parnate

  • methylene blue (injected into a vein)

  • other medicines that contain bupropion like Zyban

This medicine may also interact with the following medications:

  • alcohol

  • certain medicines for anxiety or sleep

  • certain medicines for blood pressure like metoprolol, propranolol

  • certain medicines for depression or psychotic disturbances

  • certain medicines for HIV or AIDS like efavirenz, lopinavir, nelfinavir, ritonavir

  • certain medicines for irregular heart beat like propafenone, flecainide

  • certain medicines for Parkinson's disease like amantadine, levodopa

  • certain medicines for seizures like carbamazepine, phenytoin, phenobarbital

  • cimetidine

  • clopidogrel

  • cyclophosphamide

  • furazolidone

  • isoniazid

  • nicotine

  • orphenadrine

  • procarbazine

  • steroid medicines like prednisone or cortisone

  • stimulant medicines for attention disorders, weight loss, or to stay awake

  • tamoxifen

  • theophylline

  • thiotepa

  • ticlopidine

  • tramadol

  • warfarin

This list may not describe all possible interactions. Give your health care provider a list of all the medicines, herbs, non-prescription drugs, or dietary supplements you use. Also tell them if you smoke, drink alcohol, or use illegal drugs. Some items may interact with your medicine.

What should I watch for while using this medicine?

Tell your doctor if your symptoms do not get better or if they get worse. Visit your doctor or health care professional for regular checks on your progress. Because it may take several weeks to see the full effects of this medicine, it is important to continue your treatment as prescribed by your doctor.

Patients and their families should watch out for new or worsening thoughts of suicide or depression. Also watch out for sudden changes in feelings such as feeling anxious, agitated, panicky, irritable, hostile, aggressive, impulsive, severely restless, overly excited and hyperactive, or not being able to sleep. If this happens, especially at the beginning of treatment or after a change in dose, call your health care professional.

Avoid alcoholic drinks while taking this medicine. Drinking excessive alcoholic beverages, using sleeping or anxiety medicines, or quickly stopping the use of these agents while taking this medicine may increase your risk for a seizure.

Do not drive or use heavy machinery until you know how this medicine affects you. This medicine can impair your ability to perform these tasks.

Do not take this medicine close to bedtime. It may prevent you from sleeping.

Your mouth may get dry. Chewing sugarless gum or sucking hard candy, and drinking plenty of water may help. Contact your doctor if the problem does not go away or is severe.

What side effects may I notice from receiving this medicine?

Side effects that you should report to your doctor or health care professional as soon as possible:

  • allergic reactions like skin rash, itching or hives, swelling of the face, lips, or tongue

  • breathing problems

  • changes in vision

  • confusion

  • fast or irregular heartbeat

  • hallucinations

  • increased blood pressure

  • redness, blistering, peeling or loosening of the skin, including inside the mouth

  • seizures

  • suicidal thoughts or other mood changes

  • unusually weak or tired

  • vomiting

Side effects that usually do not require medical attention (report to your doctor or health care professional if they continue or are bothersome):

  • change in sex drive or performance

  • constipation

  • headache

  • loss of appetite

  • nausea

  • tremors

  • weight loss

This list may not describe all possible side effects. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

Where should I keep my medicine?

Keep out of the reach of children.

Store at room temperature between 20 and 25 degrees C (68 and 77 degrees F), away from direct sunlight and moisture. Keep tightly closed. Throw away any unused medicine after the expiration date.

Bupropion Hydrochloride Oral tablet, extended release 12 hour [Smoking Cessation]

What is this medicine?

BUPROPION (byoo PROE pee on) is used to help people quit smoking.

This medicine may be used for other purposes; ask your health care provider or pharmacist if you have questions.

What should I tell my health care provider before I take this medicine?

They need to know if you have any of these conditions:

  • an eating disorder, such as anorexia or bulimia

  • bipolar disorder or psychosis

  • diabetes or high blood sugar, treated with medication

  • glaucoma

  • head injury or brain tumor

  • heart disease, previous heart attack, or irregular heart beat

  • high blood pressure

  • kidney or liver disease

  • seizures

  • suicidal thoughts or a previous suicide attempt

  • Tourette's syndrome

  • weight loss

  • an unusual or allergic reaction to bupropion, other medicines, foods, dyes, or preservatives

  • breast-feeding

  • pregnant or trying to become pregnant

How should I use this medicine?

Take this medicine by mouth with a glass of water. Follow the directions on the prescription label. You can take it with or without food. If it upsets your stomach, take it with food. Do not cut, crush or chew this medicine. Take your medicine at regular intervals. If you take this medicine more than once a day, take your second dose at least 8 hours after you take your first dose. To limit difficulty in sleeping, avoid taking this medicine at bedtime. Do not take your medicine more often than directed. Do not stop taking this medicine suddenly except upon the advice of your doctor. Stopping this medicine too quickly may cause serious side effects.

A special MedGuide will be given to you by the pharmacist with each prescription and refill. Be sure to read this information carefully each time.

Talk to your pediatrician regarding the use of this medicine in children. Special care may be needed.

Overdosage: If you think you have taken too much of this medicine contact a poison control center or emergency room at once.

NOTE: This medicine is only for you. Do not share this medicine with others.

What if I miss a dose?

If you miss a dose, skip the missed dose and take your next tablet at the regular time. There should be at least 8 hours between doses. Do not take double or extra doses.

What may interact with this medicine?

Do not take this medicine with any of the following medications:

  • linezolid

  • MAOIs like Azilect, Carbex, Eldepryl, Marplan, Nardil, and Parnate

  • methylene blue (injected into a vein)

  • other medicines that contain bupropion like Wellbutrin

This medicine may also interact with the following medications:

  • alcohol

  • certain medicines for anxiety or sleep

  • certain medicines for blood pressure like metoprolol, propranolol

  • certain medicines for depression or psychotic disturbances

  • certain medicines for HIV or AIDS like efavirenz, lopinavir, nelfinavir, ritonavir

  • certain medicines for irregular heart beat like propafenone, flecainide

  • certain medicines for Parkinson's disease like amantadine, levodopa

  • certain medicines for seizures like carbamazepine, phenytoin, phenobarbital

  • cimetidine

  • clopidogrel

  • cyclophosphamide

  • furazolidone

  • isoniazid

  • nicotine

  • orphenadrine

  • procarbazine

  • steroid medicines like prednisone or cortisone

  • stimulant medicines for attention disorders, weight loss, or to stay awake

  • tamoxifen

  • theophylline

  • thiotepa

  • ticlopidine

  • tramadol

  • warfarin

This list may not describe all possible interactions. Give your health care provider a list of all the medicines, herbs, non-prescription drugs, or dietary supplements you use. Also tell them if you smoke, drink alcohol, or use illegal drugs. Some items may interact with your medicine.

What should I watch for while using this medicine?

Visit your doctor or health care professional for regular checks on your progress. This medicine should be used together with a patient support program. It is important to participate in a behavioral program, counseling, or other support program that is recommended by your health care professional.

Patients and their families should watch out for new or worsening thoughts of suicide or depression. Also watch out for sudden changes in feelings such as feeling anxious, agitated, panicky, irritable, hostile, aggressive, impulsive, severely restless, overly excited and hyperactive, or not being able to sleep. If this happens, especially at the beginning of treatment or after a change in dose, call your health care professional.

Avoid alcoholic drinks while taking this medicine. Drinking excessive alcoholic beverages, using sleeping or anxiety medicines, or quickly stopping the use of these agents while taking this medicine may increase your risk for a seizure.

Do not drive or use heavy machinery until you know how this medicine affects you. This medicine can impair your ability to perform these tasks.

Do not take this medicine close to bedtime. It may prevent you from sleeping.

Your mouth may get dry. Chewing sugarless gum or sucking hard candy, and drinking plenty of water may help. Contact your doctor if the problem does not go away or is severe.

Do not use nicotine patches or chewing gum without the advice of your doctor or health care professional while taking this medicine. You may need to have your blood pressure taken regularly if your doctor recommends that you use both nicotine and this medicine together.

What side effects may I notice from receiving this medicine?

Side effects that you should report to your doctor or health care professional as soon as possible:

  • allergic reactions like skin rash, itching or hives, swelling of the face, lips, or tongue

  • breathing problems

  • changes in vision

  • confusion

  • fast or irregular heartbeat

  • hallucinations

  • increased blood pressure

  • redness, blistering, peeling or loosening of the skin, including inside the mouth

  • seizures

  • suicidal thoughts or other mood changes

  • unusually weak or tired

  • vomiting

Side effects that usually do not require medical attention (report to your doctor or health care professional if they continue or are bothersome):

  • change in sex drive or performance

  • constipation

  • headache

  • loss of appetite

  • nausea

  • tremors

  • weight loss

This list may not describe all possible side effects. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

Where should I keep my medicine?

Keep out of the reach of children.

Store at room temperature between 20 and 25 degrees C (68 and 77 degrees F). Protect from light. Keep container tightly closed. Throw away any unused medicine after the expiration date.

Bupropion Hydrochloride Oral tablet, extended release 24 hour [Depression/Mood Disorders]

What is this medicine?

BUPROPION (byoo PROE pee on) is used to treat depression.

This medicine may be used for other purposes; ask your health care provider or pharmacist if you have questions.

What should I tell my health care provider before I take this medicine?

They need to know if you have any of these conditions:

  • an eating disorder, such as anorexia or bulimia

  • bipolar disorder or psychosis

  • diabetes or high blood sugar, treated with medication

  • glaucoma

  • head injury or brain tumor

  • heart disease, previous heart attack, or irregular heart beat

  • high blood pressure

  • kidney or liver disease

  • seizures (convulsions)

  • suicidal thoughts or a previous suicide attempt

  • Tourette's syndrome

  • weight loss

  • an unusual or allergic reaction to bupropion, other medicines, foods, dyes, or preservatives

  • breast-feeding

  • pregnant or trying to become pregnant

How should I use this medicine?

Take this medicine by mouth with a glass of water. Follow the directions on the prescription label. You can take it with or without food. If it upsets your stomach, take it with food. Do not crush, chew, or cut these tablets. This medicine is taken once daily at the same time each day. Do not take your medicine more often than directed. Do not stop taking this medicine suddenly except upon the advice of your doctor. Stopping this medicine too quickly may cause serious side effects or your condition may worsen.

A special MedGuide will be given to you by the pharmacist with each prescription and refill. Be sure to read this information carefully each time.

Talk to your pediatrician regarding the use of this medicine in children. Special care may be needed.

Overdosage: If you think you have taken too much of this medicine contact a poison control center or emergency room at once.

NOTE: This medicine is only for you. Do not share this medicine with others.

What if I miss a dose?

If you miss a dose, skip the missed dose and take your next tablet at the regular time. Do not take double or extra doses.

What may interact with this medicine?

Do not take this medicine with any of the following medications:

  • linezolid

  • MAOIs like Azilect, Carbex, Eldepryl, Marplan, Nardil, and Parnate

  • methylene blue (injected into a vein)

  • other medicines that contain bupropion like Zyban

This medicine may also interact with the following medications:

  • alcohol

  • certain medicines for anxiety or sleep

  • certain medicines for blood pressure like metoprolol, propranolol

  • certain medicines for depression or psychotic disturbances

  • certain medicines for HIV or AIDS like efavirenz, lopinavir, nelfinavir, ritonavir

  • certain medicines for irregular heart beat like propafenone, flecainide

  • certain medicines for Parkinson's disease like amantadine, levodopa

  • certain medicines for seizures like carbamazepine, phenytoin, phenobarbital

  • cimetidine

  • clopidogrel

  • cyclophosphamide

  • furazolidone

  • isoniazid

  • nicotine

  • orphenadrine

  • procarbazine

  • steroid medicines like prednisone or cortisone

  • stimulant medicines for attention disorders, weight loss, or to stay awake

  • tamoxifen

  • theophylline

  • thiotepa

  • ticlopidine

  • tramadol

  • warfarin

This list may not describe all possible interactions. Give your health care provider a list of all the medicines, herbs, non-prescription drugs, or dietary supplements you use. Also tell them if you smoke, drink alcohol, or use illegal drugs. Some items may interact with your medicine.

What should I watch for while using this medicine?

Tell your doctor if your symptoms do not get better or if they get worse. Visit your doctor or health care professional for regular checks on your progress. Because it may take several weeks to see the full effects of this medicine, it is important to continue your treatment as prescribed by your doctor.

Patients and their families should watch out for new or worsening thoughts of suicide or depression. Also watch out for sudden changes in feelings such as feeling anxious, agitated, panicky, irritable, hostile, aggressive, impulsive, severely restless, overly excited and hyperactive, or not being able to sleep. If this happens, especially at the beginning of treatment or after a change in dose, call your health care professional.

Avoid alcoholic drinks while taking this medicine. Drinking large amounts of alcoholic beverages, using sleeping or anxiety medicines, or quickly stopping the use of these agents while taking this medicine may increase your risk for a seizure.

Do not drive or use heavy machinery until you know how this medicine affects you. This medicine can impair your ability to perform these tasks.

Do not take this medicine close to bedtime. It may prevent you from sleeping.

Your mouth may get dry. Chewing sugarless gum or sucking hard candy, and drinking plenty of water may help. Contact your doctor if the problem does not go away or is severe.

The tablet shell for some brands of this medicine does not dissolve. This is normal. The tablet shell may appear whole in the stool. This is not a cause for concern.

What side effects may I notice from receiving this medicine?

Side effects that you should report to your doctor or health care professional as soon as possible:

  • allergic reactions like skin rash, itching or hives, swelling of the face, lips, or tongue

  • breathing problems

  • changes in vision

  • confusion

  • fast or irregular heartbeat

  • hallucinations

  • increased blood pressure

  • redness, blistering, peeling or loosening of the skin, including inside the mouth

  • seizures

  • suicidal thoughts or other mood changes

  • unusually weak or tired

  • vomiting

Side effects that usually do not require medical attention (report to your doctor or health care professional if they continue or are bothersome):

  • change in sex drive or performance

  • constipation

  • headache

  • loss of appetite

  • nausea

  • tremors

  • weight loss

This list may not describe all possible side effects. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

Where should I keep my medicine?

Keep out of the reach of children.

Store at room temperature between 15 and 30 degrees C (59 and 86 degrees F). Throw away any unused medicine after the expiration date.

Updated:  

March 21, 2017

Sources:  

U.S. FDA-approved Package Insert