Overdoses of up to 30 grams or more of bupropion have been reported. Seizure was reported in approximately one-third of all cases. Other serious reactions reported with overdoses of bupropion alone included hallucinations, loss of consciousness, sinus tachycardia, and ECG changes such as conduction disturbances (including QRS prolongation) or arrhythmias. Fever, muscle rigidity, rhabdomyolysis, hypotension, stupor, coma, and respiratory failure have been reported mainly when bupropion was part of multiple drug overdoses.
Although most patients recovered without sequelae, deaths associated with overdoses of bupropion alone have been reported in patients ingesting large doses of the drug. Multiple uncontrolled seizures, bradycardia, cardiac failure, and cardiac arrest prior to death were reported in these patients.
Overdosage ManagementConsult a Certified Poison Control Center for up-to-date guidance and advice. Telephone numbers for certified poison control centers are listed in the Physician's Desk Reference (PDR). Call 1-800-222- 1222 or refer to www.poison.org.
There are no known antidotes for bupropion. In case of an overdose, provide supportive care, including close medical supervision and monitoring. Consider the possibility of multiple drug overdose. Ensure an adequate airway, oxygenation, and ventilation. Monitor cardiac rhythm and vital signs. Induction of emesis is not recommended.
The following adverse reactions are discussed in greater detail in other sections of the labeling:
Because clinical trials are conducted under widely varying conditions, adverse reaction rates observed in the clinical trials of a drug cannot be directly compared to rates in the clinical trials of another drug and may not reflect the rates observed in clinical practice.
Commonly Observed Adverse Reactions In Controlled Clinical Trials Of Sustained-Release Bupropion HydrochlorideAdverse reactions that occurred in at least 5% of patients treated with bupropion HCl sustained-release (300 mg and 400 mg per day) and at a rate at least twice the placebo rate are listed below.
300 mg/day of bupropion HCl sustained-release: anorexia, dry mouth, rash, sweating, tinnitus, and tremor.
400 mg/day of bupropion HCl sustained-release: abdominal pain, agitation, anxiety, dizziness, dry mouth, insomnia, myalgia, nausea, palpitation, pharyngitis, sweating, tinnitus, and urinary frequency.
WELLBUTRIN XL has been demonstrated to have similar bioavailability both to the immediate-release and sustained-release formulations of bupropion. The information included under this subsection and under subsection 6.2 is based primarily on data from controlled clinical trials with the sustained-release and extended-release formulations of bupropion hydrochloride.
Major Depressive Disorder Adverse Reactions Leading to Discontinuation of Treatment with Bupropion HCl Immediate-Release, Bupropion HCl Sustained-Release, and Bupropion HCl Extended-Release in Major Depressive Disorder TrialsIn placebo-controlled clinical trials with bupropion HCl sustained-release, 4%, 9%, and 11% of the placebo, 300 mg/day and 400 mg/day groups, respectively, discontinued treatment because of adverse reactions. The specific adverse reactions leading to discontinuation in at least 1% of the 300 mg/day or 400 mg/day groups and at a rate at least twice the placebo rate are listed in Table 2.
Table 2: Treatment Discontinuation Due to Adverse Reactions in Placebo-Controlled Trials in MDD
| Adverse Reaction Term | Placebo (n=385) | Bupropion HCl Sustained-Release 300 mg/day (n=376) | Bupropion HCl Sustained-Release 400 mg/day (n=114) |
| Rash | 0.0% | 2.4% | 0.9% |
| Nausea | 0.3% | 0.8% | 1.8% |
| Agitation | 0.3% | 0.3% | 1.8% |
| Migraine | 0.3% | 0.0% | 1.8% |
In clinical trials with bupropion HCl immediate-release, 10% of patients and volunteers discontinued due to an adverse reaction. Reactions resulting in discontinuation (in addition to those listed above for the sustained-release formulation) included vomiting, seizures, and sleep disturbances.
Adverse Reactions Occurring at an Incidence of > 1% in Patients Treated with Bupropion HCl Immediate-Release or Bupropion HCl Sustained-Release in MDDTable 3 summarizes the adverse reactions that occurred in placebo-controlled trials in patients treated with bupropion HCl sustained-release 300 mg/day and 400 mg/day. These include reactions that occurred in either the 300 mg or 400 mg group at an incidence of 1% or more and were more frequent than in the placebo group.
Table 3: Adverse Reactions in Placebo-Controlled Trials in Patients with MDD
| Body System/ Adverse Reaction | Placebo (n=385) | Bupropion HCl Sustained-Release 300 mg/day (n=376) | Bupropion HCl Sustained-Release 400 mg/day (n=114) |
| Body (General) | |||
| Headache | 23% | 26% | 25% |
| Infection | 6% | 8% | 9% |
| Abdominal pain | 2% | 3% | 9% |
| Asthenia | 2% | 2% | 4% |
| Chest pain | 1% | 3% | 4% |
| Pain | 2% | 2% | 3% |
| Fever | — | 1% | 2% |
| Cardiovascular | |||
| Palpitation | 2% | 2% | 6% |
| Flushing | — | 1% | 4% |
| Migraine | 1% | 1% | 4% |
| Hot flashes | 1% | 1% | 3% |
| Digestive | |||
| Dry mouth | 7% | 17% | 24% |
| Nausea | 8% | 13% | 18% |
| Constipation | 7% | 10% | 5% |
| Diarrhea | 6% | 5% | 7% |
| Anorexia | 2% | 5% | 3% |
| Vomiting | 2% | 4% | 2% |
| Dysphagia | 0% | 0% | 2% |
| Musculoskeletal | |||
| Myalgia | 3% | 2% | 6% |
| Arthralgia | 1% | 1% | 4% |
| Arthritis | 0% | 0% | 2% |
| Twitch | — | 1% | 2% |
| Nervous System | |||
| Insomnia | 6% | 11% | 16% |
| Dizziness | 5% | 7% | 11% |
| Agitation | 2% | 3% | 9% |
| Anxiety | 3% | 5% | 6% |
| Tremor | 1% | 6% | 3% |
| Nervousness | 3% | 5% | 3% |
| Somnolence | 2% | 2% | 3% |
| Irritability | 2% | 3% | 2% |
| Memory decreased | 1% | — | 3% |
| Paresthesia | 1% | 1% | 2% |
| Central nervous system stimulation | 1% | 2% | 1% |
| Respiratory | |||
| Pharyngitis | 2% | 3% | 11% |
| Sinusitis | 2% | 3% | 1% |
| Increased cough | 1% | 1% | 2% |
| Skin | |||
| Sweating | 2% | 6% | 5% |
| Rash | 1% | 5% | 4% |
| Pruritus | 2% | 2% | 4% |
| Urticaria | 0% | 2% | 1% |
| Special Senses | |||
| Tinnitus | 2% | 6% | 6% |
| Taste perversion | — | 2% | 4% |
| Blurred vision or diplopia | 2% | 3% | 2% |
| Urogenital | |||
| Urinary frequency | 2% | 2% | 5% |
| Urinary urgency | 0% | — | 2% |
| Vaginal hemorrhage1 | — | 0% | 2% |
| Urinary tract infection | —2 | 1% | 0% |
| 1Incidence based on the number of female patients. 2Hyphen denotes adverse reactions occurring in greater than 0 but less than 0.5% of patients | |||
The following additional adverse reactions occurred in controlled trials of bupropion HCl immediate-release (300 to 600 mg per day) at an incidence of at least 1% more frequently than in the placebo group were: cardiac arrhythmia (5% vs. 4%), hypertension (4% vs. 2%), hypotension (3% vs. 2%), menstrual complaints (5% vs. 1%), akathisia (2% vs. 1%), impaired sleep quality (4% vs. 2%), sensory disturbance (4% vs. 3%), confusion (8% vs. 5%), decreased libido (3% vs. 2%), hostility (6% vs. 4%), auditory disturbance (5% vs. 3%), and gustatory disturbance (3% vs. 1%).
Seasonal Affective DisorderIn placebo-controlled clinical trials in SAD, 9% of patients treated with WELLBUTRIN XL and 5% of patients treated with placebo discontinued treatment because of adverse reactions. The adverse reactions leading to discontinuation in at least 1% of patients treated with bupropion and at a rate numerically greater than the placebo rate were insomnia (2% vs. < 1%) and headache (1% vs. < 1%).
Table 4 summarizes the adverse reactions that occurred in patients treated with WELLBUTRIN XL for up to approximately 6 months in 3 placebo-controlled trials. These include reactions that occurred at an incidence of 2% or more and were more frequent than in the placebo group.
Table 4: Adverse Reactions in Placebo-Controlled Trials in Patients with SAD
| System Organ Class/ Preferred Term | Placebo (n=511) | Bupropion HCl Extended-Release (n=537) |
| Gastrointestinal Disorder | ||
| Dry mouth | 15% | 26% |
| Nausea | 8% | 13% |
| Constipation | 2% | 9% |
| Flatulence | 3% | 6% |
| Abdominal pain | < 1% | 2% |
| Nervous System Disorders | ||
| Headache | 26% | 34% |
| Dizziness | 5% | 6% |
| Tremor | < 1% | 3% |
| Infections and Infestations | ||
| Nasopharyngitis | 12% | 13% |
| Upper respiratory tract infection | 8% | 9% |
| Sinusitis | 4% | 5% |
| Psychiatric Disorders | ||
| Insomnia | 13% | 20% |
| Anxiety | 5% | 7% |
| Abnormal dreams | 2% | 3% |
| Agitation | < 1% | 2% |
| Musculoskeletal and Connective Tissue Disorders | ||
| Myalgia | 2% | 3% |
| Pain in extremity | 2% | 3% |
| Respiratory, Thoracic, and Mediastinal Disorders | ||
| Cough | 3% | 4% |
| General Disorders and Administration Site Conditions | ||
| Feeling jittery | 2% | 3% |
| Skin and Subcutaneous Tissue Disorders | ||
| Rash | 2% | 3% |
| Metabolism and Nutrition Disorders | ||
| Decreased appetite | 1% | 4% |
| Reproductive System and Breast Disorders | ||
| Dysmenorrhea | < 1% | 2% |
| Ear and Labyrinth Disorders | ||
| Tinnitus | < 1% | 3% |
| Vascular Disorders | ||
| Hypertension | 0% | 2% |
Table 5 presents the incidence of body weight changes ( ≥ 5 lbs) in the short-term MDD trials using bupropion HCl sustained-release. There was a dose-related decrease in body weight.
Table 5: Incidence of Weight Gain or Weight Loss ( ≥ 5 lbs) in MDD Trials Using Bupropion HClSustained-Release
| Weight Change | Bupropion HCl Sustained-Release 300 mg/day (n=339) | Bupropion HCl Sustained-Release 400 mg/day (n=112) | Placebo (n=347) |
| Gained > 5 lbs | 3% | 2% | 4% |
| Lost > 5 lbs | 14% | 19% | 6% |
Table 6 presents the incidence of body weight changes ( ≥ 5 lbs) in the 3 SAD trials using bupropion HCl extended-release. A higher proportion of subjects in the bupropion group (23%) had a weight loss ≥ 5 lbs, compared to the placebo group (11%). These were relatively long-term trials (up to 6 months).
Table 6: Incidence of Weight Gain or Weight Loss ( ≥ 5 lbs) in SAD Trials Using Bupropion HCl Extended-Release
| Weight Change | Bupropion HCl Extended-Release 150 to 300 mg/day (n=537) | Placebo (n=511) |
| Gained > 5 lbs | 11% | 21% |
| Lost > 5 lbs | 23% | 11% |
The following adverse reactions have been identified during post-approval use of WELLBUTRIN XL. Because these reactions are reported voluntarily from a population of uncertain size, it is not always possible to reliably estimate their frequency or establish a causal relationship to drug exposure.
Body (General)Chills, facial edema, edema, peripheral edema, musculoskeletal chest pain, photosensitivity, and malaise.
CardiovascularPostural hypotension, hypertension, stroke, vasodilation, syncope, complete atrioventricular block, extrasystoles, myocardial infarction, phlebitis, and pulmonary embolism.
DigestiveAbnormal liver function, bruxism, gastric reflux, gingivitis, glossitis, increased salivation, jaundice, mouth ulcers, stomatitis, thirst, edema of tongue, colitis, esophagitis, gastrointestinal hemorrhage, gum hemorrhage, hepatitis, intestinal perforation, liver damage, pancreatitis, and stomach ulcer.
EndocrineHyperglycemia, hypoglycemia, and syndrome of inappropriate antidiuretic hormone secretion.
Hemic And LymphaticEcchymosis, anemia, leukocytosis, leukopenia, lymphadenopathy, pancytopenia, and thrombocytopenia. Altered PT and/or INR, associated with hemorrhagic or thrombotic complications, were observed when bupropion was coadministered with warfarin.
Metabolic And NutritionalGlycosuria.
MusculoskeletalLeg cramps, fever/rhabdomyolysis, and muscle weakness.
Nervous SystemAbnormal coordination, depersonalization, emotional lability, hyperkinesia, hypertonia, hypesthesia, vertigo, amnesia, ataxia, derealization, abnormal electroencephalogram (EEG), aggression, akinesia, aphasia, coma, dysarthria, dyskinesia, dystonia, euphoria, extrapyramidal syndrome, hypokinesia, increased libido, neuralgia, neuropathy, paranoid ideation, restlessness, suicide attempt, and unmasking tardive dyskinesia.
RespiratoryBronchospasm and pneumonia.
SkinMaculopapular rash, alopecia, angioedema, exfoliative dermatitis, and hirsutism.
Special SensesAccommodation abnormality, dry eye, deafness, increased intraocular pressure, angle-closure glaucoma, and mydriasis.
UrogenitalImpotence, polyuria, prostate disorder, abnormal ejaculation, cystitis, dyspareunia, dysuria, gynecomastia, menopause, painful erection, salpingitis, urinary incontinence, urinary retention, and vaginitis.
The following adverse reactions are discussed in greater detail in other sections of the labeling:
Because clinical trials are conducted under widely varying conditions, adverse reaction rates observed in the clinical trials of a drug cannot be directly compared to rates in the clinical trials of another drug and may not reflect the rates observed in clinical practice.
Commonly Observed Adverse Reactions In Controlled Clinical Trials Of Sustained-Release Bupropion HydrochlorideAdverse reactions that occurred in at least 5% of patients treated with bupropion HCl sustained-release (300 mg and 400 mg per day) and at a rate at least twice the placebo rate are listed below.
300 mg/day of bupropion HCl sustained-release: anorexia, dry mouth, rash, sweating, tinnitus, and tremor.
400 mg/day of bupropion HCl sustained-release: abdominal pain, agitation, anxiety, dizziness, dry mouth, insomnia, myalgia, nausea, palpitation, pharyngitis, sweating, tinnitus, and urinary frequency.
Wellbutrin Retard has been demonstrated to have similar bioavailability both to the immediate-release and sustained-release formulations of bupropion. The information included under this subsection and under subsection 6.2 is based primarily on data from controlled clinical trials with the sustained-release and extended-release formulations of bupropion hydrochloride.
Major Depressive Disorder Adverse Reactions Leading to Discontinuation of Treatment with Bupropion HCl Immediate-Release, Bupropion HCl Sustained-Release, and Bupropion HCl Extended-Release in Major Depressive Disorder TrialsIn placebo-controlled clinical trials with bupropion HCl sustained-release, 4%, 9%, and 11% of the placebo, 300 mg/day and 400 mg/day groups, respectively, discontinued treatment because of adverse reactions. The specific adverse reactions leading to discontinuation in at least 1% of the 300 mg/day or 400 mg/day groups and at a rate at least twice the placebo rate are listed in Table 2.
Table 2: Treatment Discontinuation Due to Adverse Reactions in Placebo-Controlled Trials in MDD
| Adverse Reaction Term | Placebo (n=385) | Bupropion HCl Sustained-Release 300 mg/day (n=376) | Bupropion HCl Sustained-Release 400 mg/day (n=114) |
| Rash | 0.0% | 2.4% | 0.9% |
| Nausea | 0.3% | 0.8% | 1.8% |
| Agitation | 0.3% | 0.3% | 1.8% |
| Migraine | 0.3% | 0.0% | 1.8% |
In clinical trials with bupropion HCl immediate-release, 10% of patients and volunteers discontinued due to an adverse reaction. Reactions resulting in discontinuation (in addition to those listed above for the sustained-release formulation) included vomiting, seizures, and sleep disturbances.
Adverse Reactions Occurring at an Incidence of > 1% in Patients Treated with Bupropion HCl Immediate-Release or Bupropion HCl Sustained-Release in MDDTable 3 summarizes the adverse reactions that occurred in placebo-controlled trials in patients treated with bupropion HCl sustained-release 300 mg/day and 400 mg/day. These include reactions that occurred in either the 300 mg or 400 mg group at an incidence of 1% or more and were more frequent than in the placebo group.
Table 3: Adverse Reactions in Placebo-Controlled Trials in Patients with MDD
| Body System/ Adverse Reaction | Placebo (n=385) | Bupropion HCl Sustained-Release 300 mg/day (n=376) | Bupropion HCl Sustained-Release 400 mg/day (n=114) |
| Body (General) | |||
| Headache | 23% | 26% | 25% |
| Infection | 6% | 8% | 9% |
| Abdominal pain | 2% | 3% | 9% |
| Asthenia | 2% | 2% | 4% |
| Chest pain | 1% | 3% | 4% |
| Pain | 2% | 2% | 3% |
| Fever | — | 1% | 2% |
| Cardiovascular | |||
| Palpitation | 2% | 2% | 6% |
| Flushing | — | 1% | 4% |
| Migraine | 1% | 1% | 4% |
| Hot flashes | 1% | 1% | 3% |
| Digestive | |||
| Dry mouth | 7% | 17% | 24% |
| Nausea | 8% | 13% | 18% |
| Constipation | 7% | 10% | 5% |
| Diarrhea | 6% | 5% | 7% |
| Anorexia | 2% | 5% | 3% |
| Vomiting | 2% | 4% | 2% |
| Dysphagia | 0% | 0% | 2% |
| Musculoskeletal | |||
| Myalgia | 3% | 2% | 6% |
| Arthralgia | 1% | 1% | 4% |
| Arthritis | 0% | 0% | 2% |
| Twitch | — | 1% | 2% |
| Nervous System | |||
| Insomnia | 6% | 11% | 16% |
| Dizziness | 5% | 7% | 11% |
| Agitation | 2% | 3% | 9% |
| Anxiety | 3% | 5% | 6% |
| Tremor | 1% | 6% | 3% |
| Nervousness | 3% | 5% | 3% |
| Somnolence | 2% | 2% | 3% |
| Irritability | 2% | 3% | 2% |
| Memory decreased | 1% | — | 3% |
| Paresthesia | 1% | 1% | 2% |
| Central nervous system stimulation | 1% | 2% | 1% |
| Respiratory | |||
| Pharyngitis | 2% | 3% | 11% |
| Sinusitis | 2% | 3% | 1% |
| Increased cough | 1% | 1% | 2% |
| Skin | |||
| Sweating | 2% | 6% | 5% |
| Rash | 1% | 5% | 4% |
| Pruritus | 2% | 2% | 4% |
| Urticaria | 0% | 2% | 1% |
| Special Senses | |||
| Tinnitus | 2% | 6% | 6% |
| Taste perversion | — | 2% | 4% |
| Blurred vision or diplopia | 2% | 3% | 2% |
| Urogenital | |||
| Urinary frequency | 2% | 2% | 5% |
| Urinary urgency | 0% | — | 2% |
| Vaginal hemorrhage1 | — | 0% | 2% |
| Urinary tract infection | —2 | 1% | 0% |
| 1Incidence based on the number of female patients. 2Hyphen denotes adverse reactions occurring in greater than 0 but less than 0.5% of patients | |||
The following additional adverse reactions occurred in controlled trials of bupropion HCl immediate-release (300 to 600 mg per day) at an incidence of at least 1% more frequently than in the placebo group were: cardiac arrhythmia (5% vs. 4%), hypertension (4% vs. 2%), hypotension (3% vs. 2%), menstrual complaints (5% vs. 1%), akathisia (2% vs. 1%), impaired sleep quality (4% vs. 2%), sensory disturbance (4% vs. 3%), confusion (8% vs. 5%), decreased libido (3% vs. 2%), hostility (6% vs. 4%), auditory disturbance (5% vs. 3%), and gustatory disturbance (3% vs. 1%).
Seasonal Affective DisorderIn placebo-controlled clinical trials in SAD, 9% of patients treated with Wellbutrin Retard and 5% of patients treated with placebo discontinued treatment because of adverse reactions. The adverse reactions leading to discontinuation in at least 1% of patients treated with bupropion and at a rate numerically greater than the placebo rate were insomnia (2% vs. < 1%) and headache (1% vs. < 1%).
Table 4 summarizes the adverse reactions that occurred in patients treated with Wellbutrin Retard for up to approximately 6 months in 3 placebo-controlled trials. These include reactions that occurred at an incidence of 2% or more and were more frequent than in the placebo group.
Table 4: Adverse Reactions in Placebo-Controlled Trials in Patients with SAD
| System Organ Class/ Preferred Term | Placebo (n=511) | Bupropion HCl Extended-Release (n=537) |
| Gastrointestinal Disorder | ||
| Dry mouth | 15% | 26% |
| Nausea | 8% | 13% |
| Constipation | 2% | 9% |
| Flatulence | 3% | 6% |
| Abdominal pain | < 1% | 2% |
| Nervous System Disorders | ||
| Headache | 26% | 34% |
| Dizziness | 5% | 6% |
| Tremor | < 1% | 3% |
| Infections and Infestations | ||
| Nasopharyngitis | 12% | 13% |
| Upper respiratory tract infection | 8% | 9% |
| Sinusitis | 4% | 5% |
| Psychiatric Disorders | ||
| Insomnia | 13% | 20% |
| Anxiety | 5% | 7% |
| Abnormal dreams | 2% | 3% |
| Agitation | < 1% | 2% |
| Musculoskeletal and Connective Tissue Disorders | ||
| Myalgia | 2% | 3% |
| Pain in extremity | 2% | 3% |
| Respiratory, Thoracic, and Mediastinal Disorders | ||
| Cough | 3% | 4% |
| General Disorders and Administration Site Conditions | ||
| Feeling jittery | 2% | 3% |
| Skin and Subcutaneous Tissue Disorders | ||
| Rash | 2% | 3% |
| Metabolism and Nutrition Disorders | ||
| Decreased appetite | 1% | 4% |
| Reproductive System and Breast Disorders | ||
| Dysmenorrhea | < 1% | 2% |
| Ear and Labyrinth Disorders | ||
| Tinnitus | < 1% | 3% |
| Vascular Disorders | ||
| Hypertension | 0% | 2% |
Table 5 presents the incidence of body weight changes ( ≥ 5 lbs) in the short-term MDD trials using bupropion HCl sustained-release. There was a dose-related decrease in body weight.
Table 5: Incidence of Weight Gain or Weight Loss ( ≥ 5 lbs) in MDD Trials Using Bupropion HClSustained-Release
| Weight Change | Bupropion HCl Sustained-Release 300 mg/day (n=339) | Bupropion HCl Sustained-Release 400 mg/day (n=112) | Placebo (n=347) |
| Gained > 5 lbs | 3% | 2% | 4% |
| Lost > 5 lbs | 14% | 19% | 6% |
Table 6 presents the incidence of body weight changes ( ≥ 5 lbs) in the 3 SAD trials using bupropion HCl extended-release. A higher proportion of subjects in the bupropion group (23%) had a weight loss ≥ 5 lbs, compared to the placebo group (11%). These were relatively long-term trials (up to 6 months).
Table 6: Incidence of Weight Gain or Weight Loss ( ≥ 5 lbs) in SAD Trials Using Bupropion HCl Extended-Release
| Weight Change | Bupropion HCl Extended-Release 150 to 300 mg/day (n=537) | Placebo (n=511) |
| Gained > 5 lbs | 11% | 21% |
| Lost > 5 lbs | 23% | 11% |
The following adverse reactions have been identified during post-approval use of Wellbutrin Retard. Because these reactions are reported voluntarily from a population of uncertain size, it is not always possible to reliably estimate their frequency or establish a causal relationship to drug exposure.
Body (General)Chills, facial edema, edema, peripheral edema, musculoskeletal chest pain, photosensitivity, and malaise.
CardiovascularPostural hypotension, hypertension, stroke, vasodilation, syncope, complete atrioventricular block, extrasystoles, myocardial infarction, phlebitis, and pulmonary embolism.
DigestiveAbnormal liver function, bruxism, gastric reflux, gingivitis, glossitis, increased salivation, jaundice, mouth ulcers, stomatitis, thirst, edema of tongue, colitis, esophagitis, gastrointestinal hemorrhage, gum hemorrhage, hepatitis, intestinal perforation, liver damage, pancreatitis, and stomach ulcer.
EndocrineHyperglycemia, hypoglycemia, and syndrome of inappropriate antidiuretic hormone secretion.
Hemic And LymphaticEcchymosis, anemia, leukocytosis, leukopenia, lymphadenopathy, pancytopenia, and thrombocytopenia. Altered PT and/or INR, associated with hemorrhagic or thrombotic complications, were observed when bupropion was coadministered with warfarin.
Metabolic And NutritionalGlycosuria.
MusculoskeletalLeg cramps, fever/rhabdomyolysis, and muscle weakness.
Nervous SystemAbnormal coordination, depersonalization, emotional lability, hyperkinesia, hypertonia, hypesthesia, vertigo, amnesia, ataxia, derealization, abnormal electroencephalogram (EEG), aggression, akinesia, aphasia, coma, dysarthria, dyskinesia, dystonia, euphoria, extrapyramidal syndrome, hypokinesia, increased libido, neuralgia, neuropathy, paranoid ideation, restlessness, suicide attempt, and unmasking tardive dyskinesia.
RespiratoryBronchospasm and pneumonia.
SkinMaculopapular rash, alopecia, angioedema, exfoliative dermatitis, and hirsutism.
Special SensesAccommodation abnormality, dry eye, deafness, increased intraocular pressure, angle-closure glaucoma, and mydriasis.
UrogenitalImpotence, polyuria, prostate disorder, abnormal ejaculation, cystitis, dyspareunia, dysuria, gynecomastia, menopause, painful erection, salpingitis, urinary incontinence, urinary retention, and vaginitis.
The following adverse reactions are discussed in greater detail in other sections of the labeling:
Because clinical trials are conducted under widely varying conditions, adverse reaction rates observed in the clinical trials of a drug cannot be directly compared with rates in the clinical trials of another drug and may not reflect the rates observed in clinical practice.
Adverse Reactions Leading To Discontinuation Of TreatmentIn placebo-controlled clinical trials, 4%, 9%, and 11% of the placebo, 300-mg-per-day, and 400-mg per- day groups, respectively, discontinued treatment due to adverse reactions. The specific adverse reactions leading to discontinuation in at least 1% of the 300-mg-per-day or 400-mg-per-day groups and at a rate at least twice the placebo rate are listed in Table 2.
Table 2: Treatment Discontinuations Due to Adverse Reactions in Placebo-Controlled Trials
| Adverse Reaction | Placebo (n = 385) | Wellbutrin Retard 300 mg/day (n=376) | Wellbutrin Retard 400 mg/day (n = 114) |
| Rash | 0.0% | 2.4% | 0.9% |
| Nausea | 0.3% | 0.8% | 1.8% |
| Agitation | 0.3% | 0.3% | 1.8% |
| Migraine | 0.3% | 0.0% | 1.8% |
Adverse reactions from Table 3 occurring in at least 5% of subjects treated with Wellbutrin Retard and at a rate at least twice the placebo rate are listed below for the 300- and 400-mg-per-day dose groups.
Wellbutrin Retard 300 mg per day: Anorexia, dry mouth, rash, sweating, tinnitus, and tremor.
Wellbutrin Retard 400 mg per day: Abdominal pain, agitation, anxiety, dizziness, dry mouth, insomnia, myalgia, nausea, palpitation, pharyngitis, sweating, tinnitus, and urinary frequency.
Adverse reactions reported in placebo-controlled trials are presented in Table 3. Reported adverse reactions were classified using a COSTART-based Dictionary.
Table 3: Adverse Reactions Reported by at Least 1% of Subjects and at a Greater Frequency than Placebo in Controlled Clinical Trials
| Body System/ Adverse Reaction | Wellbutrin Retard 300 mg/day (n=376) | Wellbutrin Retard 400 mg/day (n = 114) | Placebo (n = 385) |
| Body (General) | |||
| Headache | 26% | 25% | 23% |
| Infection | 8% | 9% | 6% |
| Abdominal pain | 3% | 9% | 2% |
| Asthenia | 2% | 4% | 2% |
| Chest pain | 3% | 4% | 1% |
| Pain | 2% | 3% | 2% |
| Fever | 1% | 2% | — |
| Cardiovascular | |||
| Palpitation | 2% | 6% | 2% |
| Flushing | 1% | 4% | — |
| Migraine | 1% | 4% | 1% |
| Hot flashes | 1% | 3% | 1% |
| Digestive | |||
| Dry mouth | 17% | 24% | 7% |
| Nausea | 13% | 18% | 8% |
| Constipation | 10% | 5% | 7% |
| Diarrhea | 5% | 7% | 6% |
| Anorexia | 5% | 3% | 2% |
| Vomiting | 4% | 2% | 2% |
| Dysphagia | 0% | 2% | 0% |
| Musculoskeletal | |||
| Myalgia | 2% | 6% | 3% |
| Arthralgia | 1% | 4% | 1% |
| Arthritis | 0% | 2% | 0% |
| Twitch | 1% | 2% | — |
| Nervous system | |||
| Insomnia | 11% | 16% | 6% |
| Dizziness | 7% | 11% | 5% |
| Agitation | 3% | 9% | 2% |
| Anxiety | 5% | 6% | 3% |
| Tremor | 6% | 3% | 1% |
| Nervousness | 5% | 3% | 3% |
| Somnolence | 2% | 3% | 2% |
| Irritability | 3% | 2% | 2% |
| Memory decreased | — | 3% | 1% |
| Paresthesia | 1% | 2% | 1% |
| Central nervous system stimulation | 2% | 1% | 1% |
| Respiratory | |||
| Pharyngitis | 3% | 11% | 2% |
| Sinusitis | 3% | 1% | 2% |
| Increased cough | 1% | 2% | 1% |
| Skin | |||
| Sweating | 6% | 5% | 2% |
| Rash | 5% | 4% | 1% |
| Pruritus | 2% | 4% | 2% |
| Urticaria | 2% | 1% | 0% |
| Special senses | |||
| Tinnitus | 6% | 6% | 2% |
| Taste perversion | 2% | 4% | — |
| Blurred vision or diplopia | 3% | 2% | 2% |
| Urogenital | |||
| Urinary frequency | 2% | 5% | 2% |
| Urinary urgency | — | 2% | 0% |
| Vaginal hemorrhagea | 0% | 2% | — |
| Urinary tract infection | 1% | 0% | — |
| aIncidence based on the number of female subjects. — Hyphen denotes adverse events occurring in greater than 0 but less than 0.5% of subjects. | |||
In addition to the adverse reactions noted above, the following adverse reactions have been reported in clinical trials with the sustained-release formulation of bupropion in depressed subjects and in nondepressed smokers, as well as in clinical trials with the immediate-release formulation of bupropion.
Adverse reaction frequencies represent the proportion of subjects who experienced a treatment-emergent adverse reaction on at least one occasion in placebo-controlled trials for depression (n = 987) or smoking cessation (n = 1,013), or subjects who experienced an adverse reaction requiring discontinuation of treatment in an open-label surveillance trial with Wellbutrin Retard (n = 3,100). All treatment-emergent adverse reactions are included except those listed in Table 3, those listed in other safety-related sections of the prescribing information, those subsumed under COSTART terms that are either overly general or excessively specific so as to be uninformative, those not reasonably associated with the use of the drug, and those that were not serious and occurred in fewer than 2 subjects.
Adverse reactions are further categorized by body system and listed in order of decreasing frequency according to the following definitions of frequency: Frequent adverse reactions are defined as those occurring in at least 1/100 subjects. Infrequent adverse reactions are those occurring in 1/100 to 1/1,000 subjects, while rare events are those occurring in less than 1/1,000 subjects.
Body (General): Infrequent were chills, facial edema, and photosensitivity. Rare was malaise.
Cardiovascular: Infrequent were postural hypotension, stroke, tachycardia, and vasodilation. Rare were syncope and myocardial infarction.
Digestive: Infrequent were abnormal liver function, bruxism, gastric reflux, gingivitis, increased salivation, jaundice, mouth ulcers, stomatitis, and thirst. Rare was edema of tongue.
Hemic and Lymphatic: Infrequent was ecchymosis.
Metabolic and Nutritional: Infrequent were edema and peripheral edema.
Musculoskeletal: Infrequent were leg cramps.
Nervous System: Infrequent were abnormal coordination, decreased libido, depersonalization, dysphoria, emotional lability, hostility, hyperkinesia, hypertonia, hypesthesia, suicidal ideation, and vertigo. Rare were amnesia, ataxia, derealization, and hypomania.
Respiratory: Rare was bronchospasm.
Special Senses: Infrequent were accommodation abnormality and dry eye.
Urogenital: Infrequent were impotence, polyuria, and prostate disorder.
Changes In Body WeightIn placebo-controlled trials, subjects experienced weight gain or weight loss as shown in Table 4.
Table 4: Incidence of Weight Gain and Weight Los s ( ≥ 5 lbs ) in Placebo-Controlled Trials
| Weight Change | Wellbutrin Retard 300 mg/day (n=339) | Wellbutrin Retard 400 mg/day (n = 112) | Placebo (n=347) |
| Gained > 5 lbs | 3% | 2% | 4% |
| Lost > 5 lbs | 14% | 19% | 6% |
In clinical trials conducted with the immediate-release formulation of bupropion, 35% of subjects receiving tricyclic antidepressants gained weight, compared with 9% of subjects treated with the immediate-release formulation of bupropion. If weight loss is a major presenting sign of a patient's depressive illness, the anorectic and/or weight-reducing potential of Wellbutrin Retard should be considered.
Postmarketing ExperienceThe following adverse reactions have been identified during post-approval use of Wellbutrin Retard and are not described elsewhere in the label. Because these reactions are reported voluntarily from a population of uncertain size, it is not always possible to reliably estimate their frequency or establish a causal relationship to drug exposure.
Body (General)Arthralgia, myalgia, and fever with rash and other symptoms suggestive of delayed hypersensitivity. These symptoms may resemble serum sickness.
CardiovascularComplete atrioventricular block, extrasystoles, hypotension, hypertension (in some cases severe), phlebitis, and pulmonary embolism.
DigestiveColitis, esophagitis, gastrointestinal hemorrhage, gum hemorrhage, hepatitis, intestinal perforation, pancreatitis, and stomach ulcer.
EndocrineHyperglycemia, hypoglycemia, and syndrome of inappropriate antidiuretic hormone.
Hemic and LymphaticAnemia, leukocytosis, leukopenia, lymphadenopathy, pancytopenia, and thrombocytopenia. Altered PT and/or INR, infrequently associated with hemorrhagic or thrombotic complications, were observed when bupropion was coadministered with warfarin.
Metabolic and NutritionalGlycosuria.
MusculoskeletalMuscle rigidity/fever/rhabdomyolysis and muscle weakness.
Nervous SystemAbnormal electroencephalogram (EEG), aggression, akinesia, aphasia, coma, completed suicide, delirium, delusions, dysarthria, euphoria, extrapyramidal syndrome (dyskinesia, dystonia, hypokinesia, parkinsonism), hallucinations, increased libido, manic reaction, neuralgia, neuropathy, paranoid ideation, restlessness, suicide attempt, and unmasking tardive dyskinesia.
RespiratoryPneumonia.
SkinAlopecia, angioedema, exfoliative dermatitis, hirsutism, and Stevens-Johnson syndrome.
Special SensesDeafness, increased intraocular pressure, and mydriasis.
UrogenitalAbnormal ejaculation, cystitis, dyspareunia, dysuria, gynecomastia, menopause, painful erection, salpingitis, urinary incontinence, urinary retention, and vaginitis.
WELLBUTRIN XL® (bupropion hydrochloride extended-release tablets) is indicated for the treatment of major depressive disorder (MDD), as defined by the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual (DSM).
The efficacy of the immediate-release formulation of bupropion was established in two 4-week controlled inpatient trials and one 6-week controlled outpatient trial of adult patients with MDD. The efficacy of the sustained-release formulation of bupropion in the maintenance treatment of MDD was established in a long-term (up to 44 weeks), placebo-controlled trial in patients who had responded to bupropion in an 8-week study of acute treatment.
Seasonal Affective DisorderWELLBUTRIN XL is indicated for the prevention of seasonal major depressive episodes in patients with a diagnosis of seasonal affective disorder (SAD).
The efficacy of bupropion hydrochloride extended-release tablets in the prevention of seasonal major depressive episodes was established in 3 placebo-controlled trials in adult outpatients with a history of MDD with an autumn-winter seasonal pattern as defined in the DSM.
Major Depressive DisorderWellbutrin Retard® (bupropion hydrochloride extended-release tablets) is indicated for the treatment of major depressive disorder (MDD), as defined by the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual (DSM).
The efficacy of the immediate-release formulation of bupropion was established in two 4-week controlled inpatient trials and one 6-week controlled outpatient trial of adult patients with MDD. The efficacy of the sustained-release formulation of bupropion in the maintenance treatment of MDD was established in a long-term (up to 44 weeks), placebo-controlled trial in patients who had responded to bupropion in an 8-week study of acute treatment.
Seasonal Affective DisorderWellbutrin Retard is indicated for the prevention of seasonal major depressive episodes in patients with a diagnosis of seasonal affective disorder (SAD).
The efficacy of bupropion hydrochloride extended-release tablets in the prevention of seasonal major depressive episodes was established in 3 placebo-controlled trials in adult outpatients with a history of MDD with an autumn-winter seasonal pattern as defined in the DSM.
Wellbutrin Retard (bupropion hydrochloride) is indicated for the treatment of major depressive disorder (MDD), as defined by the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual (DSM).
The efficacy of bupropion in the treatment of a major depressive episode was established in two 4- week controlled inpatient trials and one 6-week controlled outpatient trial of adult subjects with MDD.
The efficacy of Wellbutrin Retard in maintaining an antidepressant response for up to 44 weeks following 8 weeks of acute treatment was demonstrated in a placebo-controlled trial.
Bupropion is a racemic mixture. The pharmacologic activity and pharmacokinetics of the individual enantiomers have not been studied.
Following chronic dosing, the mean steady-state plasma concentration of bupropion was reached within 8 days. The mean elimination half-life (±SD) of bupropion 21 (±9) hours.
In a study comparing 14-day dosing with WELLBUTRIN XL, 300 mg once-daily to the immediate-release formulation of bupropion at 100 mg 3 times daily, equivalence was demonstrated for peak plasma concentration and area under the curve for bupropion and the three metabolites (hydroxybupropion, threohydrobupropion, and erythrohydrobupropion). Additionally, in a study comparing 14-day dosing with WELLBUTRIN XL 300 mg once daily to the sustained-release formulation of bupropion at 150 mg 2 times daily, equivalence was demonstrated for peak plasma concentration and area under the curve for bupropion and the three metabolites.
AbsorptionFollowing single oral administration of WELLBUTRIN XL tablets to healthy volunteers, the median time to peak plasma concentrations for bupropion was approximately 5 hours. The presence of food did not affect the peak concentration or area under the curve of bupropion.
DistributionIn vitro tests show that bupropion is 84% bound to human plasma proteins at concentrations up to 200 mcg/mL. The extent of protein binding of the hydroxybupropion metabolite is similar to that for bupropion, whereas the extent of protein binding of the threohydrobupropion metabolite is about half that of bupropion.
MetabolismBupropion is extensively metabolized in humans. Three metabolites are active: hydroxybupropion, which is formed via hydroxylation of the tert-butyl group of bupropion, and the amino-alcohol isomers threohydrobupropion and erythrohydrobupropion, which are formed via reduction of the carbonyl group. In vitro findings suggest that CYP2B6 is the principal isoenzyme involved in the formation of hydroxybupropion, while cytochrome P450 enzymes are not involved in the formation of threohydrobupropion. Oxidation of the bupropion side chain results in the formation of a glycine conjugate of meta-chlorobenzoic acid, which is then excreted as the major urinary metabolite. The potency and toxicity of the metabolites relative to bupropion have not been fully characterized. However, it has been demonstrated in an antidepressant screening test in mice that hydroxybupropion is one half as potent as bupropion, while threohydrobupropion and erythrohydrobupropion are 5-fold less potent than bupropion. This may be of clinical importance, because the plasma concentrations of the metabolites are as high or higher than those of bupropion.
At steady state, peak plasma concentration of hydroxybupropion occurred approximately 7 hours after administration of WELLBUTRIN XL, and it was approximately 7 times the peak level of the parent drug. The elimination half-life of hydroxybupropion is approximately 20 (±5) hours, and its AUC at steady state is about 13 times that of bupropion. The times to peak concentrations for the erythrohydrobupropion and threohydrobupropion metabolites are similar to that of hydroxybupropion. However, the elimination half-lives of erythrohydrobupropion and threohydrobupropion are longer, approximately 33 (±10) and 37 (±13) hours, respectively, and steady-state AUCs were 1.4 and 7 times that of bupropion, respectively.
Bupropion and its metabolites exhibit linear kinetics following chronic administration of 300 to 450 mg/day.
EliminationFollowing oral administration of 200 mg of 14C-bupropion in humans, 87% and 10% of the radioactive dose were recovered in the urine and feces, respectively. Only 0.5% of the oral dose was excreted as unchanged bupropion.
Bupropion is a racemic mixture. The pharmacologic activity and pharmacokinetics of the individual enantiomers have not been studied.
Following chronic dosing, the mean steady-state plasma concentration of bupropion was reached within 8 days. The mean elimination half-life (±SD) of bupropion 21 (±9) hours.
In a study comparing 14-day dosing with Wellbutrin Retard, 300 mg once-daily to the immediate-release formulation of bupropion at 100 mg 3 times daily, equivalence was demonstrated for peak plasma concentration and area under the curve for bupropion and the three metabolites (hydroxybupropion, threohydrobupropion, and erythrohydrobupropion). Additionally, in a study comparing 14-day dosing with Wellbutrin Retard 300 mg once daily to the sustained-release formulation of bupropion at 150 mg 2 times daily, equivalence was demonstrated for peak plasma concentration and area under the curve for bupropion and the three metabolites.
AbsorptionFollowing single oral administration of Wellbutrin Retard tablets to healthy volunteers, the median time to peak plasma concentrations for bupropion was approximately 5 hours. The presence of food did not affect the peak concentration or area under the curve of bupropion.
DistributionIn vitro tests show that bupropion is 84% bound to human plasma proteins at concentrations up to 200 mcg/mL. The extent of protein binding of the hydroxybupropion metabolite is similar to that for bupropion, whereas the extent of protein binding of the threohydrobupropion metabolite is about half that of bupropion.
MetabolismBupropion is extensively metabolized in humans. Three metabolites are active: hydroxybupropion, which is formed via hydroxylation of the tert-butyl group of bupropion, and the amino-alcohol isomers threohydrobupropion and erythrohydrobupropion, which are formed via reduction of the carbonyl group. In vitro findings suggest that CYP2B6 is the principal isoenzyme involved in the formation of hydroxybupropion, while cytochrome P450 enzymes are not involved in the formation of threohydrobupropion. Oxidation of the bupropion side chain results in the formation of a glycine conjugate of meta-chlorobenzoic acid, which is then excreted as the major urinary metabolite. The potency and toxicity of the metabolites relative to bupropion have not been fully characterized. However, it has been demonstrated in an antidepressant screening test in mice that hydroxybupropion is one half as potent as bupropion, while threohydrobupropion and erythrohydrobupropion are 5-fold less potent than bupropion. This may be of clinical importance, because the plasma concentrations of the metabolites are as high or higher than those of bupropion.
At steady state, peak plasma concentration of hydroxybupropion occurred approximately 7 hours after administration of Wellbutrin Retard, and it was approximately 7 times the peak level of the parent drug. The elimination half-life of hydroxybupropion is approximately 20 (±5) hours, and its AUC at steady state is about 13 times that of bupropion. The times to peak concentrations for the erythrohydrobupropion and threohydrobupropion metabolites are similar to that of hydroxybupropion. However, the elimination half-lives of erythrohydrobupropion and threohydrobupropion are longer, approximately 33 (±10) and 37 (±13) hours, respectively, and steady-state AUCs were 1.4 and 7 times that of bupropion, respectively.
Bupropion and its metabolites exhibit linear kinetics following chronic administration of 300 to 450 mg/day.
EliminationFollowing oral administration of 200 mg of 14C-bupropion in humans, 87% and 10% of the radioactive dose were recovered in the urine and feces, respectively. Only 0.5% of the oral dose was excreted as unchanged bupropion.
Bupropion is a racemic mixture. The pharmacological activity and pharmacokinetics of the individual enantiomers have not been studied. The mean elimination half-life (±SD) of bupropion after chronic dosing is 21 (±9) hours, and steady-state plasma concentrations of bupropion are reached within 8 days.
AbsorptionThe absolute bioavailability of Wellbutrin Retard in humans has not been determined because an intravenous formulation for human use is not available. However, it appears likely that only a small proportion of any orally administered dose reaches the systemic circulation intact. In rat and dog studies, the bioavailability of bupropion ranged from 5% to 20%. In humans, following oral administration of Wellbutrin Retard, peak plasma concentration (Cmax) of bupropion is usually achieved within 3 hours.
In a trial comparing chronic dosing with Wellbutrin Retard 150 mg twice daily to bupropion immediate-release formulation 100 mg 3 times daily, the steady state Cmax for bupropion after WELLBUTRIN SR administration was approximately 85% of those achieved after bupropion immediate-release formulation administration. Exposure (AUC) to bupropion was equivalent for both formulations. Bioequivalence was also demonstrated for all three major active metabolites (i.e., hydroxybupropion, threohydrobupropion and erythrohydrobupropion) for both Cmax and AUC. Thus, at steady state, WELLBUTRIN SR given twice daily, and the immediate-release formulation of bupropion given 3 times daily, are essentially bioequivalent for both bupropion and the 3 quantitatively important metabolites.
Wellbutrin Retard can be taken with or without food. Bupropion Cmax and AUC were increased by 11% to 35% and 16% to 19%, respectively, when Wellbutrin Retard was administered with food to healthy volunteers in three trials. The food effect is not considered clinically significant.
DistributionIn vitro tests show that bupropion is 84% bound to human plasma proteins at concentrations up to 200 mcg per mL. The extent of protein binding of the hydroxybupropion metabolite is similar to that for bupropion; whereas, the extent of protein binding of the threohydrobupropion metabolite is about half that seen with bupropion.
MetabolismBupropion is extensively metabolized in humans. Three metabolites are active: hydroxybupropion, which is formed via hydroxylation of the tert-butyl group of bupropion, and the amino-alcohol isomers, threohydrobupropion and erythrohydrobupropion, which are formed via reduction of the carbonyl group. In vitro findings suggest that CYP2B6 is the principal isoenzyme involved in the formation of hydroxybupropion, while cytochrome P450 enzymes are not involved in the formation of threohydrobupropion. Oxidation of the bupropion side chain results in the formation of a glycine conjugate of meta-chlorobenzoic acid, which is then excreted as the major urinary metabolite. The potency and toxicity of the metabolites relative to bupropion have not been fully characterized. However, it has been demonstrated in an antidepressant screening test in mice that hydroxybupropion is one-half as potent as bupropion, while threohydrobupropion and erythrohydrobupropion are 5-fold less potent than bupropion. This may be of clinical importance because the plasma concentrations of the metabolites are as high as or higher than those of bupropion.
Following a single-dose administration of Wellbutrin Retard in humans, Cmax of hydroxybupropion occurs approximately 6 hours post-dose and is approximately 10 times the peak level of the parent drug at steady state. The elimination half-life of hydroxybupropion is approximately 20 (±5) hours and its AUC at steady state is about 17 times that of bupropion. The times to peak concentrations for the erythrohydrobupropion and threohydrobupropion metabolites are similar to that of the hydroxybupropion metabolite. However, their elimination half-lives are longer, 33 (±10) and 37 (±13) hours, respectively, and steady-state AUCs are 1.5 and 7 times that of bupropion, respectively.
Bupropion and its metabolites exhibit linear kinetics following chronic administration of 300 to 450 mg per day.
EliminationFollowing oral administration of 200 mg of 14C-bupropion in humans, 87% and 10% of the radioactive dose were recovered in the urine and feces, respectively. Only 0.5% of the oral dose was excreted as unchanged bupropion.
Included as part of the PRECAUTIONS section.
PRECAUTIONS Suicidal Thoughts And Behaviors In Children, Adolescents, And Young AdultsPatients with major depressive disorder (MDD), both adult and pediatric, may experience worsening of their depression and/or the emergence of suicidal ideation and behavior (suicidality) or unusual changes in behavior, whether or not they are taking antidepressant medications, and this risk may persist until significant remission occurs. Suicide is a known risk of depression and certain other psychiatric disorders, and these disorders themselves are the strongest predictors of suicide. There has been a long-standing concern that antidepressants may have a role in inducing worsening of depression and the emergence of suicidality in certain patients during the early phases of treatment.
Pooled analyses of short-term placebo-controlled trials of antidepressant drugs (Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors [SSRIs] and others) show that these drugs increase the risk of suicidal thinking and behavior (suicidality) in children, adolescents, and young adults (ages 18 to 24) with major depressive disorder (MDD) and other psychiatric disorders. Short-term studies did not show an increase in the risk of suicidality with antidepressants compared to placebo in adults beyond age 24; there was a reduction with antidepressants compared to placebo in adults aged 65 and older.
The pooled analyses of placebo-controlled trials in children and adolescents with MDD, obsessive compulsive disorder (OCD), or other psychiatric disorders included a total of 24 short-term trials of 9 antidepressant drugs in over 4400 patients. The pooled analyses of placebo-controlled trials in adults with MDD or other psychiatric disorders included a total of 295 short-term trials (median duration of 2 months) of 11 antidepressant drugs in over 77,000 patients. There was considerable variation in risk of suicidality among drugs, but a tendency toward an increase in the younger patients for almost all drugs studied. There were differences in absolute risk of suicidality across the different indications, with the highest incidence in MDD. The risk differences (drug vs. placebo), however, were relatively stable within age strata and across indications. These risk differences (drug-placebo difference in the number of cases of suicidality per 1000 patients treated) are provided in Table 1.
Table 1: Risk Differences in the Number of Suicidality Cases by Age Group in the Pooled Placebo-Controlled Trials of Antidepressants in Pediatric and Adult Patients
| Age Range | Drug-Placebo Difference in Number of Cases of Suicidality per 1000 Patients Treated |
| Increases Compared to Placebo | |
| < 18 years | 14 additional cases |
| 18-24 years | 5 additional cases |
| Decreases Compared to Placebo | |
| 25-64 years | 1 fewer case |
| > 65 years | 6 fewer cases |
No suicides occurred in any of the pediatric trials. There were suicides in the adult trials, but the number was not sufficient to reach any conclusion about drug effect on suicide.
It is unknown whether the suicidality risk extends to longer-term use, i.e., beyond several months. However, there is substantial evidence from placebo-controlled maintenance trials in adults with depression that the use of antidepressants can delay the recurrence of depression.
All patients being treated with antidepressants for any indication should be monitored appropriately and observed closely for clinical worsening, suicidality, and unusual changes in behavior, especially during the initial few months of a course of drug therapy, or at times of dose changes, either increases or decreases.
The following symptoms, anxiety, agitation, panic attacks, insomnia, irritability, hostility, aggressiveness, impulsivity, akathisia (psychomotor restlessness), hypomania, and mania, have been reported in adult and pediatric patients being treated with antidepressants for major depressive disorder as well as for other indications, both psychiatric and nonpsychiatric. Although a causal link between the emergence of such symptoms and either the worsening of depression and/or the emergence of suicidal impulses has not been established, there is concern that such symptoms may represent precursors to emerging suicidality.
Consideration should be given to changing the therapeutic regimen, including possibly discontinuing the medication, in patients whose depression is persistently worse, or who are experiencing emergent suicidality or symptoms that might be precursors to worsening depression or suicidality, especially if these symptoms are severe, abrupt in onset, or were not part of the patient's presenting symptoms.
Families and caregivers of patients being treated with antidepressants for major depressive disorder or other indications, both psychiatric and nonpsychiatric, should be alerted about the need to monitor patients for the emergence of agitation, irritability, unusual changes in behavior, and the other symptoms described above, as well as the emergence of suicidality, and to report such symptoms immediately to healthcare providers. Such monitoring should include daily observation by families and caregivers. Prescriptions for WELLBUTRIN XL should be written for the smallest quantity of tablets consistent with good patient management, in order to reduce the risk of overdose.
Neuropsychiatric Symptoms And Suicide Risk In Smoking Cessation TreatmentWELLBUTRIN XL is not approved for smoking cessation treatment; however, bupropion HCl sustained-release is approved for this use. Serious neuropsychiatric symptoms have been reported in patients taking bupropion for smoking cessation. These have included changes in mood (including depression and mania), psychosis, hallucinations, paranoia, delusions, homicidal ideation, hostility, agitation, aggression, anxiety, and panic, as well as suicidal ideation, suicide attempt, and completed suicide. Observe patients for the occurrence of neuropsychiatric reactions. Instruct patients to contact a healthcare professional if such reactions occur.
In many of these cases, a causal relationship to bupropion treatment is not certain, because depressed mood can be a symptom of nicotine withdrawal. However, some of the cases occurred in patients taking bupropion who continued to smoke.
SeizureWELLBUTRIN XL can cause seizure. The risk of seizure is dose-related. The dose should not exceed 300 mg once daily. Increase the dose gradually. Discontinue WELLBUTRIN XL and do not restart treatment if the patient experiences a seizure.
The risk of seizures is also related to patient factors, clinical situations, and concomitant medications that lower the seizure threshold. Consider these risks before initiating treatment with WELLBUTRIN XL. WELLBUTRIN XL is contraindicated in patients with a seizure disorder or conditions that increase the risk of seizure (e.g., severe head injury, arteriovenous malformation, CNS tumor or CNS infection, severe stroke, anorexia nervosa or bulimia, or abrupt discontinuation of alcohol, benzodiazepines, barbiturates, and antiepileptic drugs. The following conditions can also increase the risk of seizure: concomitant use of other medications that lower the seizure threshold (e.g., other bupropion products, antipsychotics, tricyclic antidepressants, theophylline, and systemic corticosteroids), metabolic disorders (e.g., hypoglycemia, hyponatremia, severe hepatic impairment, and hypoxia), or use of illicit drugs (e.g., cocaine) or abuse or misuse of prescription drugs such as CNS stimulants. Additional predisposing conditions include diabetes mellitus treated with oral hypoglycemic drugs or insulin, use of anorectic drugs, excessive use of alcohol, benzodiazepines, sedative/hypnotics, or opiates.
Incidence Of Seizure With Bupropion UseThe incidence of seizure with WELLBUTRIN XL has not been formally evaluated in clinical trials. In studies using bupropion HCl sustained-release up to 300 mg per day the incidence of seizure was approximately 0.1% (1/1000 patients). In a large prospective, follow-up study, the seizure incidence was approximately 0.4% (13/3200) with bupropion HCl immediate-release in the range of 300 mg to 450 mg per day.
Additional data accumulated for bupropion immediate-release suggests that the estimated seizure incidence increases almost tenfold between 450 and 600 mg/day. The risk of seizure can be reduced if the WELLBUTRIN XL dose does not exceed 450 mg once daily and the titration rate is gradual.
HypertensionTreatment with WELLBUTRIN XL can result in elevated blood pressure and hypertension.
Assess blood pressure before initiating treatment with WELLBUTRIN XL, and monitor periodically during treatment. The risk of hypertension is increased if WELLBUTRIN XL is used concomitantly with MAOIs or other drugs that increase dopaminergic or noradrenergic activity.
Data from a comparative trial of the sustained-release formulation of bupropion HCl, nicotine transdermal system (NTS), the combination of sustained-release bupropion plus NTS, and placebo as an aid to smoking cessation suggest a higher incidence of treatment-emergent hypertension in patients treated with the combination of sustained-release bupropion and NTS. In this trial, 6.1% of subjects treated with the combination of sustained-release bupropion and NTS had treatment-emergent hypertension compared to 2.5%, 1.6%, and 3.1% of subjects treated with sustained-release bupropion, NTS, and placebo, respectively. The majority of these subjects had evidence of pre-existing hypertension. Three subjects (1.2%) treated with the combination of sustained-release bupropion and NTS and 1 subject (0.4%) treated with NTS had study medication discontinued due to hypertension compared with none of the subjects treated with sustained-release bupropion or placebo. Monitoring of blood pressure is recommended in patients who receive the combination of bupropion and nicotine replacement.
In the 3 trials of bupropion HCl extended-release in seasonal affective disorder, there were significant elevations in blood pressure. Hypertension was reported as an adverse reaction for 2% of the bupropion group (11/537) and none in the placebo group (0/511). In the SAD trials, 2 patients treated with bupropion discontinued from the study because they developed hypertension. None of the placebo group discontinued because of hypertension. The mean increase in systolic blood pressure was 1.3 mmHg in the bupropion group and 0.1 mmHg in the placebo group. The difference was statistically significant (p=0.013). The mean increase in diastolic blood pressure was 0.8 mmHg in the bupropion group and 0.1 mmHg in the placebo group. The difference was not statistically significant (p=0.075). In the SAD trials, 82% of patients were treated with 300 mg per day, and 18% were treated with 150 mg per day. The mean daily dose was 270 mg per day. The mean duration of bupropion exposure was 126 days.
In a clinical trial of bupropion immediate-release in MDD subjects with stable congestive heart failure (N=36), bupropion was associated with an exacerbation of pre-existing hypertension in 2 subjects, leading to discontinuation of bupropion treatment. There are no controlled studies assessing the safety of bupropion in patients with a recent history of myocardial infarction or unstable cardiac disease.
Activation Of Mania/HypomaniaAntidepressant treatment can precipitate a manic, mixed, or hypomanic manic episode. The risk appears to be increased in patients with bipolar disorder or who have risk factors for bipolar disorder. Prior to initiating WELLBUTRIN XL, screen patients for a history of bipolar disorder and the presence of risk factors for bipolar disorder (e.g., family history of bipolar disorder, suicide, or depression). WELLBUTRIN XL is not approved for the treatment of bipolar depression.
Psychosis And Other Neuropsychiatric ReactionsDepressed patients treated with bupropion have had a variety of neuropsychiatric signs and symptoms, including delusions, hallucinations, psychosis, concentration disturbance, paranoia, and confusion. Some of these patients had a diagnosis of bipolar disorder. In some cases, these symptoms abated upon dose reduction and/or withdrawal of treatment. Discontinue WELLBUTRIN XL if these reactions occur.
Angle-Closure GlaucomaAngle-Closure Glaucoma: The pupillary dilation that occurs following use of many antidepressant drugs including WELLBUTRIN XL may trigger an angle-closure attack in a patient with anatomically narrow angles who does not have a patent iridectomy.
Hypersensitivity ReactionsAnaphylactoid/anaphylactic reactions have occurred during clinical trials with bupropion. Reactions have been characterized by pruritus, urticaria, angioedema, and dyspnea, requiring medical treatment. In addition, there have been rare, spontaneous postmarketing reports of erythema multiforme, Stevens-Johnson syndrome, and anaphylactic shock associated with bupropion. Instruct patients to discontinue WELLBUTRIN XL and consult a healthcare provider if they develop an allergic or anaphylactoid/anaphylactic reaction (e.g., skin rash, pruritus, hives, chest pain, edema, and shortness of breath) during treatment.
There are reports of arthralgia, myalgia, fever with rash and other symptoms of serum sickness suggestive of delayed hypersensitivity.
Patient Counseling InformationAdvise the patient to read the FDA-approved patient labeling (Medication Guide).
Inform patients, their families, and their caregivers about the benefits and risks associated with treatment with WELLBUTRIN XL and counsel them in its appropriate use.
A patient Medication Guide about “Antidepressant Medicines, Depression and Other Serious Mental Illnesses, and Suicidal Thoughts or Actions,” “Quitting Smoking, Quit-Smoking Medications, Changes in Thinking and Behavior, Depression, and Suicidal Thoughts or Actions,” and “What Other Important Information Should I Know About WELLBUTRIN XL?” is available for WELLBUTRIN XL. Instruct patients, their families, and their caregivers to read the Medication Guide and assist them in understanding its contents. Patients should be given the opportunity to discuss the contents of the Medication Guide and to obtain answers to any questions they may have. The complete text of the Medication Guide is reprinted at the end of this document.
Advise patients regarding the following issues and to alert their prescriber if these occur while taking WELLBUTRIN XL.
Suicidal Thoughts And BehaviorsInstruct patients, their families, and/or their caregivers to be alert to the emergence of anxiety, agitation, panic attacks, insomnia, irritability, hostility, aggressiveness, impulsivity, akathisia (psychomotor restlessness), hypomania, mania, other unusual changes in behavior, worsening of depression, and suicidal ideation, especially early during antidepressant treatment and when the dose is adjusted up or down. Advise families and caregivers of patients to observe for the emergence of such symptoms on a day-to-day basis, since changes may be abrupt. Such symptoms should be reported to the patient's prescriber or health professional, especially if they are severe, abrupt in onset, or were not part of the patient's presenting symptoms. Symptoms such as these may be associated with an increased risk for suicidal thinking and behavior and indicate a need for very close monitoring and possibly changes in the medication.
Neuropsychiatric Symptoms And Suicide Risk In Smoking Cessation TreatmentAlthough WELLBUTRIN XL is not indicated for smoking cessation treatment, it contains the same active ingredient as ZYBAN® which is approved for this use. Advise patients, families and caregivers that quitting smoking, with or without ZYBAN, may trigger nicotine withdrawal symptoms (e.g., including depression or agitation) or worsen pre-existing psychiatric illness. Some patients have experienced changes in mood (including depression and mania), psychosis, hallucinations, paranoia, delusions, homicidal ideation, aggression, anxiety, and panic, as well as suicidal ideation, suicide attempt, and completed suicide when attempting to quit smoking while taking ZYBAN. If patients develop agitation, hostility, depressed mood, or changes in thinking or behavior that are not typical for them, or if patients develop suicidal ideation or behavior, they should be urged to report these symptoms to their healthcare provider immediately.
Severe Allergic ReactionsEducate patients on the symptoms of hypersensitivity and to discontinue WELLBUTRIN XL if they have a severe allergic reaction.
SeizureInstruct patients to discontinue and not restart WELLBUTRIN XL if they experience a seizure while on treatment. Advise patients that the excessive use or the abrupt discontinuation of alcohol, benzodiazepines, antiepileptic drugs, or sedatives/hypnotics can increase the risk of seizure. Advise patients to minimize or avoid the use of alcohol.
Angle-Closure GlaucomaPatients should be advised that taking WELLBUTRIN XL can cause mild pupillary dilation, which in susceptible individuals, can lead to an episode of angle-closure glaucoma. Pre-existing glaucoma is almost always open-angle glaucoma because angle-closure glaucoma, when diagnosed, can be treated definitively with iridectomy. Open-angleglaucoma is not a risk factor for angle-closure glaucoma. Patients may wish to be examined to determine whether they are susceptible to angle closure, and have a prophylactic procedure (e.g., iridectomy), if they are susceptible.
Bupropion-Containing ProductsEducate patients that WELLBUTRIN XL contains the same active ingredient (bupropion) found in ZYBAN, which is used as an aid to smoking cessation treatment, and that WELLBUTRIN XL should not be used in combination with ZYBAN or any other medications that contain bupropion hydrochloride (such as WELLBUTRIN SR, the sustained-release formulation, WELLBUTRIN, the immediate-release formulation, and APLENZIN, a bupropion hydrobromide formulation). In addition, there are a number of generic bupropion HCl products for the immediate, sustained, and extended-release formulations.
Potential For Cognitive And Motor ImpairmentAdvise patients that any CNS-active drug like WELLBUTRIN XL Tablets may impair their ability to perform tasks requiring judgment or motor and cognitive skills. Advise patients that until they are reasonably certain that WELLBUTRIN XL Tablets do not adversely affect their performance, they should refrain from driving an automobile or operating complex, hazardous machinery. WELLBUTRIN XL treatment may lead to decreased alcohol tolerance.
Concomitant MedicationsCounsel patients to notify their healthcare provider if they are taking or plan to take any prescription or over-the-counter drugs, because WELLBUTRIN XL Tablets and other drugs may affect each other's metabolism.
PregnancyAdvise patients to notify their healthcare provider if they become pregnant or intend to become pregnant during therapy.
Precautions For Nursing MothersCommunicate with the patient and pediatric healthcare provider regarding the infant's exposure to bupropion through human milk. Instruct patients to immediately contact the infant's healthcare provider if they note any side effect in the infant that concerns them or is persistent.
Administration InformationInstruct patients to swallow WELLBUTRIN XL Tablets whole so that the release rate is not altered. Instruct patients if they miss a dose, not to take an extra tablet to make up for the missed dose and to take the next tablet at the regular time because of the dose-related risk of seizure. Instruct patients that WELLBUTRIN XL tablets should be swallowed whole and not crushed, divided, or chewed. WELLBUTRIN XL should be administered in the morning and may be taken with or without food.
Nonclinical Toxicology Carcinogenesis, Mutagenesis, Impairment Of FertilityLifetime carcinogenicity studies were performed in rats and mice at doses up to 300 and 150 mg/kg/day bupropion hydrochloride, respectively. These doses are approximately 7 and 2 times the maximum recommended human dose (MRHD), respectively, on a mg/m² basis. In the rat study there was an increase in nodular proliferative lesions of the liver at doses of 100 to 300 mg/kg/day of bupropion hydrochloride (approximately 2 to 7 times the MRHD on a mg/m² basis); lower doses were not tested. The question of whether or not such lesions may be precursors of neoplasms of the liver is currently unresolved. Similar liver lesions were not seen in the mouse study, and no increase in malignant tumors of the liver and other organs was seen in either study.
Bupropion produced a positive response (2 to 3 times control mutation rate) in 2 of 5 strains in one Ames bacterial mutagenicity assay, but was negative in another. Bupropion produced an increase in chromosomal aberrations in 1 of 3 in vivo rat bone marrow cytogenetic studies.
A fertility study in rats at doses up to 300 mg/kg/day revealed no evidence of impaired fertility.
Use In Specific Populations PregnancyPregnancy Category C
Risk SummaryData from epidemiological studies including pregnant women exposed to bupropion in the first trimester indicate no increased risk of congenital malformations overall. All pregnancies regardless of drug exposure have a background rate of 2% to 4% for major malformations and 15% to 20% for pregnancy loss. No clear evidence of teratogenic activity was found in reproductive developmental studies conducted in rats and rabbits. However, in rabbits, slightly increased incidences of fetal malformations and skeletal variations were observed at doses approximately equal to the maximum recommended human dose (MRHD) and greater and decreased fetal weights were seen at doses twice the MRHD and greater. WELLBUTRIN XL should be used during pregnancy only if the potential benefit justifies the potential risk to the fetus.
Clinical ConsiderationsConsider the risk of untreated depression when discontinuing or changing treatment with antidepressant medications during pregnancy and postpartum.
Human DataData from an international bupropion Pregnancy registry (675 first trimester exposures) and a retrospective cohort study using the United Healthcare database (1,213 first trimester exposures) did not show an increased risk for malformations overall.
No increased risk for cardiovascular malformations overall has been observed after bupropion exposure during the first trimester. The prospectively observed rate of cardiovascular malformations in pregnancies with exposure to bupropion in the first trimester from the international Pregnancy Registry was 1.3% (9 cardiovascular malformations/675 first-trimester maternal bupropion exposures), which is similar to the background rate of cardiovascular malformations (approximately 1%). Data from the United Healthcare database and a case-controlled study (6,853 infants with cardiovascular malformations and 5,753 with non-cardiovascular malformations) from the National Birth Defects Prevention Study (NBDPS) did not show an increased risk for cardiovascular malformations overall after bupropion exposure during the first trimester.
Study findings on bupropion exposure during the first trimester and risk left ventricular outflow tract obstruction (LVOTO) are inconsistent and do not allow conclusions regarding possible association. The United Healthcare database lacked sufficient power to evaluate this association; the NBDPS found increased risk for LVOTO (n = 10; adjusted OR = 2.6; 95% CI 1.2, 5.7) and the Slone Epidemiology case control study did not find increased risk for LVOTO.
Study findings on bupropion exposure during the first trimester and risk for ventricular septal defect (VSD) are inconsistent and do not allow conclusions regarding a possible association. The Slone Epidemiology Study found an increased risk for VSD following first trimester maternal bupropion exposure (n = 17; adjusted OR = 2.5; 95% CI: 1.3, 5.0) but did not find an increased risk for any other cardiovascular malformations studied (including LVOTO as above). The NBDPS and United Healthcare database study did not find an association between first trimester maternal bupropion exposure and VSD.
For the findings of LVOTO and VSD, the studies were limited by the small number of exposed cases, inconsistent findings among studies, and the potential for chance findings from multiple comparisons in case control studies.
Animal DataIn studies conducted in rats and rabbits, bupropion was administered orally at doses of up to 450 and 150 mg/kg/day, respectively (approximately 11 and 7 times the MRHD, respectively, on a mg/m² basis), during the period of organogenesis. No clear evidence of teratogenic activity was found in either species; however, in rabbits, slightly increased incidences of fetal malformations and skeletal variations were observed at the lowest dose tested (25 mg/kg/day, approximately equal to the MRHD on a mg/m² basis) and greater. Decreased fetal weights were observed at 50 mg/kg and greater. When rats were administered bupropion at oral doses of up to 300 mg/kg/day (approximately 7 times the MRHD on a mg/m² basis) prior to mating and throughout pregnancy and lactation, there were no apparent adverse effects on offspring development.
Nursing MothersBupropion and its metabolites are present in human milk. In a lactation study of ten women, levels of orally dosed bupropion and its active metabolites were measured in expressed milk. The average daily infant exposure (assuming 150 mL/kg daily consumption) to bupropion and its active metabolites was 2% of the maternal weight-adjusted dose. Exercise caution when WELLBUTRIN XL is administered to a nursing woman.
Pediatric UseSafety and effectiveness in the pediatric population have not been established. When considering the use of WELLBUTRIN XL in a child or adolescent, balance the potential risks with the clinical need.
Geriatric UseOf the approximately 6000 patients who participated in clinical trials with bupropion hydrochloride sustained-release tablets (depression and smoking cessation studies), 275 were ≥ 65 years old and 47 were ≥ 75 years old. In addition, several hundred patients ≥ 65 years of age participated in clinical trials using the immediate-release formulation of bupropion hydrochloride (depression studies). No overall differences in safety or effectiveness were observed between these subjects and younger subjects. Reported clinical experience has not identified differences in responses between the elderly and younger patients, but greater sensitivity of some older individuals cannot be ruled out.
Bupropion is extensively metabolized in the liver to active metabolites, which are further metabolized and excreted by the kidneys. The risk of adverse reactions may be greater in patients with impaired renal function. Because elderly patients are more likely to have decreased renal function, it may be necessary to consider this factor in dose selection; it may be useful to monitor renal function.
Renal ImpairmentConsider a reduced dose and/or dosing frequency of WELLBUTRIN XL in patients with renal impairment (Glomerular Filtration Rate: < 90 mL/min). Bupropion and its metabolites are cleared renally and may accumulate in such patients to a greater extent than usual. Monitor closely for adverse reactions that could indicate high bupropion or metabolite exposures.
Hepatic ImpairmentIn patients with moderate to severe hepatic impairment (Child-Pugh score: 7 to 15), the maximum WELLBUTRIN XL dose is 150 mg every other day. In patients with mild hepatic impairment (Child-Pugh score: 5 to 6), consider reducing the dose and/or frequency of dosing.
WARNINGSIncluded as part of the PRECAUTIONS section.
PRECAUTIONS Suicidal Thoughts And Behaviors In Children, Adolescents, And Young AdultsPatients with major depressive disorder (MDD), both adult and pediatric, may experience worsening of their depression and/or the emergence of suicidal ideation and behavior (suicidality) or unusual changes in behavior, whether or not they are taking antidepressant medications, and this risk may persist until significant remission occurs. Suicide is a known risk of depression and certain other psychiatric disorders, and these disorders themselves are the strongest predictors of suicide. There has been a long-standing concern that antidepressants may have a role in inducing worsening of depression and the emergence of suicidality in certain patients during the early phases of treatment.
Pooled analyses of short-term placebo-controlled trials of antidepressant drugs (Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors [SSRIs] and others) show that these drugs increase the risk of suicidal thinking and behavior (suicidality) in children, adolescents, and young adults (ages 18 to 24) with major depressive disorder (MDD) and other psychiatric disorders. Short-term studies did not show an increase in the risk of suicidality with antidepressants compared to placebo in adults beyond age 24; there was a reduction with antidepressants compared to placebo in adults aged 65 and older.
The pooled analyses of placebo-controlled trials in children and adolescents with MDD, obsessive compulsive disorder (OCD), or other psychiatric disorders included a total of 24 short-term trials of 9 antidepressant drugs in over 4400 patients. The pooled analyses of placebo-controlled trials in adults with MDD or other psychiatric disorders included a total of 295 short-term trials (median duration of 2 months) of 11 antidepressant drugs in over 77,000 patients. There was considerable variation in risk of suicidality among drugs, but a tendency toward an increase in the younger patients for almost all drugs studied. There were differences in absolute risk of suicidality across the different indications, with the highest incidence in MDD. The risk differences (drug vs. placebo), however, were relatively stable within age strata and across indications. These risk differences (drug-placebo difference in the number of cases of suicidality per 1000 patients treated) are provided in Table 1.
Table 1: Risk Differences in the Number of Suicidality Cases by Age Group in the Pooled Placebo-Controlled Trials of Antidepressants in Pediatric and Adult Patients
| Age Range | Drug-Placebo Difference in Number of Cases of Suicidality per 1000 Patients Treated |
| Increases Compared to Placebo | |
| < 18 years | 14 additional cases |
| 18-24 years | 5 additional cases |
| Decreases Compared to Placebo | |
| 25-64 years | 1 fewer case |
| > 65 years | 6 fewer cases |
No suicides occurred in any of the pediatric trials. There were suicides in the adult trials, but the number was not sufficient to reach any conclusion about drug effect on suicide.
It is unknown whether the suicidality risk extends to longer-term use, i.e., beyond several months. However, there is substantial evidence from placebo-controlled maintenance trials in adults with depression that the use of antidepressants can delay the recurrence of depression.
All patients being treated with antidepressants for any indication should be monitored appropriately and observed closely for clinical worsening, suicidality, and unusual changes in behavior, especially during the initial few months of a course of drug therapy, or at times of dose changes, either increases or decreases.
The following symptoms, anxiety, agitation, panic attacks, insomnia, irritability, hostility, aggressiveness, impulsivity, akathisia (psychomotor restlessness), hypomania, and mania, have been reported in adult and pediatric patients being treated with antidepressants for major depressive disorder as well as for other indications, both psychiatric and nonpsychiatric. Although a causal link between the emergence of such symptoms and either the worsening of depression and/or the emergence of suicidal impulses has not been established, there is concern that such symptoms may represent precursors to emerging suicidality.
Consideration should be given to changing the therapeutic regimen, including possibly discontinuing the medication, in patients whose depression is persistently worse, or who are experiencing emergent suicidality or symptoms that might be precursors to worsening depression or suicidality, especially if these symptoms are severe, abrupt in onset, or were not part of the patient's presenting symptoms.
Families and caregivers of patients being treated with antidepressants for major depressive disorder or other indications, both psychiatric and nonpsychiatric, should be alerted about the need to monitor patients for the emergence of agitation, irritability, unusual changes in behavior, and the other symptoms described above, as well as the emergence of suicidality, and to report such symptoms immediately to healthcare providers. Such monitoring should include daily observation by families and caregivers. Prescriptions for Wellbutrin Retard should be written for the smallest quantity of tablets consistent with good patient management, in order to reduce the risk of overdose.
Neuropsychiatric Symptoms And Suicide Risk In Smoking Cessation TreatmentWellbutrin Retard is not approved for smoking cessation treatment; however, bupropion HCl sustained-release is approved for this use. Serious neuropsychiatric symptoms have been reported in patients taking bupropion for smoking cessation. These have included changes in mood (including depression and mania), psychosis, hallucinations, paranoia, delusions, homicidal ideation, hostility, agitation, aggression, anxiety, and panic, as well as suicidal ideation, suicide attempt, and completed suicide. Observe patients for the occurrence of neuropsychiatric reactions. Instruct patients to contact a healthcare professional if such reactions occur.
In many of these cases, a causal relationship to bupropion treatment is not certain, because depressed mood can be a symptom of nicotine withdrawal. However, some of the cases occurred in patients taking bupropion who continued to smoke.
SeizureWellbutrin Retard can cause seizure. The risk of seizure is dose-related. The dose should not exceed 300 mg once daily. Increase the dose gradually. Discontinue Wellbutrin Retard and do not restart treatment if the patient experiences a seizure.
The risk of seizures is also related to patient factors, clinical situations, and concomitant medications that lower the seizure threshold. Consider these risks before initiating treatment with Wellbutrin Retard. Wellbutrin Retard is contraindicated in patients with a seizure disorder or conditions that increase the risk of seizure (e.g., severe head injury, arteriovenous malformation, CNS tumor or CNS infection, severe stroke, anorexia nervosa or bulimia, or abrupt discontinuation of alcohol, benzodiazepines, barbiturates, and antiepileptic drugs. The following conditions can also increase the risk of seizure: concomitant use of other medications that lower the seizure threshold (e.g., other bupropion products, antipsychotics, tricyclic antidepressants, theophylline, and systemic corticosteroids), metabolic disorders (e.g., hypoglycemia, hyponatremia, severe hepatic impairment, and hypoxia), or use of illicit drugs (e.g., cocaine) or abuse or misuse of prescription drugs such as CNS stimulants. Additional predisposing conditions include diabetes mellitus treated with oral hypoglycemic drugs or insulin, use of anorectic drugs, excessive use of alcohol, benzodiazepines, sedative/hypnotics, or opiates.
Incidence Of Seizure With Bupropion UseThe incidence of seizure with Wellbutrin Retard has not been formally evaluated in clinical trials. In studies using bupropion HCl sustained-release up to 300 mg per day the incidence of seizure was approximately 0.1% (1/1000 patients). In a large prospective, follow-up study, the seizure incidence was approximately 0.4% (13/3200) with bupropion HCl immediate-release in the range of 300 mg to 450 mg per day.
Additional data accumulated for bupropion immediate-release suggests that the estimated seizure incidence increases almost tenfold between 450 and 600 mg/day. The risk of seizure can be reduced if the Wellbutrin Retard dose does not exceed 450 mg once daily and the titration rate is gradual.
HypertensionTreatment with Wellbutrin Retard can result in elevated blood pressure and hypertension.
Assess blood pressure before initiating treatment with Wellbutrin Retard, and monitor periodically during treatment. The risk of hypertension is increased if Wellbutrin Retard is used concomitantly with MAOIs or other drugs that increase dopaminergic or noradrenergic activity.
Data from a comparative trial of the sustained-release formulation of bupropion HCl, nicotine transdermal system (NTS), the combination of sustained-release bupropion plus NTS, and placebo as an aid to smoking cessation suggest a higher incidence of treatment-emergent hypertension in patients treated with the combination of sustained-release bupropion and NTS. In this trial, 6.1% of subjects treated with the combination of sustained-release bupropion and NTS had treatment-emergent hypertension compared to 2.5%, 1.6%, and 3.1% of subjects treated with sustained-release bupropion, NTS, and placebo, respectively. The majority of these subjects had evidence of pre-existing hypertension. Three subjects (1.2%) treated with the combination of sustained-release bupropion and NTS and 1 subject (0.4%) treated with NTS had study medication discontinued due to hypertension compared with none of the subjects treated with sustained-release bupropion or placebo. Monitoring of blood pressure is recommended in patients who receive the combination of bupropion and nicotine replacement.
In the 3 trials of bupropion HCl extended-release in seasonal affective disorder, there were significant elevations in blood pressure. Hypertension was reported as an adverse reaction for 2% of the bupropion group (11/537) and none in the placebo group (0/511). In the SAD trials, 2 patients treated with bupropion discontinued from the study because they developed hypertension. None of the placebo group discontinued because of hypertension. The mean increase in systolic blood pressure was 1.3 mmHg in the bupropion group and 0.1 mmHg in the placebo group. The difference was statistically significant (p=0.013). The mean increase in diastolic blood pressure was 0.8 mmHg in the bupropion group and 0.1 mmHg in the placebo group. The difference was not statistically significant (p=0.075). In the SAD trials, 82% of patients were treated with 300 mg per day, and 18% were treated with 150 mg per day. The mean daily dose was 270 mg per day. The mean duration of bupropion exposure was 126 days.
In a clinical trial of bupropion immediate-release in MDD subjects with stable congestive heart failure (N=36), bupropion was associated with an exacerbation of pre-existing hypertension in 2 subjects, leading to discontinuation of bupropion treatment. There are no controlled studies assessing the safety of bupropion in patients with a recent history of myocardial infarction or unstable cardiac disease.
Activation Of Mania/HypomaniaAntidepressant treatment can precipitate a manic, mixed, or hypomanic manic episode. The risk appears to be increased in patients with bipolar disorder or who have risk factors for bipolar disorder. Prior to initiating Wellbutrin Retard, screen patients for a history of bipolar disorder and the presence of risk factors for bipolar disorder (e.g., family history of bipolar disorder, suicide, or depression). Wellbutrin Retard is not approved for the treatment of bipolar depression.
Psychosis And Other Neuropsychiatric ReactionsDepressed patients treated with bupropion have had a variety of neuropsychiatric signs and symptoms, including delusions, hallucinations, psychosis, concentration disturbance, paranoia, and confusion. Some of these patients had a diagnosis of bipolar disorder. In some cases, these symptoms abated upon dose reduction and/or withdrawal of treatment. Discontinue Wellbutrin Retard if these reactions occur.
Angle-Closure GlaucomaAngle-Closure Glaucoma: The pupillary dilation that occurs following use of many antidepressant drugs including Wellbutrin Retard may trigger an angle-closure attack in a patient with anatomically narrow angles who does not have a patent iridectomy.
Hypersensitivity ReactionsAnaphylactoid/anaphylactic reactions have occurred during clinical trials with bupropion. Reactions have been characterized by pruritus, urticaria, angioedema, and dyspnea, requiring medical treatment. In addition, there have been rare, spontaneous postmarketing reports of erythema multiforme, Stevens-Johnson syndrome, and anaphylactic shock associated with bupropion. Instruct patients to discontinue Wellbutrin Retard and consult a healthcare provider if they develop an allergic or anaphylactoid/anaphylactic reaction (e.g., skin rash, pruritus, hives, chest pain, edema, and shortness of breath) during treatment.
There are reports of arthralgia, myalgia, fever with rash and other symptoms of serum sickness suggestive of delayed hypersensitivity.
Patient Counseling InformationAdvise the patient to read the FDA-approved patient labeling (Medication Guide).
Inform patients, their families, and their caregivers about the benefits and risks associated with treatment with Wellbutrin Retard and counsel them in its appropriate use.
A patient Medication Guide about “Antidepressant Medicines, Depression and Other Serious Mental Illnesses, and Suicidal Thoughts or Actions,” “Quitting Smoking, Quit-Smoking Medications, Changes in Thinking and Behavior, Depression, and Suicidal Thoughts or Actions,” and “What Other Important Information Should I Know About Wellbutrin Retard?” is available for Wellbutrin Retard. Instruct patients, their families, and their caregivers to read the Medication Guide and assist them in understanding its contents. Patients should be given the opportunity to discuss the contents of the Medication Guide and to obtain answers to any questions they may have. The complete text of the Medication Guide is reprinted at the end of this document.
Advise patients regarding the following issues and to alert their prescriber if these occur while taking Wellbutrin Retard.
Suicidal Thoughts And BehaviorsInstruct patients, their families, and/or their caregivers to be alert to the emergence of anxiety, agitation, panic attacks, insomnia, irritability, hostility, aggressiveness, impulsivity, akathisia (psychomotor restlessness), hypomania, mania, other unusual changes in behavior, worsening of depression, and suicidal ideation, especially early during antidepressant treatment and when the dose is adjusted up or down. Advise families and caregivers of patients to observe for the emergence of such symptoms on a day-to-day basis, since changes may be abrupt. Such symptoms should be reported to the patient's prescriber or health professional, especially if they are severe, abrupt in onset, or were not part of the patient's presenting symptoms. Symptoms such as these may be associated with an increased risk for suicidal thinking and behavior and indicate a need for very close monitoring and possibly changes in the medication.
Neuropsychiatric Symptoms And Suicide Risk In Smoking Cessation TreatmentAlthough Wellbutrin Retard is not indicated for smoking cessation treatment, it contains the same active ingredient as ZYBAN® which is approved for this use. Advise patients, families and caregivers that quitting smoking, with or without ZYBAN, may trigger nicotine withdrawal symptoms (e.g., including depression or agitation) or worsen pre-existing psychiatric illness. Some patients have experienced changes in mood (including depression and mania), psychosis, hallucinations, paranoia, delusions, homicidal ideation, aggression, anxiety, and panic, as well as suicidal ideation, suicide attempt, and completed suicide when attempting to quit smoking while taking ZYBAN. If patients develop agitation, hostility, depressed mood, or changes in thinking or behavior that are not typical for them, or if patients develop suicidal ideation or behavior, they should be urged to report these symptoms to their healthcare provider immediately.
Severe Allergic ReactionsEducate patients on the symptoms of hypersensitivity and to discontinue Wellbutrin Retard if they have a severe allergic reaction.
SeizureInstruct patients to discontinue and not restart Wellbutrin Retard if they experience a seizure while on treatment. Advise patients that the excessive use or the abrupt discontinuation of alcohol, benzodiazepines, antiepileptic drugs, or sedatives/hypnotics can increase the risk of seizure. Advise patients to minimize or avoid the use of alcohol.
Angle-Closure GlaucomaPatients should be advised that taking Wellbutrin Retard can cause mild pupillary dilation, which in susceptible individuals, can lead to an episode of angle-closure glaucoma. Pre-existing glaucoma is almost always open-angle glaucoma because angle-closure glaucoma, when diagnosed, can be treated definitively with iridectomy. Open-angleglaucoma is not a risk factor for angle-closure glaucoma. Patients may wish to be examined to determine whether they are susceptible to angle closure, and have a prophylactic procedure (e.g., iridectomy), if they are susceptible.
Bupropion-Containing ProductsEducate patients that Wellbutrin Retard contains the same active ingredient (bupropion) found in ZYBAN, which is used as an aid to smoking cessation treatment, and that Wellbutrin Retard should not be used in combination with ZYBAN or any other medications that contain bupropion hydrochloride (such as WELLBUTRIN SR, the sustained-release formulation, WELLBUTRIN, the immediate-release formulation, and APLENZIN, a bupropion hydrobromide formulation). In addition, there are a number of generic bupropion HCl products for the immediate, sustained, and extended-release formulations.
Potential For Cognitive And Motor ImpairmentAdvise patients that any CNS-active drug like WELLBUTRIN XL Tablets may impair their ability to perform tasks requiring judgment or motor and cognitive skills. Advise patients that until they are reasonably certain that Wellbutrin Retard Tablets do not adversely affect their performance, they should refrain from driving an automobile or operating complex, hazardous machinery. Wellbutrin Retard treatment may lead to decreased alcohol tolerance.
Concomitant MedicationsCounsel patients to notify their healthcare provider if they are taking or plan to take any prescription or over-the-counter drugs, because Wellbutrin Retard Tablets and other drugs may affect each other's metabolism.
PregnancyAdvise patients to notify their healthcare provider if they become pregnant or intend to become pregnant during therapy.
Precautions For Nursing MothersCommunicate with the patient and pediatric healthcare provider regarding the infant's exposure to bupropion through human milk. Instruct patients to immediately contact the infant's healthcare provider if they note any side effect in the infant that concerns them or is persistent.
Administration InformationInstruct patients to swallow Wellbutrin Retard Tablets whole so that the release rate is not altered. Instruct patients if they miss a dose, not to take an extra tablet to make up for the missed dose and to take the next tablet at the regular time because of the dose-related risk of seizure. Instruct patients that Wellbutrin Retard tablets should be swallowed whole and not crushed, divided, or chewed. Wellbutrin Retard should be administered in the morning and may be taken with or without food.
Nonclinical Toxicology Carcinogenesis, Mutagenesis, Impairment Of FertilityLifetime carcinogenicity studies were performed in rats and mice at doses up to 300 and 150 mg/kg/day bupropion hydrochloride, respectively. These doses are approximately 7 and 2 times the maximum recommended human dose (MRHD), respectively, on a mg/m² basis. In the rat study there was an increase in nodular proliferative lesions of the liver at doses of 100 to 300 mg/kg/day of bupropion hydrochloride (approximately 2 to 7 times the MRHD on a mg/m² basis); lower doses were not tested. The question of whether or not such lesions may be precursors of neoplasms of the liver is currently unresolved. Similar liver lesions were not seen in the mouse study, and no increase in malignant tumors of the liver and other organs was seen in either study.
Bupropion produced a positive response (2 to 3 times control mutation rate) in 2 of 5 strains in one Ames bacterial mutagenicity assay, but was negative in another. Bupropion produced an increase in chromosomal aberrations in 1 of 3 in vivo rat bone marrow cytogenetic studies.
A fertility study in rats at doses up to 300 mg/kg/day revealed no evidence of impaired fertility.
Use In Specific Populations PregnancyPregnancy Category C
Risk SummaryData from epidemiological studies including pregnant women exposed to bupropion in the first trimester indicate no increased risk of congenital malformations overall. All pregnancies regardless of drug exposure have a background rate of 2% to 4% for major malformations and 15% to 20% for pregnancy loss. No clear evidence of teratogenic activity was found in reproductive developmental studies conducted in rats and rabbits. However, in rabbits, slightly increased incidences of fetal malformations and skeletal variations were observed at doses approximately equal to the maximum recommended human dose (MRHD) and greater and decreased fetal weights were seen at doses twice the MRHD and greater. Wellbutrin Retard should be used during pregnancy only if the potential benefit justifies the potential risk to the fetus.
Clinical ConsiderationsConsider the risk of untreated depression when discontinuing or changing treatment with antidepressant medications during pregnancy and postpartum.
Human DataData from an international bupropion Pregnancy registry (675 first trimester exposures) and a retrospective cohort study using the United Healthcare database (1,213 first trimester exposures) did not show an increased risk for malformations overall.
No increased risk for cardiovascular malformations overall has been observed after bupropion exposure during the first trimester. The prospectively observed rate of cardiovascular malformations in pregnancies with exposure to bupropion in the first trimester from the international Pregnancy Registry was 1.3% (9 cardiovascular malformations/675 first-trimester maternal bupropion exposures), which is similar to the background rate of cardiovascular malformations (approximately 1%). Data from the United Healthcare database and a case-controlled study (6,853 infants with cardiovascular malformations and 5,753 with non-cardiovascular malformations) from the National Birth Defects Prevention Study (NBDPS) did not show an increased risk for cardiovascular malformations overall after bupropion exposure during the first trimester.
Study findings on bupropion exposure during the first trimester and risk left ventricular outflow tract obstruction (LVOTO) are inconsistent and do not allow conclusions regarding possible association. The United Healthcare database lacked sufficient power to evaluate this association; the NBDPS found increased risk for LVOTO (n = 10; adjusted OR = 2.6; 95% CI 1.2, 5.7) and the Slone Epidemiology case control study did not find increased risk for LVOTO.
Study findings on bupropion exposure during the first trimester and risk for ventricular septal defect (VSD) are inconsistent and do not allow conclusions regarding a possible association. The Slone Epidemiology Study found an increased risk for VSD following first trimester maternal bupropion exposure (n = 17; adjusted OR = 2.5; 95% CI: 1.3, 5.0) but did not find an increased risk for any other cardiovascular malformations studied (including LVOTO as above). The NBDPS and United Healthcare database study did not find an association between first trimester maternal bupropion exposure and VSD.
For the findings of LVOTO and VSD, the studies were limited by the small number of exposed cases, inconsistent findings among studies, and the potential for chance findings from multiple comparisons in case control studies.
Animal DataIn studies conducted in rats and rabbits, bupropion was administered orally at doses of up to 450 and 150 mg/kg/day, respectively (approximately 11 and 7 times the MRHD, respectively, on a mg/m² basis), during the period of organogenesis. No clear evidence of teratogenic activity was found in either species; however, in rabbits, slightly increased incidences of fetal malformations and skeletal variations were observed at the lowest dose tested (25 mg/kg/day, approximately equal to the MRHD on a mg/m² basis) and greater. Decreased fetal weights were observed at 50 mg/kg and greater. When rats were administered bupropion at oral doses of up to 300 mg/kg/day (approximately 7 times the MRHD on a mg/m² basis) prior to mating and throughout pregnancy and lactation, there were no apparent adverse effects on offspring development.
Nursing MothersBupropion and its metabolites are present in human milk. In a lactation study of ten women, levels of orally dosed bupropion and its active metabolites were measured in expressed milk. The average daily infant exposure (assuming 150 mL/kg daily consumption) to bupropion and its active metabolites was 2% of the maternal weight-adjusted dose. Exercise caution when Wellbutrin Retard is administered to a nursing woman.
Pediatric UseSafety and effectiveness in the pediatric population have not been established. When considering the use of Wellbutrin Retard in a child or adolescent, balance the potential risks with the clinical need.
Geriatric UseOf the approximately 6000 patients who participated in clinical trials with bupropion hydrochloride sustained-release tablets (depression and smoking cessation studies), 275 were ≥ 65 years old and 47 were ≥ 75 years old. In addition, several hundred patients ≥ 65 years of age participated in clinical trials using the immediate-release formulation of bupropion hydrochloride (depression studies). No overall differences in safety or effectiveness were observed between these subjects and younger subjects. Reported clinical experience has not identified differences in responses between the elderly and younger patients, but greater sensitivity of some older individuals cannot be ruled out.
Bupropion is extensively metabolized in the liver to active metabolites, which are further metabolized and excreted by the kidneys. The risk of adverse reactions may be greater in patients with impaired renal function. Because elderly patients are more likely to have decreased renal function, it may be necessary to consider this factor in dose selection; it may be useful to monitor renal function.
Renal ImpairmentConsider a reduced dose and/or dosing frequency of Wellbutrin Retard in patients with renal impairment (Glomerular Filtration Rate: < 90 mL/min). Bupropion and its metabolites are cleared renally and may accumulate in such patients to a greater extent than usual. Monitor closely for adverse reactions that could indicate high bupropion or metabolite exposures.
Hepatic ImpairmentIn patients with moderate to severe hepatic impairment (Child-Pugh score: 7 to 15), the maximum Wellbutrin Retard dose is 150 mg every other day. In patients with mild hepatic impairment (Child-Pugh score: 5 to 6), consider reducing the dose and/or frequency of dosing.
WARNINGSIncluded as part of the PRECAUTIONS section.
PRECAUTIONS Suicidal Thoughts And Behaviors In Children, Adoles cents , and Young AdultsPatients with MDD, both adult and pediatric, may experience worsening of their depression and/or the emergence of suicidal ideation and behavior (suicidality) or unusual changes in behavior, whether or not they are taking antidepressant medications, and this risk may persist until significant remission occurs. Suicide is a known risk of depression and certain other psychiatric disorders, and these disorders themselves are the strongest predictors of suicide. There has been a long-standing concern that antidepressants may have a role in inducing worsening of depression and the emergence of suicidality in certain patients during the early phases of treatment.
Pooled analyses of short-term placebo-controlled trials of antidepressant drugs (selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors [SSRIs] and others) show that these drugs increase the risk of suicidal thinking and behavior (suicidality) in children, adolescents, and young adults (ages 18 to 24) with MDD and other psychiatric disorders. Short-term clinical trials did not show an increase in the risk of suicidality with antidepressants compared with placebo in adults beyond age 24; there was a reduction with antidepressants compared with placebo in adults aged 65 and older.
The pooled analyses of placebo-controlled trials in children and adolescents with MDD, obsessive compulsive disorder (OCD), or other psychiatric disorders included a total of 24 short-term trials of 9 antidepressant drugs in over 4,400 subjects. The pooled analyses of placebo-controlled trials in adults with MDD or other psychiatric disorders included a total of 295 short-term trials (median duration of 2 months) of 11 antidepressant drugs in over 77,000 subjects. There was considerable variation in risk of suicidality among drugs, but a tendency toward an increase in the younger subjects for almost all drugs studied. There were differences in absolute risk of suicidality across the different indications, with the highest incidence in MDD. The risk differences (drug vs. placebo), however, were relatively stable within age strata and across indications. These risk differences (drug-placebo difference in the number of cases of suicidality per 1,000 subjects treated) are provided in Table 1.
Table 1: Risk Differences in the Number of Suicidality Cases by Age Group in the Pooled Placebo-Controlled Trials of Antidepressants in Pediatric and Adult Subjects
| Age Range | Drug-Placebo Difference in Number of Cases of Suicidality per 1,000 Subjects Treated |
| Increases Compared with Placebo | |
| < 18 | 14 additional cases |
| 18-24 | 5 additional cases |
| Decreases Compared with Placebo | |
| 25-64 | 1 fewer case |
| ≥ 65 | 6 fewer cases |
No suicides occurred in any of the pediatric trials. There were suicides in the adult trials, but the number was not sufficient to reach any conclusion about drug effect on suicide.
It is unknown whether the suicidality risk extends to longer-term use, i.e., beyond several months. However, there is substantial evidence from placebo-controlled maintenance trials in adults with depression that the use of antidepressants can delay the recurrence of depression.
All patients being treated with antidepressants for any indication should be monitored appropriately and observed closely for clinical worsening, suicidality, and unusual changes in behavior, especially during the initial few months of a course of drug therapy, or at times of dose changes, either increases or decreases.
The following symptoms, anxiety, agitation, panic attacks, insomnia, irritability, hostility, aggressiveness, impulsivity, akathisia (psychomotor restlessness), hypomania, and mania, have been reported in adult and pediatric patients being treated with antidepressants for major depressive disorder as well as for other indications, both psychiatric and nonpsychiatric. Although a causal link between the emergence of such symptoms and either the worsening of depression and/or the emergence of suicidal impulses has not been established, there is concern that such symptoms may represent precursors to emerging suicidality.
Consideration should be given to changing the therapeutic regimen, including possibly discontinuing the medication, in patients whose depression is persistently worse, or who are experiencing emergent suicidality or symptoms that might be precursors to worsening depression or suicidality, especially if these symptoms are severe, abrupt in onset, or were not part of the patient's presenting symptoms.
Families and caregivers of patients being treated with antidepressants for MDD or other indications , both psychiatric and nonpsychiatric, should be alerted about the need to monitor patients for the emergence of agitation, irritability, unusual changes in behavior, and the other symptoms described above, as well as the emergence of suicidality, and to report such symptoms immediately to healthcare providers. Such monitoring should include daily observation by families and caregivers. Prescriptions for Wellbutrin Retard should be written for the smallest quantity of tablets cons is tent with good patient management, in order to reduce the risk of overdose.
Neuropsychiatric Symptoms And Suicide Risk In Smoking Cessation TreatmentWellbutrin Retard is not approved for smoking cessation treatment; however, ZYBAN® is approved for this use. Serious neuropsychiatric symptoms have been reported in patients taking bupropion for smoking cessation. These have included changes in mood (including depression and mania), psychosis, hallucinations, paranoia, delusions, homicidal ideation, hostility, agitation, aggression, anxiety, and panic, as well as suicidal ideation, suicide attempt, and completed suicide. Observe patients for the occurrence of neuropsychiatric reactions. Instruct patients to contact a healthcare professional if such reactions occur.
In many of these cases, a causal relationship to bupropion treatment is not certain, because depressed mood can be a symptom of nicotine withdrawal. However, some of the cases occurred in patients taking bupropion who continued to smoke.
SeizureWellbutrin Retard can cause seizure. The risk of seizure is dose-related. The dose should not exceed 400 mg per day. Increase the dose gradually. Discontinue Wellbutrin Retard and do not restart treatment if the patient experiences a seizure.
The risk of seizures is also related to patient factors, clinical situations, and concomitant medications that lower the seizure threshold. Consider these risks before initiating treatment with Wellbutrin Retard. WELLBUTRIN SR is contraindicated in patients with a seizure disorder, current or prior diagnosis of anorexia nervosa or bulimia, or undergoing abrupt discontinuation of alcohol, benzodiazepines, barbiturates, and antiepileptic drugs. The following conditions can also increase the risk of seizure: severe head injury; arteriovenous malformation; CNS tumor or CNS infection; severe stroke; concomitant use of other medications that lower the seizure threshold (e.g., other bupropion products, antipsychotics, tricyclic antidepressants, theophylline, and systemic corticosteroids); metabolic disorders (e.g., hypoglycemia, hyponatremia, severe hepatic impairment, and hypoxia); use of illicit drugs (e.g., cocaine); or abuse or misuse of prescription drugs such as CNS stimulants. Additional predisposing conditions include diabetes mellitus treated with oral hypoglycemic drugs or insulin; use of anorectic drugs; and excessive use of alcohol, benzodiazepines, sedative/hypnotics, or opiates.
Incidence Of Seizure With Bupropion UseWhen Wellbutrin Retard is dosed up to 300 mg per day, the incidence of seizure is approximately 0.1% (1/1,000) and increases to approximately 0.4% (4/1,000) at the maximum recommended dose of 400 mg per day.
The risk of seizure can be reduced if the dose of Wellbutrin Retard does not exceed 400 mg per day, given as 200 mg twice daily, and the titration rate is gradual.
HypertensionTreatment with Wellbutrin Retard can result in elevated blood pressure and hypertension. Assess blood pressure before initiating treatment with Wellbutrin Retard, and monitor periodically during treatment. The risk of hypertension is increased if Wellbutrin Retard is used concomitantly with MAOIs or other drugs that increase dopaminergic or noradrenergic activity.
Data from a comparative trial of the sustained-release formulation of bupropion HCl, nicotine transdermal system (NTS), the combination of sustained-release bupropion plus NTS, and placebo as an aid to smoking cessation suggest a higher incidence of treatment-emergent hypertension in patients treated with the combination of sustained-release bupropion and NTS. In this trial, 6.1% of subjects treated with the combination of sustained-release bupropion and NTS had treatment-emergent hypertension compared with 2.5%, 1.6%, and 3.1% of subjects treated with sustained-release bupropion, NTS, and placebo, respectively. The majority of these subjects had evidence of pre-existing hypertension. Three subjects (1.2%) treated with the combination of sustained-release bupropion and NTS and 1 subject (0.4%) treated with NTS had study medication discontinued due to hypertension compared with none of the subjects treated with sustained-release bupropion or placebo. Monitoring of blood pressure is recommended in patients who receive the combination of bupropion and nicotine replacement.
In a clinical trial of bupropion immediate-release in MDD subjects with stable congestive heart failure (N = 36), bupropion was associated with an exacerbation of pre-existing hypertension in 2 subjects, leading to discontinuation of bupropion treatment. There are no controlled trials assessing the safety of bupropion in patients with a recent history of myocardial infarction or unstable cardiac disease.
Activation Of Mania/HypomaniaAntidepressant treatment can precipitate a manic, mixed, or hypomanic manic episode. The risk appears to be increased in patients with bipolar disorder or who have risk factors for bipolar disorder. Prior to initiating Wellbutrin Retard, screen patients for a history of bipolar disorder and the presence of risk factors for bipolar disorder (e.g., family history of bipolar disorder, suicide, or depression). Wellbutrin Retard is not approved for use in treating bipolar depression.
Psychosis And Other Neuropsychiatric ReactionsDepressed patients treated with Wellbutrin Retard have had a variety of neuropsychiatric signs and symptoms, including delusions, hallucinations, psychosis, concentration disturbance, paranoia, and confusion. Some of these patients had a diagnosis of bipolar disorder. In some cases, these symptoms abated upon dose reduction and/or withdrawal of treatment. Instruct patients to contact a healthcare professional if such reactions occur.
Angle-Closure GlaucomaThe pupillary dilation that occurs following use of many antidepressant drugs including Wellbutrin Retard may trigger an angle-closure attack in a patient with anatomically narrow angles who does not have a patent iridectomy.
Hypersensitivity ReactionsAnaphylactoid/anaphylactic reactions have occurred during clinical trials with bupropion. Reactions have been characterized by pruritus, urticaria, angioedema, and dyspnea requiring medical treatment. In addition, there have been rare, spontaneous postmarketing reports of erythema multiforme, Stevens-Johnson syndrome, and anaphylactic shock associated with bupropion. Instruct patients to discontinue Wellbutrin Retard and consult a healthcare provider if they develop an allergic or anaphylactoid/anaphylactic reaction (e.g., skin rash, pruritus, hives, chest pain, edema, and shortness of breath) during treatment.
There are reports of arthralgia, myalgia, fever with rash and other serum sickness-like symptoms suggestive of delayed hypersensitivity.
Patient Counseling InformationAdvise the patient to read the FDA-approved patient labeling (Medication Guide).
Inform patients, their families, and their caregivers about the benefits and risks associated with treatment with Wellbutrin Retard and counsel them in its appropriate use.
A patient Medication Guide about “Antidepressant Medicines, Depression and Other Serious Mental Illnesses, and Suicidal Thoughts or Actions,” “Quitting Smoking, Quit-Smoking Medications, Changes in Thinking and Behavior, Depression, and Suicidal Thoughts or Actions,” and “What Other Important Information Should I Know About Wellbutrin Retard?” is available for Wellbutrin Retard. Instruct patients, their families, and their caregivers to read the Medication Guide and assist them in understanding its contents. Patients should be given the opportunity to discuss the contents of the Medication Guide and to obtain answers to any questions they may have. The complete text of the Medication Guide is reprinted at the end of this document.
Advise patients regarding the following issues and to alert their prescriber if these occur while taking Wellbutrin Retard.
Suicidal Thoughts And BehaviorsInstruct patients, their families, and/or their caregivers to be alert to the emergence of anxiety, agitation, panic attacks, insomnia, irritability, hostility, aggressiveness, impulsivity, akathisia (psychomotor restlessness), hypomania, mania, other unusual changes in behavior, worsening of depression, and suicidal ideation, especially early during antidepressant treatment and when the dose is adjusted up or down. Advise families and caregivers of patients to observe for the emergence of such symptoms on a day-to-day basis, since changes may be abrupt. Such symptoms should be reported to the patient’s prescriber or healthcare professional, especially if they are severe, abrupt in onset, or were not part of the patient’s presenting symptoms. Symptoms such as these may be associated with an increased risk for suicidal thinking and behavior and indicate a need for very close monitoring and possibly changes in the medication.
Neuropsychiatric Symptoms And Suicide Risk In Smoking Cessation TreatmentAlthough Wellbutrin Retard is not indicated for smoking cessation treatment, it contains the same active ingredient as ZYBAN which is approved for this use. Advise patients, families and caregivers that quitting smoking, with or without ZYBAN, may trigger nicotine withdrawal symptoms (e.g., including depression or agitation), or worsen pre-existing psychiatric illness. Some patients have experienced changes in mood (including depression and mania), psychosis, hallucinations, paranoia, delusions, homicidal ideation, aggression, anxiety, and panic, as well as suicidal ideation, suicide attempt, and completed suicide when attempting to quit smoking while taking ZYBAN. If patients develop agitation, hostility, depressed mood, or changes in thinking or behavior that are not typical for them, or if patients develop suicidal ideation or behavior, they should be urged to report these symptoms to their healthcare provider immediately.
Severe Allergic ReactionsEducate patients on the symptoms of hypersensitivity and to discontinue Wellbutrin Retard if they have a severe allergic reaction.
SeizureInstruct patients to discontinue and not restart Wellbutrin Retard if they experience a seizure while on treatment. Advise patients that the excessive use or abrupt discontinuation of alcohol, benzodiazepines, antiepileptic drugs, or sedatives/hypnotics can increase the risk of seizure. Advise patients to minimize or avoid use of alcohol.
As the dose is increased during initial titration to doses above 150 mg per day, instruct patients to take Wellbutrin Retard in 2 divided doses, preferably with at least 8 hours between successive doses, to minimize the risk of seizures.
Angle-Closure GlaucomaPatients should be advised that taking Wellbutrin Retard can cause mild pupillary dilation, which in susceptible individuals, can lead to an episode of angle-closure glaucoma. Pre-existing glaucoma is almost always open-angle glaucoma because angle-closure glaucoma, when diagnosed, can be treated definitively with iridectomy. Open-angle glaucoma is not a risk factor for angle-closure glaucoma. Patients may wish to be examined to determine whether they are susceptible to angle closure, and have a prophylactic procedure (e.g., iridectomy), if they are susceptible.
Bupropion-Containing ProductsEducate patients that Wellbutrin Retard contains the same active ingredient (bupropion hydrochloride) found in ZYBAN, which is used as an aid to smoking cessation treatment, and that Wellbutrin Retard should not be used in combination with ZYBAN or any other medications that contain bupropion (such as WELLBUTRIN®, the immediate-release formulation and WELLBUTRIN XL ® or FORFIVO XL®, the extended-release formulations, and APLENZIN®, the extended-release formulation of bupropion hydrobromide). In addition, there are a number of generic bupropion HCl products for the immediate-, sustained-, and extended-release formulations.
Potential For Cognitive And Motor ImpairmentAdvise patients that any CNS-active drug like Wellbutrin Retard may impair their ability to perform tasks requiring judgment or motor and cognitive skills. Advise patients that until they are reasonably certain that Wellbutrin Retard does not adversely affect their performance, they should refrain from driving an automobile or operating complex, hazardous machinery. Wellbutrin Retard may lead to decreased alcohol tolerance.
Concomitant MedicationsCounsel patients to notify their healthcare provider if they are taking or plan to take any prescription or over-the-counter drugs because Wellbutrin Retard sustained-release tablets and other drugs may affect each others’ metabolisms.
PregnancyAdvise patients to notify their healthcare provider if they become pregnant or intend to become pregnant during therapy.
Precautions For Nursing MothersAdvise patients that Wellbutrin Retard is present in human milk in small amounts.
Storage InformationInstruct patients to store Wellbutrin Retard at room temperature, between 59°F and 86°F (15°C to 30°C) and keep the tablets dry and out of the light.
Administration InformationInstruct patients to swallow Wellbutrin Retard tablets whole so that the release rate is not altered. Do not chew, divide, or crush tablets; they are designed to slowly release drug in the body. When patients take more than 150 mg per day, instruct them to take Wellbutrin Retard in 2 doses at least 8 hours apart, to minimize the risk of seizures. Instruct patients if they miss a dose, not to take an extra tablet to make up for the missed dose and to take the next tablet at the regular time because of the dose-related risk of seizure. Instruct patients that Wellbutrin Retard tablets may have an odor. Wellbutrin Retard can be taken with or without food.
WELLBUTRIN, Wellbutrin Retard, WELLBUTRIN XL, and ZYBAN are registered trademarks of the GSK group of companies. The other brands listed are trademarks of their respective owners and are not trademarks of the GSK group of companies. The makers of these brands are not affiliated with and do not endorse the GSK group of companies or its products.
Nonclinical Toxicology Carcinogenesis, Mutagenesis, Impairment Of FertilityLifetime carcinogenicity studies were performed in rats and mice at bupropion doses up to 300 and 150 mg per kg per day, respectively. These doses are approximately 7 and 2 times the MRHD, respectively, on a mg per m² basis. In the rat study there was an increase in nodular proliferative lesions of the liver at doses of 100 to 300 mg per kg per day (approximately 2 to 7 times the MRHD on a mg per m² basis); lower doses were not tested. The question of whether or not such lesions may be precursors of neoplasms of the liver is currently unresolved. Similar liver lesions were not seen in the mouse study, and no increase in malignant tumors of the liver and other organs was seen in either study.
Bupropion produced a positive response (2 to 3 times control mutation rate) in 2 of 5 strains in the Ames bacterial mutagenicity assay. Bupropion produced an increase in chromosomal aberrations in 1 of 3 in vivo rat bone marrow cytogenetic studies.
A fertility study in rats at doses up to 300 mg per kg per day revealed no evidence of impaired fertility.
Use In Specific Populations PregnancyPregnancy Category C
Risk SummaryData from epidemiological studies of pregnant women exposed to bupropion in the first trimester indicate no increased risk of congenital malformations overall. All pregnancies, regardless of drug exposure, have a background rate of 2% to 4% for major malformations, and 15% to 20% for pregnancy loss. No clear evidence of teratogenic activity was found in reproductive developmental studies conducted in rats and rabbits; however, in rabbits, slightly increased incidences of fetal malformations and skeletal variations were observed at doses approximately equal to the maximum recommended human dose (MRHD) and greater and decreased fetal weights were seen at doses twice the MRHD and greater. Wellbutrin Retard should be used during pregnancy only if the potential benefit justifies the potential risk to the fetus.
Clinical ConsiderationsConsider the risks of untreated depression when discontinuing or changing treatment with antidepressant medications during pregnancy and postpartum.
Human DataData from the international bupropion Pregnancy Registry (675 first trimester exposures) and a retrospective cohort study using the United Healthcare database (1,213 first trimester exposures) did not show an increased risk for malformations overall.
No increased risk for cardiovascular malformations overall has been observed after bupropion exposure during the first trimester. The prospectively observed rate of cardiovascular malformations in pregnancies with exposure to bupropion in the first trimester from the international Pregnancy Registry was 1.3% (9 cardiovascular malformations/675 first-trimester maternal bupropion exposures), which is similar to the background rate of cardiovascular malformations (approximately 1%). Data from the United Healthcare database and a case-control study (6,853 infants with cardiovascular malformations and 5,763 with non-cardiovascular malformations) from the National Birth Defects Prevention Study (NBDPS) did not show an increased risk for cardiovascular malformations overall after bupropion exposure during the first trimester.
Study findings on bupropion exposure during the first trimester and risk for left ventricular outflow tract obstruction (LVOTO) are inconsistent and do not allow conclusions regarding a possible association. The United Healthcare database lacked sufficient power to evaluate this association; the NBDPS found increased risk for LVOTO (n = 10; adjusted OR = 2.6; 95% CI: 1.2, 5.7), and the Slone Epidemiology case control study did not find increased risk for LVOTO.
Study findings on bupropion exposure during the first trimester and risk for ventricular septal defect (VSD) are inconsistent and do not allow conclusions regarding a possible association. The Slone Epidemiology Study found an increased risk for VSD following first trimester maternal bupropion exposure (n = 17; adjusted OR = 2.5; 95% CI: 1.3, 5.0) but did not find increased risk for any other cardiovascular malformations studied (including LVOTO as above). The NBDPS and United Healthcare database study did not find an association between first trimester maternal bupropion exposure and VSD.
For the findings of LVOTO and VSD, the studies were limited by the small number of exposed cases, inconsistent findings among studies, and the potential for chance findings from multiple comparisons in case control studies.
Animal DataIn studies conducted in rats and rabbits, bupropion was administered orally during the period of organogenesis at doses of up to 450 and 150 mg per kg per day, respectively (approximately 11 and 7 times the MRHD, respectively, on a mg per m² basis). No clear evidence of teratogenic 2 activity was found in either species; however, in rabbits, slightly increased incidences of fetal malformations and skeletal variations were observed at the lowest dose tested (25 mg per kg per day, approximately equal to the MRHD on a mg per m² basis) and greater. Decreased fetal weights were observed at 50 mg per kg and greater.
When rats were administered bupropion at oral doses of up to 300 mg per kg per day (approximately 7 times the MRHD on a mg per m basis) prior to mating and throughout pregnancy and lactation, there were no apparent adverse effects on offspring development.
Nursing MothersBupropion and its metabolites are present in human milk. In a lactation study of 10 women, levels of orally dosed bupropion and its active metabolites were measured in expressed milk. The average daily infant exposure (assuming 150 mL per kg daily consumption) to bupropion and its active metabolites was 2% of the maternal weight-adjusted dose. Exercise caution when Wellbutrin Retard is administered to a nursing woman.
Pediatric UseSafety and effectiveness in the pediatric population have not been established.
Geriatric UseOf the approximately 6,000 subjects who participated in clinical trials with bupropion sustained-release tablets (depression and smoking cessation trials), 275 were aged ≥ 65 years and 47 were aged ≥ 75 years. In addition, several hundred subjects aged ≥ 65 years participated in clinical trials using the immediaterelease formulation of bupropion (depression trials). No overall differences in safety or effectiveness were observed between these subjects and younger subjects. Reported clinical experience has not identified differences in responses between the elderly and younger patients, but greater sensitivity of some older individuals cannot be ruled out.
Bupropion is extensively metabolized in the liver to active metabolites, which are further metabolized and excreted by the kidneys. The risk of adverse reactions may be greater in patients with impaired renal function. Because elderly patients are more likely to have decreased renal function, it may be necessary to consider this factor in dose selection; it may be useful to monitor renal function.
Renal ImpairmentConsider a reduced dose and/or dosing frequency of Wellbutrin Retard in patients with renal impairment (Glomerular Filtration Rate: less than 90 mL per min). Bupropion and its metabolites are cleared renally and may accumulate in such patients to a greater extent than usual. Monitor closely for adverse reactions that could indicate high bupropion or metabolite exposures.
Hepatic ImpairmentIn patients with moderate to severe hepatic impairment (Child-Pugh score: 7 to 15), the maximum dose of Wellbutrin Retard is 100 mg per day or 150 mg every other day. In patients with mild hepatic impairment (Child-Pugh score: 5 to 6), consider reducing the dose and/or frequency of dosing.
To minimize the risk of seizure, increase the dose gradually.
WELLBUTRIN XL should be swallowed whole and not crushed, divided, or chewed.
WELLBUTRIN XL should be administered in the morning and may be taken with or without food.
Dosage For Major Depressive Disorder (MDD)The recommended starting dose for MDD is 150 mg once daily in the morning. After 4 days of dosing, the dose may be increased to the target dose of 300 mg once daily in the morning.
It is generally agreed that acute episodes of depression require several months or longer of antidepressant treatment beyond the response in the acute episode. It is unknown whether the WELLBUTRIN XL dose needed for maintenance treatment is identical to the dose that provided an initial response. Periodically reassess the need for maintenance treatment and the appropriate dose for such treatment.
Dosage For Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD)The recommended starting dose for SAD is 150 mg once daily. After 7 days of dosing, the dose may be increased to the target dose of 300 mg once daily in the morning. Doses above 300 mg of bupropion HCl extended-release were not assessed in the SAD trials.
For the prevention of seasonal MDD episodes associated with SAD, initiate WELLBUTRIN XL in the autumn, prior to the onset of depressive symptoms. Continue treatment through the winter season. Taper and discontinue WELLBUTRIN XL in early spring. For patients treated with 300 mg per day, decrease the dose to 150 mg once daily before discontinuing WELLBUTRIN XL. Individualize the timing of initiation, and duration of treatment should be individualized, based on the patient's historical pattern of seasonal MDD episodes.
Switching Patients From WELLBUTRIN Tablets Or From WELLBUTRIN SR Sustained-Release TabletsWhen switching patients from WELLBUTRIN Tablets to WELLBUTRIN XL or from WELLBUTRIN SR Sustained-Release Tablets to WELLBUTRIN XL, give the same total daily dose when possible.
To Discontinue WELLBUTRIN XL, Taper The DoseWhen discontinuing treatment in patients treated with WELLBUTRIN XL 300 mg once daily, decrease the dose to 150 mg once daily prior to discontinuation.
Dosage Adjustment In Patients With Hepatic ImpairmentIn patients with moderate to severe hepatic impairment (Child-Pugh score: 7 to 15), the maximum dose is 150 mg every other day. In patients with mild hepatic impairment (Child-Pugh score: 5 to 6), consider reducing the dose and/or frequency of dosing.
Dose Adjustment In Patients With Renal ImpairmentConsider reducing the dose and/or frequency of WELLBUTRIN in patients with renal impairment (Glomerular Filtration Rate less than 90 mL/min).
Switching A Patient To Or From A Monoamine Oxidase Inhibitor (MAOI) AntidepressantAt least 14 days should elapse between discontinuation of an MAOI intended to treat depression and initiation of therapy with WELLBUTRIN XL. Conversely, at least 14 days should be allowed after stopping WELLBUTRIN XL before starting an MAOI antidepressant.
Use Of WELLBUTRIN XL With Reversible MAOIs Such As Linezolid Or Methylene BlueDo not start WELLBUTRIN XL in a patient who is being treated with a reversible MAOI such as linezolid or intravenous methylene blue. Drug interactions can increase risk of hypertensive reactions. In a patient who requires more urgent treatment of a psychiatric condition, non-pharmacological interventions, including hospitalization, should be considered.
In some cases, a patient already receiving therapy with WELLBUTRIN XL may require urgent treatment with linezolid or intravenous methylene blue. If acceptable alternatives to linezolid or intravenous methylene blue treatment are not available and the potential benefits of linezolid or intravenous methylene blue treatment are judged to outweigh the risks of hypertensive reactions in a particular patient, WELLBUTRIN XL should be stopped promptly, and linezolid or intravenous methylene blue can be administered. The patient should be monitored for 2 weeks or until 24 hours after the last dose of linezolid or intravenous methylene blue, whichever comes first. Therapy with WELLBUTRIN XL may be resumed 24 hours after the last dose of linezolid or intravenous methylene blue.
The risk of administering methylene blue by non-intravenous routes (such as oral tablets or by local injection) or in intravenous doses much lower than 1 mg per kg with WELLBUTRIN XL is unclear. The clinician should, nevertheless, be aware of the possibility of a drug interaction with such use.
General Instructions For UseTo minimize the risk of seizure, increase the dose gradually.
Wellbutrin Retard should be swallowed whole and not crushed, divided, or chewed.
Wellbutrin Retard should be administered in the morning and may be taken with or without food.
Dosage For Major Depressive Disorder (MDD)The recommended starting dose for MDD is 150 mg once daily in the morning. After 4 days of dosing, the dose may be increased to the target dose of 300 mg once daily in the morning.
It is generally agreed that acute episodes of depression require several months or longer of antidepressant treatment beyond the response in the acute episode. It is unknown whether the Wellbutrin Retard dose needed for maintenance treatment is identical to the dose that provided an initial response. Periodically reassess the need for maintenance treatment and the appropriate dose for such treatment.
Dosage For Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD)The recommended starting dose for SAD is 150 mg once daily. After 7 days of dosing, the dose may be increased to the target dose of 300 mg once daily in the morning. Doses above 300 mg of bupropion HCl extended-release were not assessed in the SAD trials.
For the prevention of seasonal MDD episodes associated with SAD, initiate Wellbutrin Retard in the autumn, prior to the onset of depressive symptoms. Continue treatment through the winter season. Taper and discontinue Wellbutrin Retard in early spring. For patients treated with 300 mg per day, decrease the dose to 150 mg once daily before discontinuing Wellbutrin Retard. Individualize the timing of initiation, and duration of treatment should be individualized, based on the patient's historical pattern of seasonal MDD episodes.
Switching Patients From WELLBUTRIN Tablets Or From WELLBUTRIN SR Sustained-Release TabletsWhen switching patients from WELLBUTRIN Tablets to Wellbutrin Retard or from WELLBUTRIN SR Sustained-Release Tablets to Wellbutrin Retard, give the same total daily dose when possible.
To Discontinue Wellbutrin Retard, Taper The DoseWhen discontinuing treatment in patients treated with WELLBUTRIN XL 300 mg once daily, decrease the dose to 150 mg once daily prior to discontinuation.
Dosage Adjustment In Patients With Hepatic ImpairmentIn patients with moderate to severe hepatic impairment (Child-Pugh score: 7 to 15), the maximum dose is 150 mg every other day. In patients with mild hepatic impairment (Child-Pugh score: 5 to 6), consider reducing the dose and/or frequency of dosing.
Dose Adjustment In Patients With Renal ImpairmentConsider reducing the dose and/or frequency of WELLBUTRIN in patients with renal impairment (Glomerular Filtration Rate less than 90 mL/min).
Switching A Patient To Or From A Monoamine Oxidase Inhibitor (MAOI) AntidepressantAt least 14 days should elapse between discontinuation of an MAOI intended to treat depression and initiation of therapy with WELLBUTRIN XL. Conversely, at least 14 days should be allowed after stopping Wellbutrin Retard before starting an MAOI antidepressant.
Use Of Wellbutrin Retard With Reversible MAOIs Such As Linezolid Or Methylene BlueDo not start Wellbutrin Retard in a patient who is being treated with a reversible MAOI such as linezolid or intravenous methylene blue. Drug interactions can increase risk of hypertensive reactions. In a patient who requires more urgent treatment of a psychiatric condition, non-pharmacological interventions, including hospitalization, should be considered.
In some cases, a patient already receiving therapy with Wellbutrin Retard may require urgent treatment with linezolid or intravenous methylene blue. If acceptable alternatives to linezolid or intravenous methylene blue treatment are not available and the potential benefits of linezolid or intravenous methylene blue treatment are judged to outweigh the risks of hypertensive reactions in a particular patient, Wellbutrin Retard should be stopped promptly, and linezolid or intravenous methylene blue can be administered. The patient should be monitored for 2 weeks or until 24 hours after the last dose of linezolid or intravenous methylene blue, whichever comes first. Therapy with Wellbutrin Retard may be resumed 24 hours after the last dose of linezolid or intravenous methylene blue.
The risk of administering methylene blue by non-intravenous routes (such as oral tablets or by local injection) or in intravenous doses much lower than 1 mg per kg with Wellbutrin Retard is unclear. The clinician should, nevertheless, be aware of the possibility of a drug interaction with such use.
General Instructions For UseTo minimize the risk of seizure, increase the dose gradually. Wellbutrin Retard tablets should be swallowed whole and not crushed, divided, or chewed. Wellbutrin Retard may be taken with or without food.
The usual adult target dose for Wellbutrin Retard is 300 mg per day, given as 150 mg twice daily. Initiate dosing with 150 mg per day given as a single daily dose in the morning. After 3 days of dosing, the dose may be increased to the 300-mg-per-day target dose, given as 150 mg twice daily. There should be an interval of at least 8 hours between successive doses. A maximum of 400 mg per day, given as 200 mg twice daily, may be considered for patients in whom no clinical improvement is noted after several weeks of treatment at 300 mg per day. To avoid high peak concentrations of bupropion and/or its metabolites, do not exceed 200 mg in any single dose.
It is generally agreed that acute episodes of depression require several months or longer of antidepressant drug treatment beyond the response in the acute episode. It is unknown whether the dose of Wellbutrin Retard needed for maintenance treatment is identical to the dose that provided an initial response. Periodically reassess the need for maintenance treatment and the appropriate dose for such treatment.
Dose Adjustment In Patients With Hepatic ImpairmentIn patients with moderate to severe hepatic impairment (Child-Pugh score: 7 to 15), the maximum dose of Wellbutrin Retard is 100 mg per day or 150 mg every other day. In patients with mild hepatic impairment (Child-Pugh score: 5 to 6), consider reducing the dose and/or frequency of dosing.
Dose Adjustment In Patients With Renal ImpairmentConsider reducing the dose and/or frequency of WELLBUTRIN SR in patients with renal impairment (Glomerular Filtration Rate less than 90 mL per min).
Switching A Patient To Or From A Monoamine Oxidase Inhibitor (MAOI) AntidepressantAt least 14 days should elapse between discontinuation of an MAOI intended to treat depression and initiation of therapy with WELLBUTRIN SR. Conversely, at least 14 days should be allowed after stopping Wellbutrin Retard before starting an MAOI antidepressant.
Use Of Wellbutrin Retard With Reversible MAOIs Such As Linezolid Or Methylene BlueDo not start Wellbutrin Retard in a patient who is being treated with a reversible MAOI such as linezolid or intravenous methylene blue. Drug interactions can increase the risk of hypertensive reactions. In a patient who requires more urgent treatment of a psychiatric condition, nonpharmacological interventions, including hospitalization, should be considered.
In some cases, a patient already receiving therapy with WELLBUTRIN SR may require urgent treatment with linezolid or intravenous methylene blue. If acceptable alternatives to linezolid or intravenous methylene blue treatment are not available and the potential benefits of linezolid or intravenous methylene blue treatment are judged to outweigh the risks of hypertensive reactions in a particular patient, Wellbutrin Retard should be stopped promptly, and linezolid or intravenous methylene blue can be administered. The patient should be monitored for 2 weeks or until 24 hours after the last dose of linezolid or intravenous methylene blue, whichever comes first. Therapy with Wellbutrin Retard may be resumed 24 hours after the last dose of linezolid or intravenous methylene blue.
The risk of administering methylene blue by non-intravenous routes (such as oral tablets or by local injection) or in intravenous doses much lower than 1 mg per kg with Wellbutrin Retard is unclear. The clinician should, nevertheless, be aware of the possibility of a drug interaction with such use.
