What is Wellbutrin XL? How does it work for major depressive disorder and seasonal affective disorder? Get a thorough overview of the drug’s indications, safety information, and potential side effects.

Introducing Wellbutrin XL: An Overview

Wellbutrin XL (bupropion hydrochloride extended-release tablets) is a prescription medication approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for the treatment of major depressive disorder (MDD) and the prevention of autumn-winter seasonal depression, also known as seasonal affective disorder (SAD).

Indication and Approved Uses

Wellbutrin XL is indicated for the treatment of adults with major depressive disorder (MDD). It is also approved for the prevention of autumn-winter seasonal depression, also called seasonal affective disorder (SAD).

Understanding Major Depressive Disorder (MDD)

Major depressive disorder (MDD) is a serious mental health condition characterized by persistent feelings of sadness, hopelessness, and a loss of interest in activities that were once enjoyable. Individuals with MDD may also experience changes in sleep, appetite, energy levels, and overall cognitive function. MDD can significantly impact a person’s ability to carry out daily tasks and maintain healthy relationships.

Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD)

Seasonal affective disorder (SAD) is a type of depression that occurs during specific times of the year, usually the autumn and winter months. Individuals with SAD may experience symptoms such as depressed mood, decreased energy, changes in sleep and appetite, and a general sense of hopelessness. These symptoms tend to subside as the seasons change and daylight hours increase.

Wellbutrin XL’s Mechanism of Action

Wellbutrin XL contains the active ingredient bupropion, which is believed to work by inhibiting the reuptake of the neurotransmitters norepinephrine and dopamine in the brain. This increased availability of these neurotransmitters is thought to contribute to the medication’s antidepressant and anti-seasonal affective disorder effects.

Important Safety Information

Wellbutrin XL carries a boxed warning, the most serious type of warning from the FDA, regarding the increased risk of suicidal thoughts and behaviors, especially in children, teenagers, and young adults. It is crucial to closely monitor for any changes in mood, behavior, or thoughts, and to immediately contact a healthcare provider if such changes occur.

Wellbutrin XL has also been associated with other potential side effects, including seizures, high blood pressure, manic episodes, and visual problems. Patients with a history of certain medical conditions or who take certain other medications may be at a higher risk of experiencing these side effects.

It is important for patients to discuss their complete medical history and any other medications they are taking with their healthcare provider before starting Wellbutrin XL. Regular monitoring and close communication with the healthcare provider are essential throughout treatment.

Wellbutrin XL in the Management of MDD and SAD

Wellbutrin XL has been shown to be effective in the treatment of major depressive disorder and the prevention of seasonal affective disorder. Clinical studies have demonstrated that Wellbutrin XL can significantly improve mood, energy levels, and overall functioning in patients with these conditions.

For individuals with MDD, Wellbutrin XL may be prescribed as a standalone treatment or in combination with other antidepressant medications or psychotherapy. For those with SAD, Wellbutrin XL is often used as a preventative measure, with treatment typically starting in the early autumn and continuing through the winter months.

It is important to note that the specific dosage and duration of Wellbutrin XL treatment will be determined by the healthcare provider based on the individual’s needs and response to the medication.

In conclusion, Wellbutrin XL is an important medication in the management of major depressive disorder and seasonal affective disorder. While it carries significant safety considerations, Wellbutrin XL can be an effective treatment option for many patients when used under the guidance of a qualified healthcare provider.

WELLBUTRIN XL® for HCP’s, Clinical Experience in MDD & SAD

INDICATION

WELLBUTRIN XL^® (bupropion hydrochloride extended-release tablets) is a prescription medicine used to treat adults with a certain type of depression called major depressive disorder, and for the prevention of autumn-winter seasonal depression (seasonal affective disorder).

IMPORTANT SAFETY INFORMATION

WARNING: CHANGES IN THINKING AND BEHAVIOR, DEPRESSION, AND SUICIDAL THOUGHTS OR ACTIONS

Suicidal Thoughts or Actions and Antidepressant Drugs

Antidepressants may increase the risk of suicidal thoughts or actions in some children, teenagers, or young adults within the first few months of treatment. Depression or other serious mental illnesses are the most important causes of suicidal thoughts and actions. People who have (or have a family history of) bipolar illness or suicidal thoughts or actions may have a particularly high risk. Pay close attention to any changes, especially sudden changes in mood, behaviors, thoughts, or feelings. Call your healthcare provider right away if symptoms such as anxiety, irritability, impulsivity, trouble sleeping, aggressive behavior or suicidal thoughts are new, worse or worry you. WELLBUTRIN XL has not been evaluated for use in patients under the age of 18.

Call your healthcare provider right away if you or your family member has any of the following symptoms, especially if they are new, worse, or worry you:

• thoughts about suicide or dying
• attempts to commit suicide
• new or worse depression
• new or worse anxiety
• feeling very agitated or restless
• panic attacks
• trouble sleeping (insomnia)
• new or worse irritability
• acting aggressive, being angry, or violent
• acting on dangerous impulses
• an extreme increase in activity and talking (mania)
• other unusual changes in behavior or mood

Although WELLBUTRIN XL is not a treatment for quitting smoking, it contains the same active ingredient (bupropion) as ZYBAN, which is used to help patients quit smoking.

Some people have had serious side effects while taking bupropion to help them quit smoking, including:

New or worse mental health problems, such as changes in behavior or thinking, aggression, hostility, agitation, depression, or suicidal thoughts or actions. Some people had these symptoms when they began taking bupropion, and others developed them after several weeks of treatment, or after stopping bupropion. These symptoms happened more often in people who had a history of mental health problems before taking bupropion than in people without a history of mental health problems.

Stop taking WELLBUTRIN XL and call your healthcare provider right away if you, your family, or caregiver notice any of these symptoms. Work with your healthcare provider to decide whether you should continue to take WELLBUTRIN XL. In many people, these symptoms went away after stopping WELLBUTRIN XL, but in some people, symptoms continued after stopping WELLBUTRIN XL. It is important for you to follow-up with your healthcare provider until your symptoms go away.

Before taking WELLBUTRIN XL, tell your healthcare provider if you have ever had depression or other mental health problems. You should also tell your healthcare provider about any symptoms you had during other times you tried to quit smoking, with or without bupropion.

What Other Important Information Should I Know About WELLBUTRIN XL?

• Seizures: There is a chance of having a seizure (convulsion, fit) with WELLBUTRIN XL, especially in people with certain medical problems or who take certain medicines. Do not take any other medicines while you are taking WELLBUTRIN XL unless your healthcare provider has said it is okay to take them. If you have a seizure while taking WELLBUTRIN XL, stop taking the tablets and call your healthcare provider right away.
• High blood pressure (hypertension): Some people get high blood pressure that can be severe while taking WELLBUTRIN XL.
• Manic episodes: Some people may have periods of mania while taking WELLBUTRIN XL. If you have any of the following symptoms of mania, call your healthcare provider:
  • greatly increased energy
  • severe trouble sleeping
  • racing thoughts
  • reckless behavior
  • unusually grand ideas
  • excessive happiness or irritability
  • talking more or faster than usual
• Unusual thoughts or behaviors: Some patients may have unusual thoughts or behaviors while taking WELLBUTRIN XL, including delusions (e.g., believe you are someone else), hallucinations (seeing or hearing things that are not there), paranoia (feeling that people are against you), or feeling confused. If this happens to you, call your healthcare provider.
• Visual problems: Some people are at risk of glaucoma which can present as: eye pain, changes in vision, or swelling and redness around the eye if they take WELLBUTRIN XL. You should see an eye doctor to determine whether you are at risk prior to starting therapy.
• Severe allergic reactions: Some patients have severe allergic reactions to WELLBUTRIN XL. Stop taking WELLBUTRIN XL and call your healthcare provider right away if you get a rash, itching, hives, fever, swollen lymph glands, painful sores in the mouth or around the eyes, swelling of the lips or tongue, chest pain, or have trouble breathing. These could be signs of a serious allergic reaction.

Do not take WELLBUTRIN XL if you:

• have or had a seizure disorder or epilepsy
• have or had an eating disorder such as anorexia nervosa or bulimia
• are taking any other medicines that contain bupropion, including WELLBUTRIN or WELLBUTRIN SR, APLENZIN^®, ZYBAN, or FORFIVO XL. Bupropion is the same active ingredient that is in WELLBUTRIN XL
• drink a lot of alcohol and abruptly stop drinking, or use medicines called sedatives (these make you sleepy), benzodiazepines, or anti-seizure medicines, and you stop using them all of a sudden
• take a monoamine oxidase inhibitor (MAOI). Ask your healthcare provider or pharmacist if you are not sure if you take an MAOI, including the antibiotic linezolid
  • do not take an MAOI within 2 weeks of stopping WELLBUTRIN XL unless directed to do so by your healthcare provider
  • do not start WELLBUTRIN XL if you stopped taking an MAOI in the last 2 weeks unless directed to do so by your healthcare provider
• are allergic to the active ingredient in WELLBUTRIN XL, bupropion, or to any of the inactive ingredients

Although WELLBUTRIN XL is not a treatment for quitting smoking, it contains the same active ingredient (bupropion) as ZYBAN, which is used to help patients quit smoking. Before taking WELLBUTRIN XL, tell your healthcare provider if you have ever had depression, suicidal thoughts or actions, or other mental health problems or any symptoms you had during other times you tried to quit smoking with or without bupropion. Also, tell your healthcare provider about your other medical conditions, including if you:

• have liver problems, especially cirrhosis of the liver
• have kidney problems
• have, or have had, an eating disorder such as anorexia nervosa or bulimia
• have had a head injury
• have had a seizure (convulsion, fit)
• have a tumor in your nervous system (brain or spine)
• have had a heart attack, heart problems, or high blood pressure
• are a diabetic taking insulin or other medicines to control your blood sugar
• drink alcohol
• abuse prescription medicines or street drugs
• are pregnant or plan to become pregnant. Talk to your healthcare provider about the risk to your unborn baby if you take WELLBUTRIN XL during pregnancy, and about registering with the National Pregnancy Registry by calling 1-844-405-6185
• are breastfeeding. WELLBUTRIN XL passes into your milk in small amounts

Tell your healthcare provider about all the medicines you take, including prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal supplements. Many medicines increase your chances of having seizures or cause other serious side effects if you take them while you are using WELLBUTRIN XL.

The most common side effects of WELLBUTRIN XL include: trouble sleeping, stuffy nose, dry mouth, dizziness, feeling anxious, nausea, constipation, and joint aches.

Click here to read the Medication Guide carefully before you start using WELLBUTRIN XL. If you have any questions about WELLBUTRIN XL, ask your healthcare provider or pharmacist.

Click here for full Prescribing Information, including Medication Guide and Boxed Warning regarding suicidal thoughts and actions.

You are encouraged to report negative side effects of prescription drugs to the FDA. Visit www.fda.gov/medwatch or call 1-800-FDA-1088. You may also contact Bausch Health Customer Service at 1-800-321-4576.

WELLBUTRIN XL®, HCP Information on Patient Savings Program

INDICATION

WELLBUTRIN XL^® (bupropion hydrochloride extended-release tablets) is a prescription medicine used to treat adults with a certain type of depression called major depressive disorder, and for the prevention of autumn-winter seasonal depression (seasonal affective disorder).

IMPORTANT SAFETY INFORMATION

WARNING: CHANGES IN THINKING AND BEHAVIOR, DEPRESSION, AND SUICIDAL THOUGHTS OR ACTIONS

Suicidal Thoughts or Actions and Antidepressant Drugs

Antidepressants may increase the risk of suicidal thoughts or actions in some children, teenagers, or young adults within the first few months of treatment. Depression or other serious mental illnesses are the most important causes of suicidal thoughts and actions. People who have (or have a family history of) bipolar illness or suicidal thoughts or actions may have a particularly high risk. Pay close attention to any changes, especially sudden changes in mood, behaviors, thoughts, or feelings. Call your healthcare provider right away if symptoms such as anxiety, irritability, impulsivity, trouble sleeping, aggressive behavior or suicidal thoughts are new, worse or worry you. WELLBUTRIN XL has not been evaluated for use in patients under the age of 18.

Call your healthcare provider right away if you or your family member has any of the following symptoms, especially if they are new, worse, or worry you:

• thoughts about suicide or dying
• attempts to commit suicide
• new or worse depression
• new or worse anxiety
• feeling very agitated or restless
• panic attacks
• trouble sleeping (insomnia)
• new or worse irritability
• acting aggressive, being angry, or violent
• acting on dangerous impulses
• an extreme increase in activity and talking (mania)
• other unusual changes in behavior or mood

Although WELLBUTRIN XL is not a treatment for quitting smoking, it contains the same active ingredient (bupropion) as ZYBAN, which is used to help patients quit smoking.

Some people have had serious side effects while taking bupropion to help them quit smoking, including:

New or worse mental health problems, such as changes in behavior or thinking, aggression, hostility, agitation, depression, or suicidal thoughts or actions. Some people had these symptoms when they began taking bupropion, and others developed them after several weeks of treatment, or after stopping bupropion. These symptoms happened more often in people who had a history of mental health problems before taking bupropion than in people without a history of mental health problems.

Stop taking WELLBUTRIN XL and call your healthcare provider right away if you, your family, or caregiver notice any of these symptoms. Work with your healthcare provider to decide whether you should continue to take WELLBUTRIN XL. In many people, these symptoms went away after stopping WELLBUTRIN XL, but in some people, symptoms continued after stopping WELLBUTRIN XL. It is important for you to follow-up with your healthcare provider until your symptoms go away.

Before taking WELLBUTRIN XL, tell your healthcare provider if you have ever had depression or other mental health problems. You should also tell your healthcare provider about any symptoms you had during other times you tried to quit smoking, with or without bupropion.

What Other Important Information Should I Know About WELLBUTRIN XL?

• Seizures: There is a chance of having a seizure (convulsion, fit) with WELLBUTRIN XL, especially in people with certain medical problems or who take certain medicines. Do not take any other medicines while you are taking WELLBUTRIN XL unless your healthcare provider has said it is okay to take them. If you have a seizure while taking WELLBUTRIN XL, stop taking the tablets and call your healthcare provider right away.
• High blood pressure (hypertension): Some people get high blood pressure that can be severe while taking WELLBUTRIN XL.
• Manic episodes: Some people may have periods of mania while taking WELLBUTRIN XL. If you have any of the following symptoms of mania, call your healthcare provider:
  • greatly increased energy
  • severe trouble sleeping
  • racing thoughts
  • reckless behavior
  • unusually grand ideas
  • excessive happiness or irritability
  • talking more or faster than usual
• Unusual thoughts or behaviors: Some patients may have unusual thoughts or behaviors while taking WELLBUTRIN XL, including delusions (e.g., believe you are someone else), hallucinations (seeing or hearing things that are not there), paranoia (feeling that people are against you), or feeling confused. If this happens to you, call your healthcare provider.
• Visual problems: Some people are at risk of glaucoma which can present as: eye pain, changes in vision, or swelling and redness around the eye if they take WELLBUTRIN XL. You should see an eye doctor to determine whether you are at risk prior to starting therapy.
• Severe allergic reactions: Some patients have severe allergic reactions to WELLBUTRIN XL. Stop taking WELLBUTRIN XL and call your healthcare provider right away if you get a rash, itching, hives, fever, swollen lymph glands, painful sores in the mouth or around the eyes, swelling of the lips or tongue, chest pain, or have trouble breathing. These could be signs of a serious allergic reaction.

Do not take WELLBUTRIN XL if you:

• have or had a seizure disorder or epilepsy
• have or had an eating disorder such as anorexia nervosa or bulimia
• are taking any other medicines that contain bupropion, including WELLBUTRIN or WELLBUTRIN SR, APLENZIN^®, ZYBAN, or FORFIVO XL. Bupropion is the same active ingredient that is in WELLBUTRIN XL
• drink a lot of alcohol and abruptly stop drinking, or use medicines called sedatives (these make you sleepy), benzodiazepines, or anti-seizure medicines, and you stop using them all of a sudden
• take a monoamine oxidase inhibitor (MAOI). Ask your healthcare provider or pharmacist if you are not sure if you take an MAOI, including the antibiotic linezolid
  • do not take an MAOI within 2 weeks of stopping WELLBUTRIN XL unless directed to do so by your healthcare provider
  • do not start WELLBUTRIN XL if you stopped taking an MAOI in the last 2 weeks unless directed to do so by your healthcare provider
• are allergic to the active ingredient in WELLBUTRIN XL, bupropion, or to any of the inactive ingredients

Although WELLBUTRIN XL is not a treatment for quitting smoking, it contains the same active ingredient (bupropion) as ZYBAN, which is used to help patients quit smoking. Before taking WELLBUTRIN XL, tell your healthcare provider if you have ever had depression, suicidal thoughts or actions, or other mental health problems or any symptoms you had during other times you tried to quit smoking with or without bupropion. Also, tell your healthcare provider about your other medical conditions, including if you:

• have liver problems, especially cirrhosis of the liver
• have kidney problems
• have, or have had, an eating disorder such as anorexia nervosa or bulimia
• have had a head injury
• have had a seizure (convulsion, fit)
• have a tumor in your nervous system (brain or spine)
• have had a heart attack, heart problems, or high blood pressure
• are a diabetic taking insulin or other medicines to control your blood sugar
• drink alcohol
• abuse prescription medicines or street drugs
• are pregnant or plan to become pregnant. Talk to your healthcare provider about the risk to your unborn baby if you take WELLBUTRIN XL during pregnancy, and about registering with the National Pregnancy Registry by calling 1-844-405-6185
• are breastfeeding. WELLBUTRIN XL passes into your milk in small amounts

Tell your healthcare provider about all the medicines you take, including prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal supplements. Many medicines increase your chances of having seizures or cause other serious side effects if you take them while you are using WELLBUTRIN XL.

The most common side effects of WELLBUTRIN XL include: trouble sleeping, stuffy nose, dry mouth, dizziness, feeling anxious, nausea, constipation, and joint aches.

Click here to read the Medication Guide carefully before you start using WELLBUTRIN XL. If you have any questions about WELLBUTRIN XL, ask your healthcare provider or pharmacist.

Click here for full Prescribing Information, including Medication Guide and Boxed Warning regarding suicidal thoughts and actions.

You are encouraged to report negative side effects of prescription drugs to the FDA. Visit www.fda.gov/medwatch or call 1-800-FDA-1088. You may also contact Bausch Health Customer Service at 1-800-321-4576.

90,000 For the first time in history, an AI-developed cure for a deadly disease is being tested on humans. It was created by a native of the USSR

Digitalization
Technique

July 03, 2023 11:14 July 03, 2023 11:14

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Idiopathic pulmonary
fibrosis was created entirely by artificial intelligence. Now it’s already gone
Phase 2 placebo trials.

First ever AI drug

Clinical trials started
trials of the first drug entirely developed by artificial intelligence (AI),
reports CNBC. INSO18_055 is indicated for the treatment of idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF),
a fairly common chronic disease, as a result of which the pulmonary
tissue is covered with scars.

USA only from this
diseases now affect up to 100 thousand people. Without treatment, it can
take the patient to the grave within 2-5 years.

Applied to
To date, drugs are predominantly aimed at slowing down the development of
diseases, but often give extremely unpleasant side effects.

INSO18_055 was created with the aim of
to overcome the main problems of modern drugs for IPF.

Direct
the manufacturer of the drug is the biotechnology startup Insilico Medicine, whose headquarters
is located in Hong Kong. Its founder and CEO Alexander
Zhavoronkov was born in 1979 in Riga (then the USSR), studied in Canada and the USA,
defended his Ph.D. thesis in Moscow at the Moscow State University. M. V. Lomonosov.

Photo: en.freepik

First AI drug in clinical trials

“This is the first ever
generative AI drug that has reached the second phase of clinical
human trials, says Zhavoronkov.
“There are already other drugs developed by AI, but ours is the first where AI
determined both the key object of influence and the structure of the drug.

Mobile office for medical representatives: SberCRM helped automate the business processes of a pharmaceutical company

Business

According to Zhavoronkov,
when the company was created, its founders immediately focused on algorithms
— on the development of technology capable of independently detecting and
design new molecules.

“In those days I imagine
could not imagine that our AI drugs would be undergoing clinical trials on
patients. But we realized that in order to adequately test our AI platform
it is necessary not only to create new drugs with a new mechanism of action, but also
bring them to clinical trial. Only then can we say that our
the technology works,” said Zhavoronkov.

Phase 2

Currently
the drug is being double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled
study involving 60 patients in 40 different US clinics and
China. If this phase is successful, the test will continue with more
people involved. The current study will take about 12 weeks, and its results
planned to be delivered next year.

How to optimize the internal logistics of the enterprise?

BY

“Using AI for
creating new drugs is one of the main arguments in favor of continuing its
developments against the backdrop of growing fears around the world, says Alexey Vodyasov , technical director
SEQ company. —
Apparently, AI will really be able to advance medicine far ahead.
The problem is that it is capable of creating new ones with the same efficiency.
poisonous substances and weapons. AI is a potential weapon in its own right.
needs tight control. As for the efforts to create with it
new means of saving lives, this is to be welcomed.”

Two more drugs,
created by Insilico Medicine
with the participation of AI, are now undergoing clinical trials: a cure for COVID-19 (in the first phase) and
drug against oncological diseases, which will have to help in
treatment of solid tumors. They were, however, created
AI only partially.

• Russia’s first Market.CNews IT marketplace for your business. With prices for IT services from hundreds of vendors

Roman Georgiev

Therapist Sukhova explained what happens if you don’t take pills with water. Find out why water and milk are good for this purpose, but fruit juice is not.

July 5, 20231

Source:

iStockphoto

When a doctor prescribes medicine, we usually don’t think about the requirement to take it with water. What happens if you ignore this recommendation? What kind of water is best to drink drugs? These questions are answered by therapist Vera Sukhova.

Most drugs should be taken with water. This is a neutral substance that serves as an excellent medium for chemical reactions between compounds, which will help the drug to be better absorbed.

Will something terrible happen if you don’t take a pill with anything? At best, the drug will not dissolve well in the stomach and its action will simply be slower. But at worst, the pill can get stuck while passing through the esophagus.

Read also

How should I ideally take pills? The most optimal drink is purified warm water (or water at room temperature) without gas. Cold water interferes with normal absorption and can cause eating disorders: diarrhea, nausea, vomiting, and so on. Hot – can burn the esophagus and dissolve the tablet prematurely. The recommended volume of liquid is from 100 ml.

Read also

The use of milk is acceptable, it envelops the gastric mucosa and facilitates the absorption of the drug. This is especially important with the constant use of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs and certain hormones.

Mineral water increases the risk of a chemical reaction with the active substance contained in the preparation.