Wellbutrin SR Oral: Uses, Side Effects, Interactions, Pictures, Warnings & Dosing

Warnings:

Bupropion is an antidepressant used for smoking cessation and to treat a variety of conditions, including depression and other mental/mood disorders. Antidepressants can help prevent suicidal thoughts/attempts and provide other important benefits. However, a small number of people (especially people younger than 25) who take antidepressants for any condition may experience new or worsening depression, other mental/mood symptoms, or suicidal thoughts/attempts. It is very important to talk with the doctor about the risks and benefits of antidepressant medication, even if treatment is not for a mental/mood condition.

Tell the doctor right away if you notice new or worsening depression/other psychiatric conditions, unusual behavior changes (including possible suicidal thoughts/attempts), or other mental/mood changes (including new/worsening anxiety, panic attacks, trouble sleeping, irritability, hostile/angry feelings, impulsive actions, severe restlessness, very rapid speech). Be especially watchful for these symptoms when a new antidepressant is started or when the dose is changed.

If you are using bupropion to quit smoking and experience any of these symptoms, stop taking it and contact your doctor right away. Also, tell your doctor right away if you have any of these symptoms after stopping treatment with bupropion.

Warnings:

Bupropion is an antidepressant used for smoking cessation and to treat a variety of conditions, including depression and other mental/mood disorders. Antidepressants can help prevent suicidal thoughts/attempts and provide other important benefits. However, a small number of people (especially people younger than 25) who take antidepressants for any condition may experience new or worsening depression, other mental/mood symptoms, or suicidal thoughts/attempts. It is very important to talk with the doctor about the risks and benefits of antidepressant medication, even if treatment is not for a mental/mood condition.

Tell the doctor right away if you notice new or worsening depression/other psychiatric conditions, unusual behavior changes (including possible suicidal thoughts/attempts), or other mental/mood changes (including new/worsening anxiety, panic attacks, trouble sleeping, irritability, hostile/angry feelings, impulsive actions, severe restlessness, very rapid speech). Be especially watchful for these symptoms when a new antidepressant is started or when the dose is changed.

If you are using bupropion to quit smoking and experience any of these symptoms, stop taking it and contact your doctor right away. Also, tell your doctor right away if you have any of these symptoms after stopping treatment with bupropion.

… Show More

Uses

This medication is used to treat depression. It can improve your mood and feelings of well-being. It may work by restoring the balance of certain natural substances (dopamine, norepinephrine) in the brain.

How to use Wellbutrin SR

Read the Medication Guide provided by your pharmacist before you start using bupropion and each time you get a refill. If you have any questions, ask your doctor or pharmacist.

Take this medication by mouth with or without food as directed by your doctor, usually twice a day. If you have stomach upset, you may take this medication with or after a meal or snack. Take the first dose as soon as you wake up in the morning and the second dose at least 8 hours later, or take as directed by your doctor. Taking this medication late in the day may cause trouble sleeping (insomnia). Take this medication regularly to get the most benefit from it. To help you remember, take it at the same times each day.

Swallow the tablets whole. Do not crush or chew the tablets. Doing so can release all of the drug at once, increasing the risk of side effects.

The dosage is based on your medical condition, liver function, and response to treatment. To reduce your risk of side effects, your doctor may direct you to start this medication at a low dose and gradually increase your dose. Do not increase your dose or use this drug more often or for longer than prescribed. Your condition will not improve any faster and your risk of side effects will increase.

Do not stop taking this medication without consulting your doctor. Your dose may need to be gradually decreased.

It may take 4 weeks or longer before you get the full benefit of this drug. Tell your doctor if your condition does not improve or if it worsens.

Side Effects

See also Warning section.

Dry mouth, sore throat, dizziness, nausea, vomiting, ringing in the ears, headache, decreased appetite, weight loss, constipation, trouble sleeping, increased sweating, or shaking (tremor) may occur. If any of these effects last or get worse, tell your doctor or pharmacist promptly.

An empty tablet shell may appear in your stool. This effect is harmless because your body has already absorbed the medication.

Remember that this medication has been prescribed because your doctor has judged that the benefit to you is greater than the risk of side effects. Many people using this medication do not have serious side effects.

This medication may raise your blood pressure. Check your blood pressure regularly and tell your doctor if the results are high.

Tell your doctor right away if you have any serious side effects, including: fast/pounding/irregular heartbeat, mental/mood changes (such as anxiety, agitation, confusion, unusual behavior/thinking, memory loss), unusual weight loss or gain.

Get medical help right away if you have any very serious side effects, including: seizure, eye pain/swelling/redness, widened pupils, vision changes (such as seeing rainbows around lights at night, blurred vision).

A very serious allergic reaction to this drug is rare. However, get medical help right away if you notice any symptoms of a serious allergic reaction, including: rash, itching/swelling (especially of the face/tongue/throat), severe dizziness, trouble breathing.

This is not a complete list of possible side effects. If you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor or pharmacist.

In the US – Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088 or at www.fda.gov/medwatch.

In Canada – Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to Health Canada at 1-866-234-2345.

Precautions

Before taking bupropion, tell your doctor or pharmacist if you are allergic to it; or if you have any other allergies. This product may contain inactive ingredients, which can cause allergic reactions or other problems. Talk to your pharmacist for more details.

Before using this medication, tell your doctor or pharmacist your medical history, especially of: diabetes, heart disease, high blood pressure, kidney problems, liver disease, use/abuse of drugs/alcohol, seizures or conditions that increase your risk of seizures (including brain/head injury, brain tumor, eating disorders such as bulimia/anorexia nervosa), personal or family history of glaucoma (angle-closure type).

This medication should not be used if you are suddenly stopping regular use of sedatives (including benzodiazepines such as lorazepam), drugs used to treat seizures, or alcohol. Doing so may increase your risk of seizures.

This drug may make you dizzy. Alcohol or marijuana (cannabis) can make you more dizzy. Do not drive, use machinery, or do anything that needs alertness until you can do it safely. Avoid alcoholic beverages. Talk to your doctor if you are using marijuana (cannabis). Alcohol can also increase your risk of seizures.

Before having surgery, tell your doctor or dentist about all the products you use (including prescription drugs, nonprescription drugs, and herbal products).

Older adults may be more sensitive to the side effects of this drug, especially dizziness and memory loss. Dizziness can increase the risk of falling.

During pregnancy, this medication should be used only when clearly needed. Since untreated mental/mood problems (such as depression, seasonal affective disorder, bipolar disorder) can be a serious condition, do not stop taking this medication unless directed by your doctor. If you are planning pregnancy, become pregnant, or think you may be pregnant, immediately discuss with your doctor the benefits and risks of using this medication during pregnancy.

This drug passes into breast milk and may have undesirable effects on a nursing infant. Consult your doctor before breast-feeding.

Interactions

See also Precautions section.

Drug interactions may change how your medications work or increase your risk for serious side effects. This document does not contain all possible drug interactions. Keep a list of all the products you use (including prescription/nonprescription drugs and herbal products) and share it with your doctor and pharmacist. Do not start, stop, or change the dosage of any medicines without your doctor’s approval.

Some products that may interact with this drug include: codeine, pimozide, tamoxifen, thioridazine.

Taking MAO inhibitors with this medication may cause a serious (possibly fatal) drug interaction. Avoid taking MAO inhibitors (isocarboxazid, linezolid, metaxalone, methylene blue, moclobemide, phenelzine, procarbazine, rasagiline, safinamide, selegiline, tranylcypromine) during treatment with this medication. Most MAO inhibitors should also not be taken for two weeks before and after treatment with this medication. Ask your doctor when to start or stop taking this medication.

This medication may interfere with certain medical/laboratory tests (including brain scan for Parkinson’s disease, urine screening for amphetamines), possibly causing false results. Tell laboratory personnel and all your doctors you use this drug.

Does Wellbutrin SR interact with other drugs you are taking?

Enter your medication into the WebMD interaction checker

Overdose

If someone has overdosed and has serious symptoms such as passing out or trouble breathing, call 911. Otherwise, call a poison control center right away. US residents can call their local poison control center at 1-800-222-1222. Canada residents can call a provincial poison control center. Symptoms of overdose may include: seizures, severe confusion, hallucinations, rapid heart rate, loss of consciousness.

Do not share this medication with others.

Lab and/or medical tests (such as blood pressure, liver function) may be done while you are taking this medication. Keep all medical and lab appointments. Consult your doctor for more details.

If you miss a dose, skip the missed dose. Take your next dose at the regular time. Do not double the dose to catch up.

Store at room temperature away from light and moisture. You may notice an odor from the tablets; this is normal and does not affect how they work. Do not store in the bathroom. Keep all medications away from children and pets.

Do not flush medications down the toilet or pour them into a drain unless instructed to do so. Properly discard this product when it is expired or no longer needed. Consult your pharmacist or local waste disposal company.

Images

Wellbutrin SR 150 mg tablet, 12 hr sustained-release

Color: purpleShape: roundImprint: WELLBUTRIN SR 150

This medicine is a purple, round, film-coated, tablet imprinted with “WELLBUTRIN SR 150”.

Wellbutrin SR 100 mg tablet, 12 hr sustained-release

Color: blueShape: roundImprint: WELLBUTRIN SR 100

This medicine is a purple, round, film-coated, tablet imprinted with “WELLBUTRIN SR 150”.

Wellbutrin SR 200 mg tablet, 12 hr sustained-release

Color: light pinkShape: roundImprint: WELLBUTRIN SR 200

This medicine is a purple, round, film-coated, tablet imprinted with “WELLBUTRIN SR 150”.

Selected from data included with permission and copyrighted by First Databank, Inc. This copyrighted material has been downloaded from a licensed data provider and is not for distribution, except as may be authorized by the applicable terms of use.

CONDITIONS OF USE: The information in this database is intended to supplement, not substitute for, the expertise and judgment of healthcare professionals. The information is not intended to cover all possible uses, directions, precautions, drug interactions or adverse effects, nor should it be construed to indicate that use of a particular drug is safe, appropriate or effective for you or anyone else. A healthcare professional should be consulted before taking any drug, changing any diet or commencing or discontinuing any course of treatment.

Bupropion (Wellbutrin) | NAMI: National Alliance on Mental Illness

Generic name: bupropion (byoo PRO pee on)

• Bupropion hydrochloride
  • Immediate release tablets: 75mg, 100 mg
  • Sustained release tablets: 100 mg, 150 mg, 200 mg
  • Extended release tablets: 150 mg, 300 mg
• Bupropion hydrobromide 
  • Extended release tablets: 174 mg, 348 mg, 522 mg

Brand names:

• Wellbutrin SR®
  • Tablets: 100 mg, 150 mg, 200 mg
• Wellbutrin XL®
  • Tablets: 150 mg, 300 mg
• Zyban®
  • Tablets: 150 mg
• Forfivo XL®
  • Tablets: 450 mg
• Aplenzin®
  • Tablets: 174 mg, 348 mg, 522 mg

All FDA black box warnings are at the end of this fact sheet. Please review before taking this medication.

What Is Bupropion And What Does It Treat?

Bupropion is an antidepressant medication that works in the brain. It is approved for the treatment of major depressive disorder (MDD), seasonal affective disorder (SAD), and to help people quit smoking (smoking cessation).

Symptoms of depression include:

• Depressed mood – feeling sad, empty, or tearful
• Feeling worthless, guilty, hopeless, and helpless
• Loss of interest or pleasure in your usual activities
• Sleep and eat more or less than usual (for most people it is less)
• Low energy, trouble concentrating, or thoughts of death (suicidal thinking)
• Psychomotor agitation (‘nervous energy’)
• Psychomotor retardation (feeling like you are moving and thinking in slow motion)
• Suicidal thoughts or behaviors

SAD is a type of depression that occurs mainly during the autumn-winter season. Although the common term SAD is now referred to as Major Depression with Seasonal Pattern, this fact sheet will continue to use SAD as it is more commonly known.

Bupropion may also be helpful when prescribed “off-label” for bipolar disorder, attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), and sexual dysfunction due to SSRI antidepressants. “Off-label” means that it hasn’t been approved by the Food and Drug Administration for this condition. Your mental health provider should justify his or her thinking in recommending an “off-label” treatment. They should be clear about the limits of the research around that medication and if there are any other options.

What Is The Most Important Information I Should Know About Bupropion?

After starting bupropion, symptoms gradually decrease over a period of weeks. In MDD and SAD, sleep and other physical symptoms may improve before there is noticeable improvement in mood or interest in activities. Once symptoms are under control, MDD usually requires long-term treatment to help prevent the return of depressive symptoms. If you are using bupropion for SAD or smoking cessation, the length of your treatment may be shorter. With input from you, your health care provider will assess how long you will need to take the medicine.

Do not stop taking bupropion or change your dose without talking with your health care provider first.

Depression is also a part of bipolar illness. People with bipolar disorder who take antidepressants may be at risk for “switching” from depression into mania. Symptoms of mania include “high” or irritable mood, very high self-esteem, decreased need for sleep, pressure to keep talking, racing thoughts, being easily distracted, frequently involved in activities with a large risk for bad consequences (for example, excessive buying sprees).

Are There Specific Concerns About Bupropion And Pregnancy?

If you are planning on becoming pregnant, notify your health care provider to best manage your medications. People living with MDD who wish to become pregnant face important decisions, each with risks and benefits as they relate to how the illness, medications, and risks to the fetus may interact. Untreated MDD has risks to the fetus, as well as the mother. It is important to discuss the risks and benefits of treatment with your doctor and caregivers. 

Bupropion has also been evaluated for smoking cessation during pregnancy and is recommended only after other therapies have failed.

Caution is advised with breastfeeding since bupropion does pass into breast milk.

What Should I Discuss With My Health Care Provider Before Taking Bupropion?

• Symptoms of your condition that bother you most
• If you have thoughts of suicide or harming yourself
• Medications you have taken in the past for your condition, whether they were effective or caused any adverse effects
• If you experience side effects from your medications, discuss them with your provider. Some side effects may pass with time, but others may require an adjustment in the medication. 
• Any other psychiatric or medical problems you have, including a history of bipolar disorder
• All other medications you are currently taking and any medication allergies you have. This will help your prescriber assess for potential drug interactions. 
• Other non-medication treatment you are receiving (such as psychotherapy (i.e., talk therapy) or substance abuse treatment). Your provider can explain how these different treatments work with the medication. 
• If you are pregnant, plan to become pregnant, or are breastfeeding
• If you drink alcohol or use drugs

How Should I Take Bupropion?

Bupropion hydrochloride is available in 3 different forms: immediate release (IR), sustained release (SR), and extended release (XL).

Bupropion IR is usually taken 2 or 3 times per day with 4-6 hours between doses. The dose usually ranges from 100 mg twice daily to 150 mg three times daily, with the last dose taken mid-afternoon.

Bupropion SR is usually taken twice daily in the morning and mid-afternoon. The dose usually ranges from 100 mg twice daily up to 200 mg twice daily.

Bupropion XL is usually taken once daily in the morning. The dose ranges from 150 mg to 450 mg.

Bupropion hydrobromide (Aplenzin®) is usually taken once daily in the morning. The dose ranges from 174 mg to 522 mg.

While there are dose ranges for each form, your health care provider will determine the form and dose that is right for you based on your response.

The dose for SAD is bupropion XL 150 mg once daily in the morning. The dose may be increased to 300 mg once daily.

The dose for smoking cessation is bupropion SR 150 mg once daily for 3 days and then twice daily for 7 to 12 weeks.

You should not take more than one product that contains bupropion, including the products that are used to quit smoking. Do not take more than your prescribed dose since higher doses may increase your risk of having a seizure. Since quickly increasing the dose of bupropion can cause seizures in some people, your doctor will slowly increase your dose.

You can take bupropion on an empty stomach or with food. The SR and XL forms should be swallowed whole — not chewed, crushed, or broken — so that the medication can work correctly in your body and to reduce the risk of serious side effects. The tablet shell from the SR and XL forms may appear in your feces.

Consider using a calendar, pillbox, alarm clock, or cell phone alert to help you remember to take your medication. You may also ask a family member or friend to remind you or check in with you to be sure you are taking your medication.

What Happens If I Miss A Dose Of Bupropion?

For bupropion IR or SR, if you miss a dose, take it as soon as you remember. Take the remaining doses for the day at evenly spaced times at least 4 hours apart. DO NOT take 2 doses at once. You should not take more than your prescribed dose and doing so may increase your risk of having a seizure.

For bupropion XL, do not take an extra tablet to make up for the dose you forgot. Wait and take your next dose at your regular time the next day.

What Should I Avoid While Taking Bupropion?

Avoid drinking alcohol or using illegal drugs while you are taking bupropion because the beneficial effects of the medication may be decreased and the risk of seizures may be increased. If you are dependent on drugs or alcohol and would like to stop, consult your healthcare provider for help. Abruptly stopping these substances can result in a seizure, especially when taking bupropion.

What Happens If I Overdose With Bupropion?

If an overdose occurs, call your doctor or 911. You may need urgent medical care. You may also contact the poison control center at 1-800-222-1222.

A specific treatment to reverse the effects of fluoxetine does not exist.

What Are The Possible Side Effects Of Bupropion?

Common side effects

Headache, weight loss, dry mouth, trouble sleeping (insomnia), nausea, dizziness, constipation, fast heartbeat, and sore throat. These will often improve over the first week or two as you continue to take the medication.

Rare/serious side effects

Less than 10% of patients will experience skin rash, sweating, ringing in the ears, shakiness, stomach pain, muscle pain, thought disturbances, anxiety or angle closure glaucoma (symptoms of angle closure glaucoma may include eye pain, changes in vision, swelling or redness in or around eye).

Unlike many antidepressants, bupropion does not commonly cause sexual side effects and may be selected as an alternative treatment when antidepressant-induced sexual side effects are problematic. Sexual side effects include such problems as difficulty achieving orgasm or ejaculatory delay.

In general the risk of seizures due to bupropion is low. The risk of having a seizure increases with higher than recommended doses of bupropion, a history of seizures or head injury, tumor in the brain, severe liver disease, an eating disorder, alcohol or drug dependence, or taking other drugs that can also increase your risk of having a seizure.

There is a low risk of cardiovascular adverse events associated with stimulating agents, including bupropion. This risk increases if you have heart disease, high blood pressure, previous heart attack, or irregular heartbeat, or when used with transdermal nicotine replacement products. In these cases, a thorough cardiovascular evaluation is recommended before starting this medicine.

Are There Any Risks For Taking Bupropion For Long Periods Of Time?

To date, there are no known problems associated with long term use of bupropion. It is a safe and effective medication when used as directed.

What Other Medications May Interact With Bupropion?

Bupropion should not be taken with or within two weeks of taking monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs). These include phenelzine (Nardil®), tranycypromine (Parnate®), isocarboxazid (Marplan®), and selegiline (Emsam®).

There are several products with the active ingredient bupropion. Do not take more than one product that contains bupropion since this may increase your risk of having a seizure.

Certain medications may increase your risk of having a seizure when combined with bupropion. These include other antidepressants, antipsychotics, theophylline, isoniazid, tramadol, stimulants, steroids, hypoglycemic agents (including insulin), certain antibiotics (e.g., Cipro®), and abrupt discontinuation of benzodiazepines (e. g., Ativan®).

Notify your doctor and pharmacist if you are taking any of the following medications: phenytoin (Dilantin®), carbamazepine (Tegretol®, Equetro®), phenobarbital, cimetidine (Tagamet®), ritonavir (Norvir®), lopinavir (Kaletra™), nelfinavir (Viracept®), or efavirenz (Sustiva®). These medications can change the way your body reacts to bupropion.

Notify your doctor and pharmacist if you are taking any of the following medications: atomoxetine (Stratterra®), codeine, tamoxifen, tetrabenazine, thioridazine (Mellaril®), tramadol (Ultram®), or a tricyclic antidepressant. Bupropion can change the way your body reacts to these medications.

How Long Does It Take For Bupropion To Work?

Sleep, energy, or appetite may show some improvement within the first 1-2 weeks. Improvement in these physical symptoms can be an important early signal that the medication is working. Depressed mood and lack of interest in activities may need up to 6-8 weeks to fully improve. 

Summary of FDA Black Box Warnings

Suicidal thoughts or actions in children and adults

Depression and certain other psychiatric disorders are themselves associated with increases in the risk of suicide. Patients 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. This risk may persist until significant remission occurs.

In short-term studies, antidepressants increased the risk of suicidality in children, adolescents and young adults when compared to placebo. Short-term studies did not show an increase in the risk of suicidality with antidepressants compared to placebo in adults beyond age 24. Adults ages 65 and older taking antidepressants have a decreased risk of suicidality. Patients, their families and caregivers should be alert to the emergence of anxiety, restlessness, irritability, aggressiveness and insomnia. If these symptoms emerge, they should be reported to the patient’s prescriber or healthcare professional. All patients being treated with antidepressants for any indication should watch for and notify their healthcare provider for worsening symptoms, suicidality and unusual changes in behavior, especially during the first few months of treatment.

Last Reviewed: January 2023

Provided by

This information is being provided as a community outreach effort of the American Association of Psychiatric Pharmacists. This information is for educational and informational purposes only and is not medical advice. This information contains a summary of important points and is not an exhaustive review of information about the medication. Always seek the advice of a physician or other qualified medical professional with any questions you may have regarding medications or medical conditions. Never delay seeking professional medical advice or disregard medical professional advice as a result of any information provided herein. The American Association of Psychiatric Pharmacists disclaims any and all liability alleged as a result of the information provided herein.

©2020 The American Association of Psychiatric Pharmacists (AAPP) and the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI). AAPP and NAMI make this document available under the Creative Commons Attribution-No Derivatives 4.0 International License. Last Updated: January 2016.

Wellbutrin SR (WELLBUTRIN SR) 150 mg (60 tabs) – ADC Apteka

Description and purpose

It belongs to a group of medicines called antidepressants. It is used to treat depression.

Usage

Dosing and Dosing Regimen

Adults:
The recommended starting dose is 1 tablet (150 mg) once a day (in the morning).
If the response to the drug is insufficient, the dose can be increased to 1 tablet twice a day.
The maximum daily dose is 400 mg.
The maximum single dose is 200 mg.
The drug is effective in long-term treatment (up to 1 year).
The onset of action was observed as early as 14 days after the start of treatment.

Patients with hepatic impairment: in
patients with severe hepatic impairment, the dose should not exceed 150 mg every other day.

Discontinuation of treatment: when
the drug is discontinued, a gradual dose reduction is recommended.

Usage

Extended release tablets should be swallowed whole and should not be broken, crushed or chewed and may be taken with or without food.
If the medicine is taken twice a day, the time interval must be at least 8 hours.
If patients experience insomnia, it is advisable to take the medicine in the morning.

Warning

It should not be used during pregnancy unless the woman’s clinical condition requires treatment with bupropion or there is no alternative therapy.
It must not be used while breastfeeding. You need to stop breastfeeding.
Not to be used in children and adolescents under 18 years of age.
Elderly patients may require reduced dosing frequency and/or reduced dose.
Treatment of patients with renal insufficiency should be initiated at a reduced dosing frequency and/or dose.
It should be used with caution in patients with hepatic impairment. Dose reduction should be considered in patients with mild to moderate liver cirrhosis.
The drug is contraindicated in patients with seizures.
Contraindicated in patients with bulimia nervosa or anorexia nervosa.
This may affect your ability to drive and use machines.
Taking this medicine may interfere with lab tests for drugs (amphetamines) and give false positive results.
Do not drink alcohol.
See SPC (section 4.4) for additional special warnings.

Side effects

Like all medicines, this medicine can cause side effects, although not everybody gets them.
Seizures (epileptic seizures)
Seizures may occur in about 1 in 1000 people taking Wellbutrin SR.

Active substances

bupropion

Indication group

30 – Antidepressants

ADC product classification

🎖▷ Why You Shouldn’t Worry About Weight Gain With Lamictal

If you’re worried that taking Lamictal (lamotrigine) might cause weight gain, there’s good news. It probably won’t affect your weight much. If anything, you’re more likely to lose weight due to Lamictal than gain weight, but either way, the changes are likely to be pretty small.
The effect of Lamictal on weight has been little studied and various clinical trials have found minimal effect. In fact, some researchers even considered the drug as a possible remedy for obesity and as a remedy for overeating. This information should be reassuring for people with bipolar disorder, as many of the medications used to treat this condition can cause weight gain.

Lamictal findings and weight gain or loss
Lamictal is an anticonvulsant drug that can be used to treat seizures such as epilepsy. It is also used as a mood stabilizer for bipolar disorder.
In the first clinical trials with the drug, 5 percent of adults with epilepsy lost weight while taking Lamictal, while 1 to 5 percent of patients with bipolar I disorder gained weight while taking the drug. The researchers do not disclose how much weight patients have gained or lost.
Meanwhile, a 2006 study comparing the effects on weight of Lamictal, lithium, and placebo found that some Lamictal-treated patients gained weight, some lost weight, and most remained about the same weight. Weight changes are usually not many pounds anyway. Obese patients taking Lamictal lost an average of four pounds, while the weight of non-obese patients remained virtually unchanged.
Relationship between weight gain and other bipolar drugs
Weight gain from medications used to treat bipolar disorder is unfortunately quite common. Some mood stabilizers commonly used for bipolar disorder, especially lithium and Depakote (valproate), carry a high risk of weight gain.
In addition, the atypical antipsychotics Clozaril (clozapine) and Zyprexa (olanzapine) tend to cause significant weight gain in people who take them. Finally, some antidepressants, notably Paxil (paroxetine) and Remeron (mirtazapine), have been associated with weight gain.
Therefore, if you are already overweight, you and your psychiatrist may want to consider additional weight gain when determining your bipolar medication regimen. Based on this, Lamictal may be a good choice.
Lamictal as a possible treatment for obesity
Lamictal has also been studied as a possible treatment for obesity in people without epilepsy or bipolar disorder.
In a small 40-person clinical trial conducted in 2006, researchers randomly assigned participants to receive either lamictal or placebo for up to 26 weeks. Each participant in the study had a body mass index (BMI) between 30 and 40, placing them in the obese group to the level of severe obesity. Those who took Lamictal lost an average of just over 10 pounds. Those who took the placebo lost about 7 pounds in the meantime, so while those who took Lamictal lost more weight, they didn’t lose all that much more.
Another study in 2009 looked at Lamictal as a remedy for overeating. This study involved 51 people with the condition that 26 of them received Lamictal, and 25 – placebo.
Those who took Lamictal lost more weight than those who took placebo (about 2.5 pounds vs.