Differences Between Wellbutrin and Wellbutrin XL

Wellbutrin vs Wellbutrin XL

Each person has his moments of ups and downs. Getting depressed is just a normal part of our life. But if you cannot recover from it, it may affect your usual functioning. You are not able to finish your tasks, or your health might be affected. Since a high percentage of people experience depression, drugs are manufactured to alleviate the signs and symptoms of depression. One of the popular drugs used for the treatment of depression is Bupropion. It is the generic drug prescribed by doctors. It takes the brand names of Wellbutrin as well as Wellbutrin XL. Let us examine the differences between these two brand names.

First of all, what is Bupropion? It is an antidepressant drug which targets the chemicals within our brain that the nerves use to be able to communicate with each other. These are the neurotransmitters, the chemical messengers of our brain. The action mechanism of Bupropion inhibits the excessive production of dopamine, serotonin and norepinephrine. Bupropion has gained the approval of the FDA in December, 1985. You need a doctor’s prescription to take Bupropion. It comes in tablet forms with recommended milligram dosages. Immediate release tablets have available dosages of 75, 100, and 150 mg. Sustained release tablets have available dosages of 100, 150, and 200 mg. Extended release tablets have available dosages of 150 and 300 mg. To preserve the longevity of the tablets, you need to store them at room temperature at around 15-25 C. This drug is used for the management of major depression, seasonal affective disorder, and smoking cessation.

Since Wellbutrin and Wellbutrin XL contain the same active drug ingredient, Bupropion, they don’t have any differences except for their effectivity peaks. Wellbutrin is an immediate release tablet usually taken three times a day for the management of major depression. Wellbutrin XL is an extended release tablet which is taken once a day for the management of both major depression and seasonal affective disorder. Wellbutrin XL shows itself to be a more effective drug since it is only taken once a day.

When taking any brand of Bupropion, you need to follow some considerations. You must not take Wellbutrin with any alcoholic products. Do not drive a car or operate machinery until you fully understand the effects of Wellbutrin on your body. Do not immediately stop taking Wellbutrin without consulting your doctor. You are advised to follow these considerations because Wellbutrin can cause some side effects. Among these side effects are: agitation, headache, insomnia, dry mouth, nausea, constipation, and tremor. Other patients taking Bupropion experience weight loss, hallucinations, and seizures. If you have any drugs and foods you are currently taking, tell your doctor so as to avoid possible drug-and-food interactions. Also, alert your doctor when you are pregnant.

Summary:

1. Bupropion is an antidepressant drug used for the management of major depression, seasonal affective disorder, and smoking cessation.

2. Bupropion targets the chemicals within our brain that the nerves use to be able to communicate with each other.

3. Bupropion inhibits the excessive production of dopamine, serotonin, and norepinephrine within the brain.

4. Wellbutrin and Wellbutrin XL are brand names of Bupropion.

5. Wellbutrin and Wellbutrin XL contain the same active drug ingredient, Bupropion. They don’t have any differences except for their effectivity peaks.

6. Wellbutrin is taken three times a day while Wellbutrin XL is taken once daily.

7. Consult a doctor first before attempting to take the medicine. Follow the prescribed dosages and frequency of intake.

8. Tell your doctor about any allergies so as to avoid possible adverse reactions with the said drug to your body.

9. Always note the special considerations that must be followed.

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