What it means
An antidepressantan-tee-dih-PRES-untA drug used to treat depression and often anxiety, which works by changing the levels of brain chemicals such as serotonin.anti- againstdepress press downFull entry that raises norepinephrine and dopamine rather than serotonin. It treats depression and seasonal depression, and as Zyban it helps with quitting smoking. It causes less weight gain and fewer sexual side effects than many antidepressants, but it can cause insomnia, dry mouth and agitation, and it makes seizures more likely. It carries the antidepressant boxed warning about suicidal thinking in young people. Its name can be confused with buspironebyoo-SPY-rohnAn antianxiety drug, taken every day, used for long-lasting anxiety.Full entry , and the brand name Zyban with Diovan (valsartanval-SAR-tanAn angiotensin II receptor blocker (ARB) used to lower blood pressure and to treat heart failure.Full entry ).
For the nurse
Ask about seizures, eating disorders and heavy alcohol use before it starts, because these raise the seizure risk. Teach the client to swallow extended-release tablets whole, take it in the morning if it affects sleep, avoid alcohol, and report mood changes or thoughts of self-harm.
At a glance
| Drug class | antidepressant (aminoketone; norepinephrine-dopamine reuptake inhibitor) |
|---|---|
| Brand names | Wellbutrin SR, Wellbutrin XL, Zyban, Aplenzin |
| Spanish | bupropión |
| Also written | Wellbutrin, Wellbutrin SR, Wellbutrin XL, Zyban, Aplenzin |
Easy to confuse with
Related terms
seizure
A sudden burst of abnormal electrical activity in the brain that changes movement, feeling, behavior or awareness.
antidepressant
A drug used to treat depression and often anxiety, which works by changing the levels of brain chemicals such as serotonin.
depression
A mood disorder of lasting sadness or loss of interest that affects thinking, sleep, appetite and daily life.