WELLBUTRIN XL

WELLBUTRIN XL- bupropion hydrochloride tablet, extended release
Bausch Health US LLC

WARNING: SUICIDAL THOUGHTS AND BEHAVIORS

SUICIDALITY AND ANTIDEPRESSANT DRUGS

Antidepressants increased the risk of suicidal thoughts and behavior in children, adolescents, and young adults in short-term trials. These trials did not show an increase in the risk of suicidal thoughts and behavior with antidepressant use in subjects aged 65 and older [see Warnings and Precautions (5.1)].

In patients of all ages who are started on antidepressant therapy, monitor closely for worsening, and for emergence of suicidal thoughts and behaviors. Advise families and caregivers of the need for close observation and communication with the prescriber [see Warnings and Precautions (5.1)].

1 INDICATIONS AND USAGE

1.1 Major Depressive Disorder (MDD)

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 [see Clinical Studies (14.1)].

1.2 Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD)

Wellbutrin 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 [see Clinical Studies (14.2)].

2 DOSAGE AND ADMINISTRATION

2.1 General Instructions for Use

To minimize the risk of seizure, increase the dose gradually [see Warnings and Precautions (5.3)].

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.

2.2 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.

2.3 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 hydrochloride 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.

2.4 Switching Patients from WELLBUTRIN Tablets or from WELLBUTRIN SR Sustained-Release Tablets

When 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.

2.5 To Discontinue Wellbutrin XL, Taper the Dose

When discontinuing treatment in patients treated with Wellbutrin XL 300 mg once daily, decrease the dose to 150 mg once daily prior to discontinuation.

2.6 Dosage Adjustment in Patients with Hepatic Impairment

In 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 [see Use in Specific Populations (8.7) and Clinical Pharmacology (12.3)].

2.7 Dose Adjustment in Patients with Renal Impairment

Consider reducing the dose and/or frequency of Wellbutrin XL in patients with renal impairment (glomerular filtration rate less than 90 mL/min) [see Use in Specific Populations (8.6) and Clinical Pharmacology (12.3)].

2.8 Switching a Patient to or from a Monoamine Oxidase Inhibitor (MAOI) Antidepressant

At 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 [see Contraindications (4) and Drug Interactions (7.6)].

2.9 Use of Wellbutrin XL with Reversible MAOIs such as Linezolid or Methylene Blue

Do 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 [see Contraindications (4)].

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 [see Contraindications (4) and Drug Interactions (7.6)].

3 DOSAGE FORMS AND STRENGTHS

Wellbutrin XL extended-release tablets, 150 mg of bupropion hydrochloride, are creamy-white to pale yellow, round tablets imprinted with “Wellbutrin XL 150” in black ink on one side and the other side plain.

Wellbutrin XL extended-release tablets, 300 mg of bupropion hydrochloride, are creamy-white to pale yellow, round tablets imprinted with “Wellbutrin XL 300” in black ink on one side and the other side plain.

4 CONTRAINDICATIONS

Wellbutrin XL is contraindicated in patients with seizure disorder.
Wellbutrin XL is contraindicated in patients with a current or prior diagnosis of bulimia or anorexia nervosa as a higher incidence of seizures was observed in such patients treated with Wellbutrin XL [see Warnings and Precautions (5.3)].
Wellbutrin XL is contraindicated in patients undergoing abrupt discontinuation of alcohol, benzodiazepines, barbiturates, and antiepileptic drugs [see Warnings and Precautions (5.3) and Drug Interactions (7.3)].
The use of MAOIs (intended to treat psychiatric disorders) concomitantly with Wellbutrin XL or within 14 days of discontinuing treatment with Wellbutrin XL is contraindicated. There is an increased risk of hypertensive reactions when Wellbutrin XL is used concomitantly with MAOIs. The use of Wellbutrin XL within 14 days of discontinuing treatment with an MAOI is also contraindicated. Starting Wellbutrin XL in a patient treated with reversible MAOIs such as linezolid or intravenous methylene blue is contraindicated [see Dosage and Administration (2.9) , Warnings and Precautions (5.4) and Drug Interactions (7.6)].
Wellbutrin XL is contraindicated in patients with known hypersensitivity to bupropion or other ingredients of Wellbutrin XL. Anaphylactoid/anaphylactic reactions and Stevens-Johnson syndrome have been reported [see Warnings and Precautions (5.8)].

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