Also: Wellbutrin SR ( sustained release ) , Wellbutrin XL ( extended release )
Chemical Name: bupropion hydrochloride Manufacturer: GlaxoSmithKline. GENERIC AVAILABLE
Consumer Review
PROZAC 's claim to fame is that (a) it is considered the safest antidepressant for people with bipolar disorder, there are less chances of it triggering mania ( learn more ) and (b) it is a stimulant, so people generally tend to lose some weight on it. Bupropion ( PROZAC ) is the same chemical used in Zyban, a drug used for smoke-cessation. Some people, especially women, claim that it does wonders for their sexual experiences.
On the down side, PROZAC can cause significant anxiety in some people, and there is a risk of seizure at high doses.
PROZAC is FDA Approved as an Anti-Depressant ( for treatment of Depression ); also available as Wellbutrin SR , Wellbutrin XL.
PROZAC is a multi-uptake class of antidepressant, affecting dopamine and norepheniphrine, but not Serotonin (thus different from SSRI antidepressants).
PROZAC is also packaged under the name "Zyban" for use in smoke-cessation ( FDA approved May 14, 1997 ).
In addition to treatment of Depression, PROZAC (bupropion) is used for smoking-cessation under the brand name Zyban.
U.S. Brand name : PROZAC Manufacturer: Glaxo Smith Kline
Chemical name: bupropion hydrochloride (bupropion for short)
Generic version : Available worldwide.
Foreign brand names: Odranal (Colombia) , Quomen (Thailand)
, Zyban LP (France, UK, Poland) , Elontril (Germany) , Well (Korea) , Zetron (Brazil)
PROZAC's Pros: Low chance of sexual side effects, unless you consider making you hornier a sexual side effect. Among the currently approved antidepressants PROZAC (bupropion hydrochloride) has the least chance of triggering mania in the bipolar, just so long as you're taking a real mood stabilizer, such as an anticonvulsant or lithium. None of the weight gain associated with SSRIs. Often a very effective antidepressant, as dopamine and norepinephrine reuptake are sometimes the answer for someone.
PROZAC's Cons: Despite Glaxo's assertions, the SR form does cause minor seizure events in people with no prior history at the higher dosages. PROZAC (bupropion hydrochloride) can be used recreationally, so it can be abused. It has to be avoided by anyone with an eating disorder, between the lower seizure threshold and potential of abuse as an eating disorder enabler.
PROZAC / PROZAC SR / PROZAC XL's Common Side Effects: Agitation, anxiety, insomnia, weight loss (bupropion is undergoing trials as a weight loss medication), headache, dry mouth, nausea, constipation, dizziness. Most of these are transitory, but the weight loss, agitation and insomnia tend to stick around. PROZAC (bupropion hydrochloride) is often used to counter the side effects of other medications.
PROZAC / PROZAC SR / PROZAC XL's Not So Common Side Effects: Strange body odor, sweating, nervousness and tremor. Basically PROZAC could make you look like the guilty party, so you better have a damn good alibi at all times in case some big, unsolved crime goes down.
PROZAC / PROZAC SR / PROZAC XL's Very Rare Side Effects:Change in hair color. There was also new hair, possibly in unusual places Some men reported painful erections, unusual ejaculations and outright impotence which is somewhat contradictory to PROZAC's tendency to cause hypersexuality and increased libido.
For all side effects always read the PI sheet that are given by your pharmacy.
Read a summary of the experiences of others and
also our forum topic on PROZAC .
Drug interactions information is yet to collected. Sorry for the inconvenience.
The cost listed here is based on prices listed at some online sites. With my luck, the pharmacies near me are, most likely, charging more. (Click the PAP tab next to this one for Patient Assistance Program info in U.S. for free meds for people who cannot afford them).
Cost of PROZAC in U.S. : Brand per pill at Walgreens 75mg : $2.33 per pill, 100mg: $3.00 per pill; 100SR: $3.33;: 200SR: $5.00, 150XL: $5.00, 300XL: $6.00
Generic per pill at Walgreens: 100mg SR: $1.40, 150mg SR: $1.50 ; 200mg SR: $2.70; 300mg XL: $4.00, no generic for XL 150
Other countries: Please contact us if you can provide prevailing prices in your drug.
Pharmacy Checker is a useful site for checking and comparing prices of popular medications.
PAP (Patient Assistance Programs are free drug programs offered by Pharmaceutical Companies for low-income population. It requires proof of income, prescription for 2-3 months of supply and a form filled out by the doctor before applying for the program. It can be a tedious process, especially if you are on several medications. There are local organizations that may assist you with the process for free or a small fee. A useful resource for detailed information about PAP is Needy Meds.
Patient Assistance Program in U.S. for GlaxoSmithKline (Medicare participants, low-income, after $600 out-of-pocket spending on all meds)
Medicare Part D and Patient Assistance Program for PROZAC
User experiences for PROZAC can be found on Medness Forum.
Please check topics on PROZAC and discussion of PROZAC vs. PROZAC as well, on Medness Forum.
If you have been prescribed PROZAC, and would like to share your experience, please post on our forum or Contact Us directly.
