Re: Bupropion Warning in Canada

[Guest guest]

Hi Everybody,

Have you seen this?

Bupropion (Zyban, Wellbutrin SR):

reports of deaths, seizures, serum sickness

----------------------------------------------------------------------------

----

Reason for posting

In a letter to health professionals,1 Health Canada and GlaxoKline

stated that 1127 reports of suspected adverse drug reactions for bupropion

were received between May 1998 and May 28, 2001. Included were reports of 19

deaths (including 1 case of liver failure, 1 case of myocarditis, 3 cases of

suicide), 172 reports of seizures or convulsions and 37 reports of

serum-sickness-like reactions. Although cause-and-effect relations have not

been established in the vast majority of the reports, it is important to

remind physicians and warn patients of possible adverse effects of this

medication.

The drug

Bupropion appears to block noradrenergic reuptake and dopaminergic reuptake

in the brain. It is used as an antidepressant (marketed in Canada as

Wellbutrin SR) and as a smoking cessation aid (marketed in Canada as Zyban).

Common adverse events include dry mouth and insomnia, nausea, headache and

rash.2 Bupropion is known to reduce seizure thresholds, with a seizure rate

of about 1 in 1000 subjects treated.3 Anaphylactoid reactions, including

dyspnea, angioedema, urticaria and pruritus, have been reported at a rate of

1 to 3 cases per 1000 patients enrolled in clinical trials.2 Symptoms of

arthralgias, myalgias and fever and rash resembling serum sickness have been

reported rarely. For detailed descriptions of drug interactions and adverse

effects, see the product monograph.

What to do

Patients should be warned of the risks of potential serious adverse effects

of these medications, including seizures and allergic reactions. Zyban and

Wellbutrin SR should not be administered concurrently, nor should they be

prescribed to patients with a seizure disorder. Furthermore, bupropion

should not be administered to patients with conditions altering the seizure

threshold, including anorexia nervosa or bulimia, patients with potential

benzodiazepine or alcohol withdrawal, those with head trauma or central

nervous system pathology, or patients taking antipsychotic drugs, systemic

steroids, quinolone antibiotics or antimalarial drugs. Doses should be

limited to no more than 150 mg per single dose and to no more than 300 mg

per day. If a seizure or allergic reaction occurs, the medication should be

discontinued and appropriate medical attention sought. To avoid prolonged QT

intervals and ventricle arrhythmias secondary to thioridazine toxicity,

bupropion should not be administered if a monoamine oxidase inhibitor or

thioridazine antipsychotic drug has been given within the past 14 days.

Bupropion is contraindicated in patients with severe hepatic impairment. A

patient information sheet is now available online.4 - Wooltorton, CMAJ

----------------------------------------------------------------------------

----

References

1. Health Canada, GlaxoKline. Important safety information

regarding bupropion. July 3, 2001. (accessed 2001 Nov 26).

2. Zyban, bupropion hydrochloride 150 mg sustained release tablets

smoking cessation aid [product monograph]. Mississauga (ON):

GlaxoKline; 2001 July 5.

3. Hurt RD, Sachs DPL, Glover ED, Offord KP, ston JA, Dale LC, et

al. A comparison of sustained-release bupropion and placebo for smoking

cessation. N Engl J Med 1997;337:1195-202. [MEDLINE]

4. Health Canada. Safety information for patients taking Zyban.

(accessed 2001 Nov 29).

[Guest guest]

Wow !

We're on a roll... Collissa will be thrilled to see this! Thanks for posting it!

The Avenging Angel

Please sign the petitions at:

http://www.petitiononline.com/lilpro

http://www.petitiononline.com/oky71.html

http://www.petitiononline.com/effexor

>From: " Creel"

>Reply-SSRI medications >

>Subject: Re: Bupropion Warning in Canada >Date: Tue, 19 Feb 2002 03:08:41 -0500 > Send and receive Hotmail on your mobile device: Click Here

Hi Everybody,

Have you seen this?

Bupropion (Zyban, Wellbutrin SR):

reports of deaths, seizures, serum sickness

----------------------------------------------------------------------------

----

Reason for posting

In a letter to health professionals,1 Health Canada and GlaxoKline

stated that 1127 reports of suspected adverse drug reactions for bupropion

were received between May 1998 and May 28, 2001. Included were reports of 19

deaths (including 1 case of liver failure, 1 case of myocarditis, 3 cases of

suicide), 172 reports of seizures or convulsions and 37 reports of

serum-sickness-like reactions. Although cause-and-effect relations have not

been established in the vast majority of the reports, it is important to

remind physicians and warn patients of possible adverse effects of this

medication.

The drug

Bupropion appears to block noradrenergic reuptake and dopaminergic reuptake

in the brain. It is used as an antidepressant (marketed in Canada as

Wellbutrin SR) and as a smoking cessation aid (marketed in Canada as Zyban).

Common adverse events include dry mouth and insomnia, nausea, headache and

rash.2 Bupropion is known to reduce seizure thresholds, with a seizure rate

of about 1 in 1000 subjects treated.3 Anaphylactoid reactions, including

dyspnea, angioedema, urticaria and pruritus, have been reported at a rate of

1 to 3 cases per 1000 patients enrolled in clinical trials.2 Symptoms of

arthralgias, myalgias and fever and rash resembling serum sickness have been

reported rarely. For detailed descriptions of drug interactions and adverse

effects, see the product monograph.

What to do

Patients should be warned of the risks of potential serious adverse effects

of these medications, including seizures and allergic reactions. Zyban and

Wellbutrin SR should not be administered concurrently, nor should they be

prescribed to patients with a seizure disorder. Furthermore, bupropion

should not be administered to patients with conditions altering the seizure

threshold, including anorexia nervosa or bulimia, patients with potential

benzodiazepine or alcohol withdrawal, those with head trauma or central

nervous system pathology, or patients taking antipsychotic drugs, systemic

steroids, quinolone antibiotics or antimalarial drugs. Doses should be

limited to no more than 150 mg per single dose and to no more than 300 mg

per day. If a seizure or allergic reaction occurs, the medication should be

discontinued and appropriate medical attention sought. To avoid prolonged QT

intervals and ventricle arrhythmias secondary to thioridazine toxicity,

bupropion should not be administered if a monoamine oxidase inhibitor or

thioridazine antipsychotic drug has been given within the past 14 days.

Bupropion is contraindicated in patients with severe hepatic impairment. A

patient information sheet is now available online.4 - Wooltorton, CMAJ

----------------------------------------------------------------------------

----

References

1. Health Canada, GlaxoKline. Important safety information

regarding bupropion. July 3, 2001. (accessed 2001 Nov 26).

2. Zyban, bupropion hydrochloride 150 mg sustained release tablets

smoking cessation aid [product monograph]. Mississauga (ON):

GlaxoKline; 2001 July 5.

3. Hurt RD, Sachs DPL, Glover ED, Offord KP, ston JA, Dale LC, et

al. A comparison of sustained-release bupropion and placebo for smoking

cessation. N Engl J Med 1997;337:1195-202. [MEDLINE]

4. Health Canada. Safety information for patients taking Zyban.

(accessed 2001 Nov 29).

[Guest guest]

Wow !

We're on a roll... Collissa will be thrilled to see this! Thanks for posting it!

The Avenging Angel

Please sign the petitions at:

http://www.petitiononline.com/lilpro

http://www.petitiononline.com/oky71.html

http://www.petitiononline.com/effexor

>From: " Creel"

>Reply-SSRI medications >

>Subject: Re: Bupropion Warning in Canada >Date: Tue, 19 Feb 2002 03:08:41 -0500 > Send and receive Hotmail on your mobile device: Click Here

Hi Everybody,

Have you seen this?

Bupropion (Zyban, Wellbutrin SR):

reports of deaths, seizures, serum sickness

----------------------------------------------------------------------------

----

Reason for posting

In a letter to health professionals,1 Health Canada and GlaxoKline

stated that 1127 reports of suspected adverse drug reactions for bupropion

were received between May 1998 and May 28, 2001. Included were reports of 19

deaths (including 1 case of liver failure, 1 case of myocarditis, 3 cases of

suicide), 172 reports of seizures or convulsions and 37 reports of

serum-sickness-like reactions. Although cause-and-effect relations have not

been established in the vast majority of the reports, it is important to

remind physicians and warn patients of possible adverse effects of this

medication.

The drug

Bupropion appears to block noradrenergic reuptake and dopaminergic reuptake

in the brain. It is used as an antidepressant (marketed in Canada as

Wellbutrin SR) and as a smoking cessation aid (marketed in Canada as Zyban).

Common adverse events include dry mouth and insomnia, nausea, headache and

rash.2 Bupropion is known to reduce seizure thresholds, with a seizure rate

of about 1 in 1000 subjects treated.3 Anaphylactoid reactions, including

dyspnea, angioedema, urticaria and pruritus, have been reported at a rate of

1 to 3 cases per 1000 patients enrolled in clinical trials.2 Symptoms of

arthralgias, myalgias and fever and rash resembling serum sickness have been

reported rarely. For detailed descriptions of drug interactions and adverse

effects, see the product monograph.

What to do

Patients should be warned of the risks of potential serious adverse effects

of these medications, including seizures and allergic reactions. Zyban and

Wellbutrin SR should not be administered concurrently, nor should they be

prescribed to patients with a seizure disorder. Furthermore, bupropion

should not be administered to patients with conditions altering the seizure

threshold, including anorexia nervosa or bulimia, patients with potential

benzodiazepine or alcohol withdrawal, those with head trauma or central

nervous system pathology, or patients taking antipsychotic drugs, systemic

steroids, quinolone antibiotics or antimalarial drugs. Doses should be

limited to no more than 150 mg per single dose and to no more than 300 mg

per day. If a seizure or allergic reaction occurs, the medication should be

discontinued and appropriate medical attention sought. To avoid prolonged QT

intervals and ventricle arrhythmias secondary to thioridazine toxicity,

bupropion should not be administered if a monoamine oxidase inhibitor or

thioridazine antipsychotic drug has been given within the past 14 days.

Bupropion is contraindicated in patients with severe hepatic impairment. A

patient information sheet is now available online.4 - Wooltorton, CMAJ

----------------------------------------------------------------------------

----

References

1. Health Canada, GlaxoKline. Important safety information

regarding bupropion. July 3, 2001. (accessed 2001 Nov 26).

2. Zyban, bupropion hydrochloride 150 mg sustained release tablets

smoking cessation aid [product monograph]. Mississauga (ON):

GlaxoKline; 2001 July 5.

3. Hurt RD, Sachs DPL, Glover ED, Offord KP, ston JA, Dale LC, et

al. A comparison of sustained-release bupropion and placebo for smoking

cessation. N Engl J Med 1997;337:1195-202. [MEDLINE]

4. Health Canada. Safety information for patients taking Zyban.

(accessed 2001 Nov 29).

[Guest guest]

Wow !

We're on a roll... Collissa will be thrilled to see this! Thanks for posting it!

The Avenging Angel

Please sign the petitions at:

http://www.petitiononline.com/lilpro

http://www.petitiononline.com/oky71.html

http://www.petitiononline.com/effexor

>From: " Creel"

>Reply-SSRI medications >

>Subject: Re: Bupropion Warning in Canada >Date: Tue, 19 Feb 2002 03:08:41 -0500 > Send and receive Hotmail on your mobile device: Click Here

Hi Everybody,

Have you seen this?

Bupropion (Zyban, Wellbutrin SR):

reports of deaths, seizures, serum sickness

----------------------------------------------------------------------------

----

Reason for posting

In a letter to health professionals,1 Health Canada and GlaxoKline

stated that 1127 reports of suspected adverse drug reactions for bupropion

were received between May 1998 and May 28, 2001. Included were reports of 19

deaths (including 1 case of liver failure, 1 case of myocarditis, 3 cases of

suicide), 172 reports of seizures or convulsions and 37 reports of

serum-sickness-like reactions. Although cause-and-effect relations have not

been established in the vast majority of the reports, it is important to

remind physicians and warn patients of possible adverse effects of this

medication.

The drug

Bupropion appears to block noradrenergic reuptake and dopaminergic reuptake

in the brain. It is used as an antidepressant (marketed in Canada as

Wellbutrin SR) and as a smoking cessation aid (marketed in Canada as Zyban).

Common adverse events include dry mouth and insomnia, nausea, headache and

rash.2 Bupropion is known to reduce seizure thresholds, with a seizure rate

of about 1 in 1000 subjects treated.3 Anaphylactoid reactions, including

dyspnea, angioedema, urticaria and pruritus, have been reported at a rate of

1 to 3 cases per 1000 patients enrolled in clinical trials.2 Symptoms of

arthralgias, myalgias and fever and rash resembling serum sickness have been

reported rarely. For detailed descriptions of drug interactions and adverse

effects, see the product monograph.

What to do

Patients should be warned of the risks of potential serious adverse effects

of these medications, including seizures and allergic reactions. Zyban and

Wellbutrin SR should not be administered concurrently, nor should they be

prescribed to patients with a seizure disorder. Furthermore, bupropion

should not be administered to patients with conditions altering the seizure

threshold, including anorexia nervosa or bulimia, patients with potential

benzodiazepine or alcohol withdrawal, those with head trauma or central

nervous system pathology, or patients taking antipsychotic drugs, systemic

steroids, quinolone antibiotics or antimalarial drugs. Doses should be

limited to no more than 150 mg per single dose and to no more than 300 mg

per day. If a seizure or allergic reaction occurs, the medication should be

discontinued and appropriate medical attention sought. To avoid prolonged QT

intervals and ventricle arrhythmias secondary to thioridazine toxicity,

bupropion should not be administered if a monoamine oxidase inhibitor or

thioridazine antipsychotic drug has been given within the past 14 days.

Bupropion is contraindicated in patients with severe hepatic impairment. A

patient information sheet is now available online.4 - Wooltorton, CMAJ

----------------------------------------------------------------------------

----

References

1. Health Canada, GlaxoKline. Important safety information

regarding bupropion. July 3, 2001. (accessed 2001 Nov 26).

2. Zyban, bupropion hydrochloride 150 mg sustained release tablets

smoking cessation aid [product monograph]. Mississauga (ON):

GlaxoKline; 2001 July 5.

3. Hurt RD, Sachs DPL, Glover ED, Offord KP, ston JA, Dale LC, et

al. A comparison of sustained-release bupropion and placebo for smoking

cessation. N Engl J Med 1997;337:1195-202. [MEDLINE]

4. Health Canada. Safety information for patients taking Zyban.

(accessed 2001 Nov 29).

[Guest guest]

Wow !

We're on a roll... Collissa will be thrilled to see this! Thanks for posting it!

The Avenging Angel

Please sign the petitions at:

http://www.petitiononline.com/lilpro

http://www.petitiononline.com/oky71.html

http://www.petitiononline.com/effexor

>From: " Creel"

>Reply-SSRI medications >

>Subject: Re: Bupropion Warning in Canada >Date: Tue, 19 Feb 2002 03:08:41 -0500 > Send and receive Hotmail on your mobile device: Click Here

Hi Everybody,

Have you seen this?

Bupropion (Zyban, Wellbutrin SR):

reports of deaths, seizures, serum sickness

----------------------------------------------------------------------------

----

Reason for posting

In a letter to health professionals,1 Health Canada and GlaxoKline

stated that 1127 reports of suspected adverse drug reactions for bupropion

were received between May 1998 and May 28, 2001. Included were reports of 19

deaths (including 1 case of liver failure, 1 case of myocarditis, 3 cases of

suicide), 172 reports of seizures or convulsions and 37 reports of

serum-sickness-like reactions. Although cause-and-effect relations have not

been established in the vast majority of the reports, it is important to

remind physicians and warn patients of possible adverse effects of this

medication.

The drug

Bupropion appears to block noradrenergic reuptake and dopaminergic reuptake

in the brain. It is used as an antidepressant (marketed in Canada as

Wellbutrin SR) and as a smoking cessation aid (marketed in Canada as Zyban).

Common adverse events include dry mouth and insomnia, nausea, headache and

rash.2 Bupropion is known to reduce seizure thresholds, with a seizure rate

of about 1 in 1000 subjects treated.3 Anaphylactoid reactions, including

dyspnea, angioedema, urticaria and pruritus, have been reported at a rate of

1 to 3 cases per 1000 patients enrolled in clinical trials.2 Symptoms of

arthralgias, myalgias and fever and rash resembling serum sickness have been

reported rarely. For detailed descriptions of drug interactions and adverse

effects, see the product monograph.

What to do

Patients should be warned of the risks of potential serious adverse effects

of these medications, including seizures and allergic reactions. Zyban and

Wellbutrin SR should not be administered concurrently, nor should they be

prescribed to patients with a seizure disorder. Furthermore, bupropion

should not be administered to patients with conditions altering the seizure

threshold, including anorexia nervosa or bulimia, patients with potential

benzodiazepine or alcohol withdrawal, those with head trauma or central

nervous system pathology, or patients taking antipsychotic drugs, systemic

steroids, quinolone antibiotics or antimalarial drugs. Doses should be

limited to no more than 150 mg per single dose and to no more than 300 mg

per day. If a seizure or allergic reaction occurs, the medication should be

discontinued and appropriate medical attention sought. To avoid prolonged QT

intervals and ventricle arrhythmias secondary to thioridazine toxicity,

bupropion should not be administered if a monoamine oxidase inhibitor or

thioridazine antipsychotic drug has been given within the past 14 days.

Bupropion is contraindicated in patients with severe hepatic impairment. A

patient information sheet is now available online.4 - Wooltorton, CMAJ

----------------------------------------------------------------------------

----

References

1. Health Canada, GlaxoKline. Important safety information

regarding bupropion. July 3, 2001. (accessed 2001 Nov 26).

2. Zyban, bupropion hydrochloride 150 mg sustained release tablets

smoking cessation aid [product monograph]. Mississauga (ON):

GlaxoKline; 2001 July 5.

3. Hurt RD, Sachs DPL, Glover ED, Offord KP, ston JA, Dale LC, et

al. A comparison of sustained-release bupropion and placebo for smoking

cessation. N Engl J Med 1997;337:1195-202. [MEDLINE]

4. Health Canada. Safety information for patients taking Zyban.

(accessed 2001 Nov 29).

[Guest guest]

CATHERINE, sometimes I wonder if simply publishing the known or

suspected side-effects of these drugs (right from the insert, which

after all, we ARE supposed to read...) would deter most people from

ever taking this drug! The list is so horrifying. Taking these

drugs is Russian Roulette, and a public awareness initiative in that

direction would probably be effective.

Imagine a photograph of a child holding a gun to his/her head - and a

caption reading " do you want your child to take this chance? " or

something to that effect..... then with some suicide/murder statistics

attached. Imagine seeing this billboard every day on your way to work.

How about this one? " If you are depressed..... then you don't need

these - then a list of the side-effects "

PROZAC KILLS or SSRI's - KNOW THE FACTS

There's a lot that could be done with public awareness, just by

publishing what's in the little bottle of pills. Jamo

> Hi Everybody,

>

>

> Have you seen this?

>

>

> Bupropion (Zyban, Wellbutrin SR):

> reports of deaths, seizures, serum sickness

>

>

> ----------------------------------------------------------------------------

> ----

> Reason for posting

> In a letter to health professionals,1 Health Canada and GlaxoKline

> stated that 1127 reports of suspected adverse drug reactions for bupropion

> were received between May 1998 and May 28, 2001. Included were reports of 19

> deaths (including 1 case of liver failure, 1 case of myocarditis, 3 cases of

> suicide), 172 reports of seizures or convulsions and 37 reports of

> serum-sickness-like reactions. Although cause-and-effect relations have not

> been established in the vast majority of the reports, it is important to

> remind physicians and warn patients of possible adverse effects of this

> medication.

>

> The drug

>

> Bupropion appears to block noradrenergic reuptake and dopaminergic reuptake

> in the brain. It is used as an antidepressant (marketed in Canada as

> Wellbutrin SR) and as a smoking cessation aid (marketed in Canada as Zyban).

> Common adverse events include dry mouth and insomnia, nausea, headache and

> rash.2 Bupropion is known to reduce seizure thresholds, with a seizure rate

> of about 1 in 1000 subjects treated.3 Anaphylactoid reactions, including

> dyspnea, angioedema, urticaria and pruritus, have been reported at a rate of

> 1 to 3 cases per 1000 patients enrolled in clinical trials.2 Symptoms of

> arthralgias, myalgias and fever and rash resembling serum sickness have been

> reported rarely. For detailed descriptions of drug interactions and adverse

> effects, see the product monograph.

>

> What to do

>

> Patients should be warned of the risks of potential serious adverse effects

> of these medications, including seizures and allergic reactions. Zyban and

> Wellbutrin SR should not be administered concurrently, nor should they be

> prescribed to patients with a seizure disorder. Furthermore, bupropion

> should not be administered to patients with conditions altering the seizure

> threshold, including anorexia nervosa or bulimia, patients with potential

> benzodiazepine or alcohol withdrawal, those with head trauma or central

> nervous system pathology, or patients taking antipsychotic drugs, systemic

> steroids, quinolone antibiotics or antimalarial drugs. Doses should be

> limited to no more than 150 mg per single dose and to no more than 300 mg

> per day. If a seizure or allergic reaction occurs, the medication should be

> discontinued and appropriate medical attention sought. To avoid prolonged QT

> intervals and ventricle arrhythmias secondary to thioridazine toxicity,

> bupropion should not be administered if a monoamine oxidase inhibitor or

> thioridazine antipsychotic drug has been given within the past 14 days.

> Bupropion is contraindicated in patients with severe hepatic impairment. A

> patient information sheet is now available online.4 - Wooltorton, CMAJ

>

>

> ----------------------------------------------------------------------------

> ----

> References

> 1. Health Canada, GlaxoKline. Important safety information

> regarding bupropion. July 3, 2001. (accessed 2001 Nov 26).

> 2. Zyban, bupropion hydrochloride 150 mg sustained release tablets

> smoking cessation aid [product monograph]. Mississauga (ON):

> GlaxoKline; 2001 July 5.

> 3. Hurt RD, Sachs DPL, Glover ED, Offord KP, ston JA, Dale LC, et

> al. A comparison of sustained-release bupropion and placebo for smoking

> cessation. N Engl J Med 1997;337:1195-202. [MEDLINE]

> 4. Health Canada. Safety information for patients taking Zyban.

> (accessed 2001 Nov 29).

[Guest guest]

CATHERINE, sometimes I wonder if simply publishing the known or

suspected side-effects of these drugs (right from the insert, which

after all, we ARE supposed to read...) would deter most people from

ever taking this drug! The list is so horrifying. Taking these

drugs is Russian Roulette, and a public awareness initiative in that

direction would probably be effective.

Imagine a photograph of a child holding a gun to his/her head - and a

caption reading " do you want your child to take this chance? " or

something to that effect..... then with some suicide/murder statistics

attached. Imagine seeing this billboard every day on your way to work.

How about this one? " If you are depressed..... then you don't need

these - then a list of the side-effects "

PROZAC KILLS or SSRI's - KNOW THE FACTS

There's a lot that could be done with public awareness, just by

publishing what's in the little bottle of pills. Jamo

> Hi Everybody,

>

>

> Have you seen this?

>

>

> Bupropion (Zyban, Wellbutrin SR):

> reports of deaths, seizures, serum sickness

>

>

> ----------------------------------------------------------------------------

> ----

> Reason for posting

> In a letter to health professionals,1 Health Canada and GlaxoKline

> stated that 1127 reports of suspected adverse drug reactions for bupropion

> were received between May 1998 and May 28, 2001. Included were reports of 19

> deaths (including 1 case of liver failure, 1 case of myocarditis, 3 cases of

> suicide), 172 reports of seizures or convulsions and 37 reports of

> serum-sickness-like reactions. Although cause-and-effect relations have not

> been established in the vast majority of the reports, it is important to

> remind physicians and warn patients of possible adverse effects of this

> medication.

>

> The drug

>

> Bupropion appears to block noradrenergic reuptake and dopaminergic reuptake

> in the brain. It is used as an antidepressant (marketed in Canada as

> Wellbutrin SR) and as a smoking cessation aid (marketed in Canada as Zyban).

> Common adverse events include dry mouth and insomnia, nausea, headache and

> rash.2 Bupropion is known to reduce seizure thresholds, with a seizure rate

> of about 1 in 1000 subjects treated.3 Anaphylactoid reactions, including

> dyspnea, angioedema, urticaria and pruritus, have been reported at a rate of

> 1 to 3 cases per 1000 patients enrolled in clinical trials.2 Symptoms of

> arthralgias, myalgias and fever and rash resembling serum sickness have been

> reported rarely. For detailed descriptions of drug interactions and adverse

> effects, see the product monograph.

>

> What to do

>

> Patients should be warned of the risks of potential serious adverse effects

> of these medications, including seizures and allergic reactions. Zyban and

> Wellbutrin SR should not be administered concurrently, nor should they be

> prescribed to patients with a seizure disorder. Furthermore, bupropion

> should not be administered to patients with conditions altering the seizure

> threshold, including anorexia nervosa or bulimia, patients with potential

> benzodiazepine or alcohol withdrawal, those with head trauma or central

> nervous system pathology, or patients taking antipsychotic drugs, systemic

> steroids, quinolone antibiotics or antimalarial drugs. Doses should be

> limited to no more than 150 mg per single dose and to no more than 300 mg

> per day. If a seizure or allergic reaction occurs, the medication should be

> discontinued and appropriate medical attention sought. To avoid prolonged QT

> intervals and ventricle arrhythmias secondary to thioridazine toxicity,

> bupropion should not be administered if a monoamine oxidase inhibitor or

> thioridazine antipsychotic drug has been given within the past 14 days.

> Bupropion is contraindicated in patients with severe hepatic impairment. A

> patient information sheet is now available online.4 - Wooltorton, CMAJ

>

>

> ----------------------------------------------------------------------------

> ----

> References

> 1. Health Canada, GlaxoKline. Important safety information

> regarding bupropion. July 3, 2001. (accessed 2001 Nov 26).

> 2. Zyban, bupropion hydrochloride 150 mg sustained release tablets

> smoking cessation aid [product monograph]. Mississauga (ON):

> GlaxoKline; 2001 July 5.

> 3. Hurt RD, Sachs DPL, Glover ED, Offord KP, ston JA, Dale LC, et

> al. A comparison of sustained-release bupropion and placebo for smoking

> cessation. N Engl J Med 1997;337:1195-202. [MEDLINE]

> 4. Health Canada. Safety information for patients taking Zyban.

> (accessed 2001 Nov 29).

[Guest guest]

CATHERINE, sometimes I wonder if simply publishing the known or

suspected side-effects of these drugs (right from the insert, which

after all, we ARE supposed to read...) would deter most people from

ever taking this drug! The list is so horrifying. Taking these

drugs is Russian Roulette, and a public awareness initiative in that

direction would probably be effective.

Imagine a photograph of a child holding a gun to his/her head - and a

caption reading " do you want your child to take this chance? " or

something to that effect..... then with some suicide/murder statistics

attached. Imagine seeing this billboard every day on your way to work.

How about this one? " If you are depressed..... then you don't need

these - then a list of the side-effects "

PROZAC KILLS or SSRI's - KNOW THE FACTS

There's a lot that could be done with public awareness, just by

publishing what's in the little bottle of pills. Jamo

> Hi Everybody,

>

>

> Have you seen this?

>

>

> Bupropion (Zyban, Wellbutrin SR):

> reports of deaths, seizures, serum sickness

>

>

> ----------------------------------------------------------------------------

> ----

> Reason for posting

> In a letter to health professionals,1 Health Canada and GlaxoKline

> stated that 1127 reports of suspected adverse drug reactions for bupropion

> were received between May 1998 and May 28, 2001. Included were reports of 19

> deaths (including 1 case of liver failure, 1 case of myocarditis, 3 cases of

> suicide), 172 reports of seizures or convulsions and 37 reports of

> serum-sickness-like reactions. Although cause-and-effect relations have not

> been established in the vast majority of the reports, it is important to

> remind physicians and warn patients of possible adverse effects of this

> medication.

>

> The drug

>

> Bupropion appears to block noradrenergic reuptake and dopaminergic reuptake

> in the brain. It is used as an antidepressant (marketed in Canada as

> Wellbutrin SR) and as a smoking cessation aid (marketed in Canada as Zyban).

> Common adverse events include dry mouth and insomnia, nausea, headache and

> rash.2 Bupropion is known to reduce seizure thresholds, with a seizure rate

> of about 1 in 1000 subjects treated.3 Anaphylactoid reactions, including

> dyspnea, angioedema, urticaria and pruritus, have been reported at a rate of

> 1 to 3 cases per 1000 patients enrolled in clinical trials.2 Symptoms of

> arthralgias, myalgias and fever and rash resembling serum sickness have been

> reported rarely. For detailed descriptions of drug interactions and adverse

> effects, see the product monograph.

>

> What to do

>

> Patients should be warned of the risks of potential serious adverse effects

> of these medications, including seizures and allergic reactions. Zyban and

> Wellbutrin SR should not be administered concurrently, nor should they be

> prescribed to patients with a seizure disorder. Furthermore, bupropion

> should not be administered to patients with conditions altering the seizure

> threshold, including anorexia nervosa or bulimia, patients with potential

> benzodiazepine or alcohol withdrawal, those with head trauma or central

> nervous system pathology, or patients taking antipsychotic drugs, systemic

> steroids, quinolone antibiotics or antimalarial drugs. Doses should be

> limited to no more than 150 mg per single dose and to no more than 300 mg

> per day. If a seizure or allergic reaction occurs, the medication should be

> discontinued and appropriate medical attention sought. To avoid prolonged QT

> intervals and ventricle arrhythmias secondary to thioridazine toxicity,

> bupropion should not be administered if a monoamine oxidase inhibitor or

> thioridazine antipsychotic drug has been given within the past 14 days.

> Bupropion is contraindicated in patients with severe hepatic impairment. A

> patient information sheet is now available online.4 - Wooltorton, CMAJ

>

>

> ----------------------------------------------------------------------------

> ----

> References

> 1. Health Canada, GlaxoKline. Important safety information

> regarding bupropion. July 3, 2001. (accessed 2001 Nov 26).

> 2. Zyban, bupropion hydrochloride 150 mg sustained release tablets

> smoking cessation aid [product monograph]. Mississauga (ON):

> GlaxoKline; 2001 July 5.

> 3. Hurt RD, Sachs DPL, Glover ED, Offord KP, ston JA, Dale LC, et

> al. A comparison of sustained-release bupropion and placebo for smoking

> cessation. N Engl J Med 1997;337:1195-202. [MEDLINE]

> 4. Health Canada. Safety information for patients taking Zyban.

> (accessed 2001 Nov 29).

[Guest guest]

CATHERINE, sometimes I wonder if simply publishing the known or

suspected side-effects of these drugs (right from the insert, which

after all, we ARE supposed to read...) would deter most people from

ever taking this drug! The list is so horrifying. Taking these

drugs is Russian Roulette, and a public awareness initiative in that

direction would probably be effective.

Imagine a photograph of a child holding a gun to his/her head - and a

caption reading " do you want your child to take this chance? " or

something to that effect..... then with some suicide/murder statistics

attached. Imagine seeing this billboard every day on your way to work.

How about this one? " If you are depressed..... then you don't need

these - then a list of the side-effects "

PROZAC KILLS or SSRI's - KNOW THE FACTS

There's a lot that could be done with public awareness, just by

publishing what's in the little bottle of pills. Jamo

> Hi Everybody,

>

>

> Have you seen this?

>

>

> Bupropion (Zyban, Wellbutrin SR):

> reports of deaths, seizures, serum sickness

>

>

> ----------------------------------------------------------------------------

> ----

> Reason for posting

> In a letter to health professionals,1 Health Canada and GlaxoKline

> stated that 1127 reports of suspected adverse drug reactions for bupropion

> were received between May 1998 and May 28, 2001. Included were reports of 19

> deaths (including 1 case of liver failure, 1 case of myocarditis, 3 cases of

> suicide), 172 reports of seizures or convulsions and 37 reports of

> serum-sickness-like reactions. Although cause-and-effect relations have not

> been established in the vast majority of the reports, it is important to

> remind physicians and warn patients of possible adverse effects of this

> medication.

>

> The drug

>

> Bupropion appears to block noradrenergic reuptake and dopaminergic reuptake

> in the brain. It is used as an antidepressant (marketed in Canada as

> Wellbutrin SR) and as a smoking cessation aid (marketed in Canada as Zyban).

> Common adverse events include dry mouth and insomnia, nausea, headache and

> rash.2 Bupropion is known to reduce seizure thresholds, with a seizure rate

> of about 1 in 1000 subjects treated.3 Anaphylactoid reactions, including

> dyspnea, angioedema, urticaria and pruritus, have been reported at a rate of

> 1 to 3 cases per 1000 patients enrolled in clinical trials.2 Symptoms of

> arthralgias, myalgias and fever and rash resembling serum sickness have been

> reported rarely. For detailed descriptions of drug interactions and adverse

> effects, see the product monograph.

>

> What to do

>

> Patients should be warned of the risks of potential serious adverse effects

> of these medications, including seizures and allergic reactions. Zyban and

> Wellbutrin SR should not be administered concurrently, nor should they be

> prescribed to patients with a seizure disorder. Furthermore, bupropion

> should not be administered to patients with conditions altering the seizure

> threshold, including anorexia nervosa or bulimia, patients with potential

> benzodiazepine or alcohol withdrawal, those with head trauma or central

> nervous system pathology, or patients taking antipsychotic drugs, systemic

> steroids, quinolone antibiotics or antimalarial drugs. Doses should be

> limited to no more than 150 mg per single dose and to no more than 300 mg

> per day. If a seizure or allergic reaction occurs, the medication should be

> discontinued and appropriate medical attention sought. To avoid prolonged QT

> intervals and ventricle arrhythmias secondary to thioridazine toxicity,

> bupropion should not be administered if a monoamine oxidase inhibitor or

> thioridazine antipsychotic drug has been given within the past 14 days.

> Bupropion is contraindicated in patients with severe hepatic impairment. A

> patient information sheet is now available online.4 - Wooltorton, CMAJ

>

>

> ----------------------------------------------------------------------------

> ----

> References

> 1. Health Canada, GlaxoKline. Important safety information

> regarding bupropion. July 3, 2001. (accessed 2001 Nov 26).

> 2. Zyban, bupropion hydrochloride 150 mg sustained release tablets

> smoking cessation aid [product monograph]. Mississauga (ON):

> GlaxoKline; 2001 July 5.

> 3. Hurt RD, Sachs DPL, Glover ED, Offord KP, ston JA, Dale LC, et

> al. A comparison of sustained-release bupropion and placebo for smoking

> cessation. N Engl J Med 1997;337:1195-202. [MEDLINE]

> 4. Health Canada. Safety information for patients taking Zyban.

> (accessed 2001 Nov 29).