Wellbutrin XL Gets Canadian Approval
Biovail got Canadian approval for their anti depression drug Wellbutrin XL in 150 and 300 mg once a day tablets.
Biovail aims to begin selling the drug late in the first quarter of this year.
Once-daily Wellbutrin XL is an effective first-line treatment for depression with a low incidence of sexual dysfunction, weight gain and somnolence,” said Douglas Herman, vice-president and general manager of Biovail Pharmaceuticals Canada.
“This tolerability profile is important, given that drug-related side-effects of anti-depressants are a major reason why treatment may be discontinued.”
However, side-effects in clinical trials included headaches, insomnia, dizziness and decreased appetite, the company cautioned.
Developed by Biovail in October 2001, the drug has been on the market in the United States since September 2003. Biovail said an estimated 1.4 million Canadians are affected by depression.
Wellbutrin is also for people wanting to stop smoking and also for ADD. It works by affecting two neurotransmitters, Dopamine and Norepinephrine, unlike most antidepressant drugs which mainly work on the Seretonin.
