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what are the benefits of taking wellbutrin

by Prof. Rubye Hettinger Jr. Published 3 years ago Updated 2 years ago
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Bupropion is used to treat depression. It can improve your mood and feelings of well-being. It may work by helping to restore the balance of certain natural chemicals (neurotransmitters) in your brain.

Precautions

  • Black box warning and risk of serious side effects
  • Ingredients are not approved for weight loss
  • Can interact with other medications

What are the pros and cons of taking Wellbutrin?

Severe Side Effects Of Wellbutrin

  • Seizures. Virtually all antidepressants have some seizure risk. ...
  • Vision Changes. Wellbutrin can cause blurry vision, doubled vision, or image distortion due to its dopaminergic and nor-epinephrine effect.
  • Cardiovascular Wellbutrin Side Effects. There are certain Wellbutrin XL side effects that may affect the cardiovascular system as well. ...

What side effects are common when taking Wellbutrin?

You will know that Wellbutrin is working when your symptoms will become less severe or will happen less often. You will slowly start feeling like yourself again. But you have to be patient, as it may take several weeks before starting to see the effects of Wellbutrin.

How long doesit take to feel better when using Wellbutrin?

Vitals

  • Bupropion (brand name Wellbutrin) can cause weight loss in some people.
  • Originally prescribed as an antidepressant, bupropion is now also prescribed for weight loss and as a smoking cessation aid.
  • Weight-loss medications are typically prescribed if your BMI is over 30 (or 27 and above if you have health problems).

More items...

How taking Wellbutrin could cause weight loss?

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What are the positive effects of Wellbutrin?

What are the benefits of taking Wellbutrin?treatment of major depressive disorder and seasonal affective disorder.helping people stop smoking.less sexual side effects, such as lowered sex drive, than other antidepressants.no known problems that develop from long-term use.

Does Wellbutrin work immediately?

Immediate-release: The regular formulation, simply named Wellbutrin, is an immediate-release medication, which means that it begins to work shortly after you take it. Because it acts quickly, it can be taken up to three times a day. This formulation is used to treat MDD.

Does Wellbutrin give you energy?

With the increase of dopamine that Wellbutrin provides, some patients may experience a boost of energy and motivation while taking Wellbutrin.

How fast is weight loss on Wellbutrin?

How long does it take for Wellbutrin to work for weight loss? In people who lose weight as a side effect of Wellbutrin, it is possible to notice weight changes within eight weeks. However, Wellbutrin is not a weight-loss drug and may not produce consistent results when taken for this purpose.

Will Wellbutrin make you happy?

For the most part, Wellbutrin is considered to be a relatively safe antidepressant. However, since Wellbutrin affects the “feel-good” brain neurotransmitters norepinephrine and dopamine, it is sometimes taken to achieve a stimulant-like high.

Is Wellbutrin good for anxiety?

Also known as bupropion, Wellbutrin has been established as an effective antidepressant demonstrating an impressive ability to reduce anxiety levels. There are many benefits to Wellbutrin as an anxiety treatment, including its lack of common mood medication symptoms, like weight gain and sexual side effects.

What is the downside of Wellbutrin?

Adverse reactions commonly encountered in subjects treated with WELLBUTRIN are agitation, dry mouth, insomnia, headache/migraine, nausea/vomiting, constipation, tremor, dizziness, excessive sweating, blurred vision, tachycardia, confusion, rash, hostility, cardiac arrhythmia, and auditory disturbance.

How Wellbutrin changed my life?

Wellbutrin has literally changed my life in so many positive ways. I manage stresses better, the feeling of a looming funk is gone and I've gotten really into running and lost a lot of weight. After about 2 years of being on Wellbutrin I slowly stopped taking it.

Is Wellbutrin a stimulant like Adderall?

Are Wellbutrin and Adderall the same? No. Wellbutrin is an antidepressant, and Adderall is a stimulant. They have differences in dosing, pricing, side effects, and drug interactions.

How can I tell if Wellbutrin is working?

Sleep, energy, or appetite may show some improvement within the first 1-2 weeks. Improvement in these physical symptoms can be an important early signal that the medication is working. Depressed mood and lack of interest in activities may need up to 6-8 weeks to fully improve.

What is the strongest weight loss prescription pill?

Phentermine-Topiramate extended release (Qsymia) is the most effective weight loss drug available to date. It combines an adrenergic agonist with a neurostabilizer. Daily doses with four strengths start at 3.75/23mg to 15mg/92mg.

Does Wellbutrin help with focus?

Wellbutrin is a norepinephrine and dopamine reuptake inhibitor (NDRI). It helps improve concentration and focus by keeping the neurotransmitters norepinephrine and dopamine available to the brain's neurons for a longer time.

What is wellbutrin used for?

Last updated on May 27, 2021. 1. How it works. Wellbutrin is a brand (trade) name for bupropion which is an antidepressant that may be used to treat Major Depressive Disorder (MDD) and Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD).

What to do if you are allergic to Wellbutrin?

Be alert for changes in behavior or mood including agitation, depression, or suicide-related events. Seek immediate medical advice if any changes are apparent. Stop taking Wellbutrin if any symptoms suggestive of an allergic reaction occur (such as itchiness, body rash, swelling) and seek immediate medical help.

How long does it take for bupropion to work?

Improvements in sleep, energy, or appetite may be apparent within the first 1-2 weeks. Depressed mood or motivation may take up to 6-8 weeks to fully improve. Bupropion is metabolized to three active metabolites once in the body, each with varying durations of action. 7. Interactions.

What medications interact with Wellbutrin?

Common medications that may interact with Wellbutrin include: antiarrhythmics, such as amiodarone or flecainide. anticonvulsants, such as carbamazepine, phenytoin, phenobarbital, or primidone.

Does bupropion cause neuropsychiatric symptoms?

Symptoms have occurred in people with and without pre-existing psychiatric disease. People taking bupropion should be monitored for the appearance of neuropsychiatric symptoms. Most cases resolve on discontinuation of Wellbutrin (bupropion); however, a few may persist.

Does Wellbutrin cause anxiety?

Severe neuropsychiatric symptoms, including agitation, anxiety, delusions, hallucinations, panic disorder, paranoia, and psychosis have been reported with Wellbutrin (bupropion) and it carries a black box warning for these effects. Symptoms have occurred in people with and without pre-existing psychiatric disease.

Is bupropion an antidepressant?

Bupropion is an aminoketone antidepressant and is chemically unrelated to any other type of antidepressant. 2. Upsides. Wellbutrin was used to relieve the symptoms of depression in Major Depressive Disorder (MDD) and Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD).

Why did Wellbutrin stop working?

Studiesshow that around 2% on Wellbutrin stopped treatment with this medication due to symptoms that are related to anxiety. Some of the above-mentioned symptoms were serious enough to warrant the use of sedative and/or anti-anxiety medication to calm the patients.

How long does it take for Wellbutrin to work?

It may take up to 4 to 6 weeks for improvement in depressed mood and lack of interest in activities. If medication is working, there should be some improvement in sleep quality, energy and appetite within the first 1 to 2 weeks. Wellbutrin and Anxiety.

What is the generic name for Wellbutrin?

It is also used for several ‘off-label’ conditions. It works by increasing certain activities in the brain. The generic name for Wellbutrin is Bupropion. Uses of Wellbutrin.

When to take bupropion XL?

Bupropion XL is usually taken only in the morning. Your doctor will determine the dosage that you need and will most likely start with a low dosage and adjust according to your response towards the drug. Bupropion can be taken on an empty stomach or after food.

Does wellbutrin help with anxiety?

However, medications such as Wellbutrin can help those who are suffering from anxiety disorders to live a normal life. Although there seems to be quite a number of side effects with this drug, it can be very helpful in battling anxiety when prescribed by your physician.

Does bupropion help with panic attacks?

Additionally, a studyon bupropion demonstrated that it can help treat panic disorder. In this study, patients suffering with panic disorder who were given 150mg of bupropion daily had significantly reduced anxiety symptoms. Side Effects of Wellbutrin.

Is bupropion XL as effective as escitalopram?

Research shows that bupropion XL is as effective as escitalopram, a Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitor (SSRI)when used to treat Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD). This means that Wellbutrin can well be used as a second or third line treatment for GAD.

What is the active ingredient in Wellbutrin?

Additionally, another brand of bupropion (the active ingredient in Wellbutrin) called Zyban is used to help people quit smoking. Other off label uses sometimes include social anxiety disorder, PTSD, and even some forms of nerve pain.

How long does it take for Wellbutrin SR to go away?

Side effects may occur but they usually go away within a few weeks as your body adjusts. The most common side effects for Wellbutrin, Wellbutrin SR, and Wellbutrin XL include:

How long should bupropion be stored?

If you happen to miss a dose of bupropion, take it as soon as you remember. Any remaining doses for the day should be taken at least four hours apart.

Is bupropion an antidepressant?

Warnings & Interactions. Wellbutrin ( bupropion ) is an antidepressant that treats a number of conditions. It comes as an immediate-release, sustained-release, or extended-release tablet that is taken orally.

Does wellbutrin affect libido?

One factor that makes Wellbutrin especially unique among antidepressants is that it doesn't tend to affect your libido and sexual function. In fact, it's often prescribed along with other antidepressants to help counter the sexual side effects found in other types like loss of desire. Verywell / JR Bee.

Does wellbutrin go away?

Check in with your doctor about any side effects you're experiencing with Wellbutrin if they're severe, bothersome, get worse, or don't go away. Again, the most common ones are the least serious and are likely to be temporary. Get help right away if you have any side effects that could be serious or life-threatening.

Can wellbutrin cause life threatening side effects?

Some side effects of Wellbutrin can be severe or even potentially life-threatening. Get medical help right away if you experience any of the following while taking any version of Wellbutrin: 1 

Can you get anxious after taking Wellbutrin?

Because these symptoms may be related to the dosage of your medication, speak with your doctor if you’re feeling anxious after starting Wellbutrin.

Does wellbutrin affect serotonin?

The exact way Wellbutrin works to treat these conditions is unknown. It’s thought to affect levels of mood-influencing chemicals called dopamine and norepinephrine. This is different from some other antidepressants, which affect levels of serotonin. Wellbutrin can also be prescribed off-label for some conditions.

Does bupropion help with panic attacks?

There’s also some evidence that bupropion may help treat panic disorder. One case study found that bupropion at a dose of 150 milligrams daily improved panic and anxiety symptoms in an individual with panic disorder.

Does wellbutrin cause anxiety?

Medications can affect people in different ways. As such, Wellbutrin has been linked to anxiety in some cases. But while it can cause anxiety in some people, it is an effective treatment for anxiety disorders in others. Read on to learn more about Wellbutrin, its link with anxiety, and the benefits and risks of using it.

Is wellbutrin an antidepressant?

on March 1, 2019. Causes anxiety. Treats anxiety. Indications. Risks. Benefits. Bottom line. Wellbutrin is an antidepressant medication that has several on- and off-label uses. You may also see it referred to by its generic name, bupropion.

Is Wellbutrin prescribed off label?

Wellbutrin can also be prescribed off-label for some conditions. Off-label means that the FDA hasn’t approved it to treat these conditions. These conditions include: attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) bipolar d i sorder. neuropathic pain.

How does wellbutrin help you lose weight?

Wellbutrin works to help with weight loss by modulating appetite and by altering specific neurotransmitter levels. Wellbutrin generally helps people lose anywhere from 2-10% of their body weight over several months.

Do antidepressants cause weight gain?

Other anti-depressants, especially the class of selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRI's for short) are actually well known to cause weight gain (8) to the tune of 5-10 pounds (or more depending on the person).

Can you take wellbutrin and naltrexone together?

Combining Wellbutrin with Naltrexone (LDN) Scientists have found that many medications lead to weight loss by themselves, but they have also found that combining medications often lead to even better results. This holds true for the combination of Wellbutrin plus Naltrexone. This combination is known as Contrave .

Does wellbutrin affect weight?

It's also known by Bupropion (which is the generic version of Wellbutrin). Wellbutrin exerts its influence on mood and weight by altering specific neurotransmitters and by acting as a norepinephrine and dopamine uptake inhibitor (1). Wellbutrin basically acts to increase the amount of adrenaline ...

Does wellbutrin make you anxious?

This effect may be mediating through excessive adrenaline (norepinephrine) levels, but it's not clear. If you find that taking Wellbutrin is making you feel more jittery or anxious then this may be happening to you. Third: Wellbutrin may influence sleeping behavior and promote insomnia (10).

Rated for Depression Report

I’ve been prescribed 150 XL of bupropion one tablet for a week, and two tablets daily after the first week. I’m on day 11 having three days where I’ve been on a double dose. It’s been awful since day 2. Increased heart rate that makes me concerned, as i am almost at a loss of breath because it’s thumping out of my chest so badly.

Rated for Depression Report

I was diagnosed with depression after years of chronic pain. The depression was more melancholic/ sadness than irritability. I had extreme fatigue, too. I read up on the scientific articles and requested to start with 100mg SR. Aftershock few wells, my physician increased the dosage to 2 per day, then to 2 150mg per day.

Rated for Depression Report

Was on Zoloft for a long time and it began to make me so sleepy and low energy. It helped sadness a lot, but it was like being wrapped in cotton wool. Recently began taking Wellbutrin and really liked it as it made me feel more awake, less tired and cleared away the brain fog.

Rated for Smoking - Nicotine dependence Report

After a couple days of taking this medication, I developed severe and intense shoulder and neck pain. It started on the left side on day and moved to the right the next. It is worse when I breath. This is miserable and I am discontinuing my usage. Horrible pain.

Rated for Smoking - Nicotine dependence Report

Quit smoking, but also, changed my life. I feel significantly happier, and requested to stay on it longer. I have lost 10lbs, quit smoking, my divorce is tolerable, and I've never felt sexier. Thinner, happier, sexier. Why did I wait so long to get help?

Rated for Depression Report

i have struggled with depression starting late in my teenage years. In my early 30s i was diagnosed with depression. After trying and failing many antidepressants, I was prescribed branded wellbutrin and it changed my life for the better. Im still on it and as long as i get the branded wellbutrin it works.

Rated for Depression Report

I started taking wellbutrin XL at 150mg about two months ago. The first two weeks were pretty hard. I was extremely dizzy, had brain fog, and the dizziness made me nauseous. I also have ringing in my ears from it but I’ve learned to ignore it. It’s only bothersome if a room is completely silent. The pros are amazing.

Does wellbutrin cause anxiety?

Downside wellbutrin is anxiety may increase because they does not appear to have any-anxiety effects and it does not help against panic attacks. Highly recommend to seek doctor advice, make sure to tell about all other medication you use, bleeding problem, low level sodium, heart disease, liver or kidney disease (such as showing symptoms of kidney stones ), alcohol habits, drug use, vitamin, herbs and so on and following the right dose.

Does Zoloft help with serotonin?

Zoloft is very well know medicine that helps balance serotonin in the brain. You can also check out full article about benefits and side effects of zoloft in here. While wellbutrin helps people quit smoking cigarettes and marijuana.

How long does it take for bupropion to work?

It takes a few months for bupropion to improve sexual life, so one should be monitored by a physician during this period. Risks of Wellbutrin addiction and abuse exist, especially during long-term treatment, and if any signs of addiction appear, one should visit a rehabilitation facility.

Is bupropion safe for sexual desire?

Most antidepressants are known for lowering patients libido and sexual desire. Fortunately, bupropion is not one of them. All of its formulations are standing among the safest antidepressants almost without potential sexual side effects.

Does bupropion interfere with dopamine?

Based on the pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics of bupropion, Wellbutrin and dopamine inhibition occurs. Furthermore, bupropion prevents the reuptake of norepinephrine. So, does this interference of norepinephrine make Wellbutrin safe for sex?#N#One of Wellbutrin benefits for a good sexual experience is the release of dopamine. This also helps in relieving stress. Recent scientific evidence revealed bupropion was observed to have restored normal sexual functioning in about 70% of the research population. Both men and women were included in the research, as well as young and older adults, from 18 years to 80 years old. The results show that this medication is suitable for both genders and all ages. Conclusively, there were no Wellbutrin sexual side effects found by this research.

Does wellbutrin cause sexual dysfunction?

Wellbut rin Benefits For Sexual Dysfunction In Women. Wellbutrin doesn’t lead to sexual dysfunction in women. It rather enables good sexual health. This medication eventually leads to faster and multiple orgasms in women. According to a study on the psychosexual dysfunction experienced in people of both genders, ...

Does wellbutrin cause hypersexuality?

Wellbutrin does not usually cause hypersexuality. There is some anecdotal evidence of increasing in sexual interest after the concomitant use of Wellbutrin with SSRIs, but further research has proven that this side effect resulted from SSRI use, not Wellbutrin. Besides a lot of cases of Wellbutrin anxiety that patients may experience, ...

Is bupropion a good drug for HSDD?

Bupropion is known as a reliable medication against Hypoactive sexual desire disorder (HSDD), and Wellbutrin and sex drive’s improvement is a known fact.

Does wellbutrin help with stress?

One of Wellbutrin benefits for a good sexual experience is the release of dopamine. This also helps in relieving stress. Recent scientific evidence revealed bupropion was observed to have restored normal sexual functioning in about 70% of the research population.

What is wellbutrin used for?

Wellbutrin (bupropion) is an antidepressant medication used to treat major depressive disorder and seasonal affective disorder. Wellbutrin may also be used for purposes not listed in this medication guide.

How long after taking bupropion can you take MAO inhibitor?

Do not use an MAO inhibitor within 14 days before or 14 days after you take bupropion. A dangerous drug interaction could occur.

Can you take bupropion with depression?

If you take bupropion for depression, do not also take this medicine to quit smoking. Wellbutrin may cause seizures, especially if you have certain medical conditions or use certain drugs. Tell your doctor about all of your medical conditions and the drugs you use.

Does bupropion cause weight loss?

When used in combination with bupropion, naltrexone is approved to help promote weight loss . Naltrexone is known to frequently cause stomach side effects like nausea and vomiting, stomach pain or cramping, and loss of appetite which could contribute to weight loss.

Can you take wellbutrin while pregnant?

Your family or other caregivers should also be alert to changes in your mood or symptoms. Ask your doctor about taking Wellbutrin if you are pregnant. It is not known whether bupropion will harm an unborn baby. However, you may have a relapse of depression if you stop taking your antidepressant.

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How It Works

Bupropion is used to treat depression.

Status: Discontinued

May Treat: Major depressive disorder · Seasonal affective disorder · Smoking cessation

Drug Class: Antidepressant-Norepinephrine and Dopamine Reuptake Inhibitors (NDRIs)

Availability: Prescription Required

Pregnancy: Consult a doctor before using

Status: Discontinued

May Treat: Major depressive disorder · Seasonal affective disorder · Smoking cessation

Drug Class: Antidepressant-Norepinephrine and Dopamine Reuptake Inhibitors (NDRIs)

Availability: Prescription Required

Pregnancy: Consult a doctor before using

Lactation: Consult a doctor before using

Alcohol: Limit intake while taking this medication

Driving: May cause drowsiness or dizziness. Use caution

Manufacturer: GLAXOSMITHKLINE

Precautions

  • Before use, important to read the Medication Guide
  • Immediately report to MD any thoughts of suicide.
  • Call MD for mental or mood changes.

  • Before use, important to read the Medication Guide
  • Immediately report to MD any thoughts of suicide.
  • Call MD for mental or mood changes.
  • May make you dizzy. Use caution when driving.
  • Avoid drinking alcohol
  • Tell doctor your complete medical history.
  • For tablet products : Review all drugs you are taking with your doctor. Check warnings on OTC medications.
  • For tablet, sustained-release 12 hr products : Do not chew or crush. OK to split tablet if scored. Empty tablet shell may appear in stool.

Upsides

Downsides

Bottom Line

Tips

Response and Effectiveness

  1. Wellbutrin was used to relieve the symptoms of depression in Major Depressive Disorder (MDD) and Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD).
  2. Generic bupropion is available and bupropion is also marketed under other brand names such as Aplenzin (also for depression) and Zyban (for smoking cessation).
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Interactions

  • If you are between the ages of 18 and 60, take no other medication or have no other medical conditions, side effects you are more likely to experience include: 1. Insomnia, headache, dizziness, dry mouth, sore throat, nausea, and constipation were the more commonly reported side effects. May have also caused abdominal pain, abnormal dreams, flushing, muscle and join…
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References

  • Wellbutrin may be used in the treatment of depression; however, side effects may include insomnia, neuropsychiatric adverse events, or seizures. It carries a black box warning because it may cause...
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Further Information

  1. Can be taken with or without food.
  2. Avoid taking the last dose of the day after 5pm to minimize the risk of insomnia. At least eight hours should separate twice daily dosings of Wellbutrin, and at least six hours should separate thre...
  3. Regardless of whether Wellbutrin is being used as an antidepressant or as a smoking cessati…
  1. Can be taken with or without food.
  2. Avoid taking the last dose of the day after 5pm to minimize the risk of insomnia. At least eight hours should separate twice daily dosings of Wellbutrin, and at least six hours should separate thre...
  3. Regardless of whether Wellbutrin is being used as an antidepressant or as a smoking cessation aid, it should be started at a low dose and tapered up slowly over several days. Your doctor will advis...
  4. Zyban contains the same active ingredient as Wellbutrin, which is bupropion, and the two should never be used together.

Overview

  1. Improvements in sleep, energy, or appetite may be apparent within the first 1-2 weeks. Depressed mood or motivation may take up to 6-8 weeks to fully improve.
  2. Bupropion is metabolized to three active metabolites once in the body, each with varying durations of action.
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Risks

  • Medicines that interact with Wellbutrin may either decrease its effect, affect how long it works for, increase side effects, or have less of an effect when taken with Wellbutrin. An interaction between two medications does not always mean that you must stop taking one of the medications; however, sometimes it does. Speak to your doctor about how drug interactions should be mana…
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Pharmacology

  • Wellbutrin (bupropion) (Package Insert). Revised 03/2022. GlaxoSmithKline LLC https://www.drugs.com/pro/wellbutrin.html
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Uses

  • Remember, keep this and all other medicines out of the reach of children, never share your medicines with others, and use wellbutrin only for the indication prescribed. Always consult your healthcare provider to ensure the information displayed on this page applies to your personal circumstances. Copyright 1996-2022 Drugs.com. Revision date: May 26, 2022. Medical Disclaimer
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Side effects

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Wellbutrin (bupropion) is an antidepressant that treats a number of conditions. One factor that makes it especially unique among antidepressants is that Wellbutrin doesn't tend to affect your libido and sexual function. In fact, it's often prescribed along with other antidepressants to help counter the sexual side effects found in …
See more on verywellmind.com

Prevention

  • That said, Wellbutrin in any form isn't without side effects, some of which are serious, so if your doctor prescribes Wellbutrin for you, it's important to be aware of these. Some are merely bothersome and likely to disappear as your system gets used to the medication, but others may be serious and should prompt you to call your doctor right away to let him or her know that you'r…
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Results

  • Among antidepressants, Wellbutrin (bupropion) is in a category all its ownit's the only medication in its class, called norepinephrine-dopamine reuptake inhibitors (NDRIs), that boosts the neurotransmitters norepinephrine and dopamine. By contrast, selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) like Prozac (fluoxetine) and Zoloft (sertraline) affect serotonin, while serotoni…
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