Bupropion: Side Effects, Uses, Interaction and Precautions

GENERIC NAME- Bupropion

BRAND NAME(s)- Zyban, Wellbutrin SR, Wellbutrin XL, Aplenzin, Forfivo XL, Budeprion XL

What is Bupropion?

Bupropion is an antidepressant used to treat major depressive disorder and seasonal affective disorder (SAD).

Bupropion is also used as an aid for smoking cessation. It helps to reduce the severity of nicotine cravings and withdrawal symptoms. The effectiveness of this medicine is comparable to nicotine replacement therapy. But it is less effective than varenicline. (1) (2) (3)

Bupropion was first made by a chemist named Nariman Mehta in 1969. It was patented by Burroughs Wellcome in 1974. (4)

How to Use?

Use Bupropion exactly as directed by your doctor. Follow all the instructions described on your prescription label. Do not take it in larger or smaller amounts or for longer than recommended.

You don't need to change the dose or stop using this medicine suddenly. If you suddenly stop using this medicine, it can cause unwanted withdrawal symptoms. Store at room temperature away from heat and moisture.

Bupropion Side Effects :

Common Bupropion side effects may include (5) -

Dry mouth
Nausea
Vomiting
Stomach pain
Loss of appetite
Constipation
Sore throat
Stuffy nose
Ringing in the ears
Blurred vision
Headache
Dizziness
Sleep problems (insomnia)
Fast heartbeats
Confusion
Agitation, hostility
Rashes
Weight loss
Increased urination
Muscle or joint pain
Tremors, sweating, feeling anxious or nervous

Call your doctor if you have the following symptoms (5) -

A seizure
Confusion
Unusual changes in behavior
Irregular heartbeat
Blurred or tunnel vision
Eye pain or swelling
Seeing halos around lights
Manic episode - increased energy, reckless behavior, racing thoughts, talkative, feeling extremely happy or irritable, sleeping problems

Interactions :

Some drugs may interact with this medicine. Tell your doctor about the medication you are currently taking. Do not stop, start or change the dose of any medicine without your doctor's approval. Tell your doctor if you are using any other medications; such as (4) (5) (6) -

Paroxetine
Sertraline
Fluoxetine
Diazepam
Clopidogrel
Orphenadrine
Carbamazepine
Clotrimazole
Rifampicin
Ritonavir
St John's wort
Phenobarbital
Some vitamins and herbal products
Phenytoin
Carbapenems
Cholinergic agents
Fluoroquinolones
Interferons
Some tricyclic antidepressants such as clomipramine
Chloroquine
Mefloquine
Lindane
Theophylline
Systemic corticosteroids such as prednisone
Codeine
Pimozide
Tamoxifen
MAO inhibitors such as linezolid, methylene blue, isocarboxazid, moclobemide, phenelzine, rasagiline, safinamide, procarbazine, selegiline, tranylcypromine

Precautions :

Before taking Bupropion, tell your doctor or health care provider if you are allergic to it or if you have a history of any other allergies.

Before using this medicine, tell your doctor about your medical history; especially of (6) -

Diabetes
Heart disease
High blood pressure
Kidney disease
Liver disease
Use or abuse of drugs and alcohol
Seizures or conditions that increase the risk of seizures such as brain or head injury, brain tumor, eating disorders such as anorexia nervosa or bulimia
Personal or family history of glaucoma

Bupropion is not approved for the use by individuals younger than 18 years.

It is not recommended to take this medicine during pregnancy. It may harm an unborn baby. Ask your doctor if you are pregnant or planning to get pregnant. (7) (8)

This medicine passes into breast milk and may have unwanted side effects. Ask your doctor if you're breast-feeding.

What Happens If Missed a Dose?

Take the missed dose as soon as you remember. Skip the missed dose if it is almost the time for next scheduled dose. Do not take extra drug to make up the missed dose.

What Happens If I Take an Overdose?

An overdose of this medicine can be fatal. Bupropion overdose symptoms may include hallucinations, muscle stiffness, fast or slow heartbeat, shallow breathing or fainting.

Seek emergency medical help or call the Poison Help line at 1-800-222-1222.