Bupropion Hydrochloride
Indications
Bupropion Hydrochloride is used to treat depression (major depressive disorder) and to help adults stop smoking. Some products combine it with Dextromethorphan for depression. Its antidepressant effect can take 2 to 4 weeks or longer to appear.
How It Works
Bupropion increases the activity of two brain chemicals, dopamine and noradrenaline, by slowing their reuptake into nerve cells. This helps improve mood and energy. It also reduces nicotine cravings and withdrawal symptoms. Unlike many antidepressants it does not act on serotonin, so it rarely causes weight gain or sexual side effects.
Dosage and Administration
Take exactly as prescribed. Your doctor will start with a low dose and increase it slowly. Swallow sustained-release or extended-release tablets whole; do not crush, chew or split them. Leave at least 8 hours between doses if taken twice daily, and avoid taking it near bedtime to reduce sleep problems. Never take two doses together or more than prescribed, as this raises the risk of seizures. For stopping smoking, treatment usually starts 1 to 2 weeks before your planned quit date. Do not stop suddenly without advice.
Interactions
Do not take with MAO inhibitors (such as Selegiline) or within 14 days of stopping them. Medicines that lower the seizure threshold, such as Tramadol, Theophylline, systemic corticosteroids, some antipsychotics and other antidepressants, increase seizure risk. Bupropion raises the levels of some medicines such as Metoprolol and may reduce the effect of Tamoxifen, while Clopidogrel and Carbamazepine can change Bupropion levels. Avoid alcohol or keep it to a minimum.
Contraindications
Do not take if you have epilepsy or a history of seizures, an eating disorder (bulimia or anorexia), a brain tumour, severe liver cirrhosis, if you are suddenly stopping alcohol or sedatives such as benzodiazepines, if you take another product containing Bupropion, or if you are allergic to it.
Side Effects
- Difficulty sleeping, vivid dreams
- Dry mouth, nausea, constipation
- Headache, dizziness, tremor
- Anxiety, restlessness, sweating
- Raised blood pressure
- Loss of appetite, weight loss
Get urgent medical help if you have a seizure, thoughts of suicide or self-harm, sudden worsening of mood, agitation, hallucinations or unusual behaviour, chest pain or fast irregular heartbeat, eye pain with vision changes, or a severe rash, swelling or difficulty breathing.
Pregnancy and Lactation
Discuss with your doctor; use in pregnancy only if the benefit is greater than the risk, and do not stop on your own. Small amounts pass into breast milk; if breastfeeding, ask your doctor and watch the baby for unusual sleepiness or irritability.
Precautions and Warnings
Antidepressants can increase suicidal thoughts in children, teenagers and young adults, especially early in treatment or after dose changes; families should watch closely. Blood pressure should be checked. Use with care in liver or kidney disease, bipolar disorder, heart disease and in people with head injury or diabetes treated with medicines that can cause low blood sugar. Do not drive until you know how it affects you.
Overdose
Overdose can cause seizures, hallucinations, fast heartbeat, heart rhythm problems and loss of consciousness, and can be fatal. Seek emergency medical help immediately.
Therapeutic Class
Antidepressant (noradrenaline and dopamine reuptake inhibitor); smoking cessation aid.
Storage
Store below 30°C in a dry place, away from light and out of the reach of children.
Prepared by the Oshud Alo team from standard drug references. For information only; always follow your doctor's advice.
All brands of Bupropion Hydrochloride