Bupropion is an antidepressant medication used to treat depression and seasonal affective disorder. It is also prescribed to support smoking cessation and weight management. The active ingredient in Wellbutrin and Zyban, bupropion is combined with dextromethorphan in Auvelity and with naltrexone in Contrave. Bupropion works by altering the levels of certain chemicals in the brain, including noradrenaline and dopamine, to improve mood regulation and reduce nicotine cravings. When combined with naltrexone, it helps reduce food intake.

FDA Approval and Brand Uses:

• FDA Approval Date: December 30, 1985
• Wellbutrin SR: Major depressive disorder (MDD)
• Wellbutrin XL: MDD and seasonal affective disorder (SAD)
• Zyban: Smoking cessation (discontinued)
• Auvelity (bupropion and dextromethorphan): MDD in adults
• Contrave (bupropion and naltrexone): Weight management

Side Effects:

Common Side Effects:

• Dry mouth, sore throat, stuffy nose
• Ringing in the ears
• Blurred vision
• Nausea, vomiting, stomach pain, loss of appetite, constipation
• Sleep problems (insomnia)
• Tremors, sweating, feeling anxious or nervous
• Fast heartbeats
• Confusion, agitation, hostility
• Rash
• Weight loss
• Increased urination
• Headache, dizziness
• Muscle or joint pain

Serious Side Effects:

• Allergic reactions (hives, itching, fever, swollen glands, difficulty breathing, swelling in face or throat, severe skin reactions)
• New or worsening symptoms (mood or behavior changes, anxiety, depression, panic attacks, trouble sleeping, impulsiveness, irritability, agitation, hostility, aggression, restlessness, hyperactivity, suicidal thoughts)
• Seizures (convulsions)
• Confusion, unusual mood or behavior changes
• Blurred vision, tunnel vision, eye pain or swelling, seeing halos around lights
• Fast or irregular heartbeats
• Manic episodes (racing thoughts, increased energy, reckless behavior, extreme happiness or irritability, talking more than usual, severe sleep problems)

Warnings:

• Do not use bupropion if you have seizures, an eating disorder, or have recently stopped using alcohol, seizure medication, or sedatives.
• Avoid combining two bupropion-containing medications.
• Do not use bupropion within 14 days of using MAO inhibitors (isocarboxazid, linezolid, methylene blue injection, phenelzine, rasagiline, selegiline, tranylcypromine).

Before Taking Bupropion:

• Discuss all medical conditions and current medications with your doctor.
• Avoid if you have a seizure disorder, an eating disorder, or have recently stopped using alcohol or sedatives.
• Inform your doctor of any history of head injury, seizures, brain or spinal cord tumors, narrow-angle glaucoma, heart disease, high blood pressure, heart attack, diabetes, kidney or liver disease, depression, bipolar disorder, or alcohol use.
• Monitor mental health closely, especially when starting or adjusting the dose.
• Pregnant or breastfeeding women should consult their healthcare provider about potential risks.

How to Take Bupropion:

• Follow the prescribed dosage carefully.
• Do not crush, chew, or break tablets.
• Take with food if stomach upset occurs.
• Avoid taking tablets close to bedtime if they affect sleep.
• Gradually increase dosage as advised by your doctor.
• Continue taking the medication even if you feel well, and consult your doctor before stopping.
• Monitor blood pressure, especially when using nicotine replacement products.
• Inform lab staff about bupropion use if undergoing drug screening.

Missed Dose and Overdose:

• If a dose is missed, take it as soon as remembered. Skip if it's near the next scheduled dose. Do not double doses.
• Overdose requires immediate medical attention. Symptoms include muscle stiffness, hallucinations, fast or uneven heartbeat, shallow breathing, or fainting.

What to Avoid:

• Avoid alcohol to reduce seizure risk.
• Be cautious with activities requiring alertness, such as driving.

Drug Interactions:

• Increased seizure risk with certain medications.
• Many drugs can interact with bupropion; disclose all medications to your doctor.
• Notable interactions include digoxin, MAOIs, drugs that lower seizure threshold, CYP2B6 inducers, CYP2D6 metabolized drugs, and dopaminergic drugs.

Storage:

• Store at room temperature, 20° to 25°C (68° to 77°F).

For more detailed information on bupropion, including dosage guidelines, consult your healthcare provider or medication guide.

The product image are for the references only generic equivalents may also be supplied by alternative manufacturers.