Bupropion
About Bupropion
Bupropion is used in the treatment of depression. It is also used to help people stop smoking. Depression is a mood disorder that affects a person's day-to-day life.
Bupropion contains Bupropion, which increases the level of serotonin in the brain responsible for improving mood and physical symptoms of depression. It helps people quit smoking by reducing cravings.
Take Bupropion as prescribed by your doctor. In some cases, you may experience side effects, such as nausea, headache, dizziness, vomiting, difficulty sleeping, fever, constipation, sweating, impaired concentration, and dry mouth. If you experience these side effects persistently, consult your doctor.
Tell your doctor if you are allergic to any of the components in Bupropion. Inform the doctor if you are pregnant or breastfeeding, taking any other medication, or have any pre-existing medical conditions.
Uses of Bupropion
Medicinal Benefits
When used as prescribed, Bupropion may offer the following benefits:
For Depression:
- Enhances depressed individuals' mood, vitality, and enthusiasm for everyday activities.
- Aids in lowering motivation, weariness, and poor focus.
- Can be particularly beneficial for depression accompanied by hypersomnia and low energy.
For Smoking cessation:
- Lowers withdrawal symptoms and nicotine cravings after quitting smoking.
- Enhances mood and lessens the irritation that comes with stopping smoking.
- Increases the success rate of long-term quitting when paired with assistance or counselling.
Directions for Use
- Bupropion should be taken with food to avoid stomach upset.
- It is usually taken 3-4 times a day. However, your doctor may adjust the dose and duration of Bupropion based on your medical condition.
- Swallow Bupropion as a whole with a glass of water.
- Do not crush, break, or chew it.
Storage
Side Effects of Bupropion
- Nausea
- Headache
- Dizziness
- Vomiting
- Insomnia (difficulty in sleeping)
- Fever
- Weight loss
- Muscle pain
- Constipation
- Sweating
- Impaired concentration
- Dryness in the mouth
Drug Warnings
- Do not take Bupropion if you are allergic to any of its ingredients.
- Tell your doctor if you are taking antipsychotic medication, antihypertensives, or antidepressants, especially if you are taking MAO inhibitors (medicine to treat depression).
- Patients with liver diseases, diabetes, heart disease and bleeding disorders should use Bupropion with caution.
- Please do not stop the treatment abruptly, as it can cause withdrawal reactions.
- Bupropion may cause suicidal thoughts and worsen anxiety. Consult your doctor right away if you have suicidal tendencies.
- Always take it in the dose and duration prescribed by a doctor, and never self-medicate.
Drug Interactions
Drug-Drug Interactions: Bupropion may interact with certain medicines and either increase side effects. Inform your doctor if you are taking any of these medicines.
- Asthma medicine (Theophylline)
• Potential effect: May increase the risk of seizures when taken in combination. - Depression medicine (Escitalopram, Selegiline)
• Potential effect: May cause increased blood pressure, which could be dangerous. - Mental illness medicine (Risperidone, Thioridazine)
• Potential effect: May increase the risk of seizures when taken in combination.
Drug-Food Interaction: Avoid consuming alcohol along with Bupropion as it may increase dizziness and sleepiness.
Drug-Disease Interaction: Inform your doctor if you have a history of the following conditions before taking Bupropion, as it may worsen your condition or cause complications.
- Bipolar disorder (manic depression)
- Bleeding or blood-clotting disorder
- Drug addiction or suicidal thoughts
- Liver or kidney disease
- Seizures
- Cardiovascular disorders like high blood pressure, chest pain (angina) and coronary artery disease.
Drug-Drug Interactions Checker List:
Safety Advice
Alcohol
unsafeAvoid consumption of alcohol while taking Bupropion as it may cause serious side effects.
Pregnancy
cautionBupropion is a pregnancy category B drug. Consult your doctor if you are pregnant or suspect pregnancy. Your doctor might prescribe this medicine during pregnancy if the benefits outweigh the risks.
Breast Feeding
cautionIn very small quantities, Bupropion enters the breast milk and may have negative effects on breastfed babies. Therefore, consult your doctor if you are breastfeeding.
Driving
unsafeDo not drive after taking Bupropion as it may cause drowsiness and interfere with your driving ability.
Liver
cautionBupropion to be taken with caution, especially if you have a history of liver diseases. Your doctor may adjust the dose if required based on your condition.
Kidney
cautionBupropion to be taken with caution, especially if you have a history of kidney disease. Your doctor may adjust the dose if required based on your condition.
Children
unsafeBupropion is not recommended for use in children below 18 years. Its safety and efficacy are not established in children.
Habit Forming
Diet & Lifestyle Advise
Healthy eating habits:
- Maintain energy levels and avoid upset stomach by eating regular, well-balanced meals.
- Limit your caffeine intake because bupropion can exacerbate sleeplessness and restlessness.
- To lessen dry mouth, drink lots of water.
- Alcohol raises the chance of adverse effects and seizures; avoid or restrict it.
Lifestyle modifications:
- Take bupropion at the same time each day, preferably in the morning, to reduce insomnia.
- Maintain regular sleep, exercise, and daily routines to support mood improvement.
- Manage stress with relaxation techniques like yoga, meditation, or deep breathing.
Patients Concern
Disease/Condition Glossary
Depression: Depression is a common mental health disorder characterised by persistent feelings of sadness, hopelessness, and loss of interest or pleasure in daily activities. It can affect mood, thoughts, behaviour, energy levels, sleep, appetite, and concentration. Depression may interfere with personal, social, and professional life and often requires proper medical treatment, counselling, or both for effective management.
Smoking Cessation: Smoking cessation refers to the process of stopping the use of tobacco products. It helps reduce nicotine dependence and lowers the risk of serious health problems such as heart disease, lung disorders, cancer, and stroke. Quitting smoking improves overall health, enhances lung function, boosts energy levels, and supports long-term well-being.
FAQs
Bupropion is used in the treatment of depression. It is also used to help people stop smoking.
Bupropion contains Bupropion, which works by increasing serotonin levels. Serotonin is a chemical messenger in the brain responsible for improving mood and physical symptoms of depression.
Certain side effects of Bupropion can be dealt with simple tips, such as if you experience dry mouth, you can chew sugar-free gum or take sugar-free sweets. If you are sweating a lot while taking Bupropion, wear loose clothing and use a strong antiperspirant. If you cannot sleep after taking Bupropion, prefer to take it in the morning to avoid sleep disturbances. If you feel sleepy after taking Bupropion, avoid taking it in the evening and limit your alcohol intake. If you feel tired or weak after taking Bupropion, sit or lie down until you feel better. If you feel that the side effects are worsening, please consult your doctor.
Yes, it is safe to use Bupropion if prescribed by your doctor. However, there may be an increased risk of experiencing suicidal tendencies in children, adolescents and young adults.
Taking Bupropion in more than the recommended dose can cause unpleasant side effects such as dizziness, tremor, agitation, convulsion, coma, nausea, vomiting, changes in heart rhythm, decreased blood pressure and changes in body fluid/salt balance.
In elderly patients, the risk of side effects is higher when taking Bupropion. For elderly patients, dose adjustment may be required, or your doctor may prescribe an alternative medication safe for the elderly.
No, Bupropion does not help with anxiety and sleeplessness. It is used to treat depression.
Though Bupropion may have a low risk of addiction, Bupropion does not cause addiction if taken in the dose and duration prescribed by the doctor.
Factors that can increase the chances of seizures with Bupropion are sudden and large increments in dose, bulimia or anorexia nervosa (eating disorder), history of head trauma or prior seizure, central nervous system (CNS) tumour, the presence of severe hepatic cirrhosis, and concomitant medications that lower the seizure threshold.
It is very rare to develop eye problems like redness, pain, and blurred vision with Bupropion. Please consult the doctor if you experience any eye problems during treatment with Bupropion.
Avoid exceeding the prescribed dose and use Bupropion cautiously with medicines that might lower the seizure threshold, such as antipsychotics, antidepressants, theophylline, and systemic steroids.
Bupropion may cause high blood pressure; therefore, let the doctor know if you have hypertension or if you are taking medicines used to treat high blood pressure.
Bupropion may cause side effects such as nausea, headache, dizziness, vomiting, insomnia (difficulty in sleeping), fever, constipation, sweating, allergic reaction, impaired concentration, and dry mouth. Most of these side effects do not require medical attention and will resolve gradually over time. However, you are advised to consult your doctor if you experience these side effects persistently.
