Drug Title

Bupropion

Drug Uses

Bupropion is an antidepressant that is used to treat depression and other conditions as determined by your doctor.

Mode of Application

Bupropion can be taken by mouth with or without food (may lead to an upset stomach). The drug has a patient information sheet that comes along with the pack. You must read it carefully, each time you refill the drug.

You must take the doses at the same time each day at least 6 hours apart from each other. This helps to reduce the risk of seizures that is associated with Bupropion.

You must continue to take it even if you feel better in a few days.

Drug Class & Mechanism

Bupropion is an antidepressant that works in the brain and helps treat the symptoms of depression.

Missed Dosage

If you miss a dose of Bupropion, then you may take it as soon as you remember and adjust the remaining doses accordingly. However, if it is nearly time for the next dose then you may skip this dose and continue with the regular dosage. Do not take a double dose to make up for the missed dose.

Storage

Store it at room temperature (between 68 and 77 degrees F (20 and 25 degrees C) in an air tight container protecting it from direct exposure to light, heat and moisture. You may briefly store it between 59 and 86 degrees F (15 and 30 degrees C). Keep away from pets and children.

Precautions

Discuss with your doctor about any prior medical condition that you may have including allergies to medicines, food or other substances,  if you or a family member has a history of bipolar disorder (manic depression), other mental or mood problems (eg, depression), suicidal thoughts or attempts, or alcohol or substance abuse,  you have diabetes, kidney problems, high blood pressure, heart problems (eg, congestive heart failure), or a recent heart attack, have a history of seizure, head injury, tumor in the brain or spinal cord, or liver problems (eg, cirrhosis)

You must not take Bupropion if you are allergic to any ingredient in it or are taking any other medicine that contains bupropion, have a history of an eating disorder (e.g., anorexia, bulimia) or seizures (e.g., epilepsy), are suddenly stopping the use of alcohol or sedatives (e.g., benzodiazepines) after long-term use, are taking or have taken a monoamine oxidase inhibitor (MAOI) (e.g., phenelzine).

If you are pregnant or suspect that you are, then stop using and contact your doctor immediately.

Certain drugs can interact with and hence, mention clearly to your doctor or pharmacist all medicines, dietary supplements and herbal prescriptions that you are taking especially the following.

Amantadine, antipsychotics (eg, haloperidol, risperidone), corticosteroids (eg, prednisone), insulin, levodopa, MAOIs (eg, phenelzine), nicotine patches, oral hypoglycemics (eg, glipizide), other antidepressants (eg, fluoxetine, amitriptyline), sympathomimetics (eg, pseudoephedrine), theophylline, or tiagabine because they significantly enhance the risk of Bupropion 's side effects

Carbamazepine, phenobarbital, or phenytoin because they may decrease the effectiveness of the drug.

Antiarrhythmics (eg, propafenone, flecainide), beta-blockers (eg, metoprolol), phenothiazines (eg, thioridazine), selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI) antidepressants (eg, fluoxetine), or tricyclic antidepressants (eg, nortriptyline) because Bupropion increases  the risk of their side effects.

Side Effects

Some of the common side effects of are constipation, dizziness, drowsiness, dry mouth, headache, increased sweating, loss of appetite, nausea, nervousness, restlessness, taste changes, trouble sleeping, vomiting, weight changes. Please contact your doctor if the symptoms persist or become bothersome.

Other severe side effects include allergic reactions chest pain, confusion, delusions, fainting, fast or irregular heartbeat, fever, chills, or sore throat, hallucinations, hearing problems, menstrual changes, new or worsening mental or mood changes (e.g., concentration problems, panic attacks, aggressiveness, agitation, anxiety, impulsiveness, irritability, hostility, exaggerated feeling of well-being or inability to sit still), red, swollen, blistered, or peeling skin, seizures, severe headache or dizziness, severe or persistent joint or muscle pain, severe or persistent nervousness, restlessness, or trouble sleeping, shortness of breath, suicidal thoughts or attempts, tremor, unusual swelling, vision changes, worsening depression.

You must seek medical attention immediately if any of these side effects occur.