Bupropion is used to treat depression, seasonal affective syndrome (SAD) and, at times, depressive episodes associated with bipolar disorder and syndrome of attention deficit/hyperactivity disorder. This medication may also be prescribed to those who are trying to quit smoking.
What is Bupropion?
Bupropion is an antidepressant and performs its action by acting directly on the brain, increasing some of its functions.
How should Bupropion?
Bupropion is commercially available for oral use, generally in the form of tablets with a recommended intake of 2 times a day depending on whether or not the tablets are extended release formulations. The treatment of seasonal affective syndrome, however, requires an intake of one tablet per day, in the morning, from autumn to early spring, gradually reducing the dose.
In the case of gastric problems, bupropion should be taken with food, while for sleeping problems it is better not to take it soon before you go to sleep. In this case, the doctor will probably prescribe a lower starting dose of bupropion and then gradually increase if necessary.
Side effects associated with Bupropion
The possible adverse effects of bupropion may include:
- Narrow-angle glaucoma
- Increased blood pressure
- Drowsiness
- Anxiety
- Excitement
- Insomnia
- Dry mouth
- Dizziness
- Headache
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Stomach ache
- Uncontrollable tremors
- Weight loss and appetite
- Constipation
- Excessive sweating
- Tinnitus
- Taste changes
- Frequent urination
- Sore throat
It is important to contact your doctor if the treatment is associated with any of the following symptoms:
- Convulsions
- Sense of confusion
- Sound or visual hallucinations
- Irrational fears
- Muscle or joint pain
- Irregular, fast or pounding heartbeat
Treatment should be discontinued immediately and you should seek immediate medical help from a doctor if you experience:
- Fever
- Rash or blisters
- Itching
- Urticaria
- Swelling in the face, throat, tongue, lips, eyes, feet, ankles or calves
- Hoarseness
- Difficulty swallowing
- Difficulty breathing
- Chest pains
Contraindications and warnings associated with the use of Bupropion
Before achieving the full benefits from taking bupropion you may need to take the medication for four weeks. However, it is important not to stop treatment without talking to your doctor.
During treatment it is possible to suffer from drowsiness, which may impair the ability to drive or operate hazardous machinery.
Moreover, prior to beginning treatment with Bupropion it is important to tell your doctor if:
You have any allergies to the active substance, its excipients or any other drug
You are taking other medications, the herbal remedies and supplements, especially other antidepressants, MAO inhibitors (although the recruitment was stopped within 14 days), amantadine, beta-blockers, cimetidine, clopidogrel, cyclophosphamide, efavirenz, insulin or oral antidiabetics, drugs for irregular heartbeat, drugs, anticonvulsants, lopinavir, ritonavir, nelfinavir, steroids (if taken orally), orphenadrine, sedatives, sleeping pills, tamoxifen, theophylline, thiotepa and ticlopidine, and if you use patches nicotine;
You are suffering (or have suffered) from convulsions, anorexia nervosa, bulimia, stroke, head injury, brain tumors or spinal cord, high blood pressure, diabetes or liver, kidney or heart disease;
You have ever made excessive use of alcohol or drugs and in the case of drug abuse;
You are pregnant or breastfeeding
