Overview Of Bupropion (Wellbutrin)

Bupropion, which is often sold under the brand Wellbutrin, is a prescription medication available as immediate-release and extended-release tablets. When the immediate-release tablets are used for depression in adults, doctors prescribe an initial dose of one hundred milligrams, and patients take two doses per day. The standard maintenance dose is three hundred milligrams per day. The maximum daily dose is four hundred milligrams. Patients with liver dysfunction may need to take a lower dose. Individuals with kidney issues could need dosing adjustments too.

Bupropion is a significant part of depression treatment. Patients may only take this medication, though other treatments are often necessary. This medication may be pair with cognitive behavioral therapy for depression as well as mindfulness for depression. Of course, patients must understand this medication before taking it for the treatment of depression or other health conditions.

How It Works

Bupropion, an antidepressant, belongs to a group of drugs called aminoketones. In terms of its chemical structure, it is not related to tricyclic antidepressants, selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors, or other known antidepressants. However, some researchers classify it as a norepinephrine-dopamine reuptake inhibitor. This medication is structurally similar to diethylpropion and is soluble in water. This medication has a bitter taste and may produce numbness in the mouth during administration.

It works by blocking the reuptake of dopamine and norepinephrine. Bupropion has also been shown to trigger the release of dopamine and norepinephrine from the presynaptic neuron. This medication is a non-competitive antagonist of the nicotinic acetylcholine receptors. As such, it binds to and activates these receptors. This mechanism can reduce cravings for nicotine.

Continue reading to reveal the uses for this medication next.

Bupropion Uses and Benefits

This medication is approved for the treatment of major depressive disorder and seasonal affective disorder in adults. One brand is also approved as a smoking cessation agent that helps reduce nicotine cravings and withdrawal. Doctors may consider prescribing this medication as an 'off-label' treatment for other conditions. It is commonly prescribed in this way to treat bipolar disorder and attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD).

Patients should always ask their doctor about all of this medication's benefits and risks for their health condition. When bupropion is being considered for off-label use, it is especially important to ask about approved medicines that could provide similar benefits. Patients should be closely monitored during their treatment. They should inform their doctor if they feel that their symptoms are not improving with treatment.

Uncover the potential side effects of this medication next.

Potential Side Effects

The most frequently reported side effects of this medication include weight loss, skin rashes, sweating, ringing in the ears, and dry mouth. Patients may notice agitation, insomnia, a sore throat, or nausea. It is common to experience constipation, frequent urination, tremors, or a fast heart rate. Individuals who experience insomnia or agitation could find that these side effects are particularly severe during the first few weeks. Less commonly, this medication may lead to chest pain, hot flashes, migraines, flushing, twitching, or arthritis. Swallowing problems have also been reported. Hives, sinusitis and urinary tract infections could occur as well.

Although rare, some individuals might display signs of mental health or neurological changes while taking bupropion. For example, young adults taking this medicine are at an increased risk of experiencing suicidal thoughts or engaging in suicidal actions. Some patients have had hallucinations, seizures, or psychosis. The medication could increase blood pressure for certain patients.

Get the full information on precautions linked to this medication next.

Precautions To Remember

This medication is not considered safe for individuals with epilepsy or other conditions that cause seizures. Additionally, it should not be used by people with a history of eating disorders. Bupropion is also not appropriate for individuals with a history of suddenly stopping treatment with sedatives or medicines for seizure control. Patients should not take this medication to treat more than one condition at a time. For example, if a patient uses this drug to treat depression, they should not use it to quit smoking. Doctors need to know about any history of seizures, head injury, brain tumors, spinal cord tumors, or narrow-angle glaucoma. Patients must also let their doctor know about any previous heart attacks and any history of heart disease, hypertension, diabetes, or kidney disease. It is particularly important to mention any liver issues, especially cirrhosis. Patients should also inform their physician about any alcohol use, depression, or bipolar disorder. This helps doctors determine if this medication is safe for a patient to take.

Pregnant women should discuss the risks and benefits of this medication with their doctor. They may need to be placed on a registry to monitor the effects on the fetus. Individuals under eighteen years old should never take bupropion. When the extended-release tablet is used, patients need to take it whole. Thus, it should not be crushed or chewed. Since this medication may increase blood pressure, doctors will check the patient's blood pressure before and during treatment. Patients who suddenly stop taking this medication could develop withdrawal symptoms. As such, it is essential to speak with a doctor so they can stop taking this medication gradually and safely. Bupropion could cause a false positive on drug screening tests. Individuals who must undergo these screenings should let the staff know that they take this medication.

Discover potential medication interactions next.

Potential Medication Interactions

This medication is associated with over four hundred potential medication interactions, including more than two hundred major drug interactions. Bupropion must be used with extreme caution in patients taking antiepileptic drugs. An antiepileptic drug called carbamazepine is believed to reduce the effectiveness of bupropion. Ritonavir, an HIV medicine, has been shown to reduce the body's concentration of bupropion by up to sixty-six percent.

Individuals who are currently withdrawing from benzodiazepines are at an increased risk of seizures if they use this medication as well. This includes diazepam and alprazolam. Thus, a different medication may be considered. Due to the risk of severe side effects, this medication should not be used within fourteen days of treatment with a monoamine oxidase inhibitor.