Bupropion

Pronunciation

Brand Names

Therapeutic Categories

What is this medicine used for?

• This medicine is used to treat depression.
• It is also used to help stop smoking. Nicotine replacement and counseling may be used at the same time for best results.

How does it work?

• Bupropion affects specific chemicals in the brain. Sleep and appetite may improve quickly. Other symptoms may take up to 4-6 weeks to improve.
• When used to stop smoking, the craving and withdrawal symptoms may be decreased.

How is it best taken?

• Take with or without food. Take with food if this medicine causes an upset stomach.
• Swallow sustained-release tablet whole. Do not chew, break, or crush.
• Do not suddenly stop using this medicine if you have been taking it for a long time. Medicine should be slowly decreased.
• If you are using this medicine to stop smoking, you may take it for 1 week before you stop smoking.

What do I do if I miss a dose?

• Take a missed dose as soon as possible.
• If it is almost time for the next dose, skip the missed one. Return to your regular schedule.
• There should be an interval of 8 hours or more between doses of the sustained-release tablet.
• Do not change dose or stop taking this medicine without talking with healthcare provider.

What are the precautions when taking this medicine?

• You may not be alert. Avoid driving, doing other tasks or hobbies until you see how this medicine affects you.
• Avoid alcohol (includes wine, beer, and liquor). Can increase the risk of seizures with heavy use.
• Limit caffeine (teas, coffee, colas) and chocolate intake. Use may increase inability to sleep or cause nervousness with this medicine.
• Use caution if you have a history of seizures, anorexia nervosa, bulimia, alcohol withdrawal, or if you use cocaine or other medicines that cause seizures. Talk with healthcare provider.
• Do not use this medicine with monoamine oxidase inhibitors. These include isocarboxazid, phenelzine, and tranylcypromine. Separate use by 2 weeks.
• Do not use Zyban™ and Wellbutrin® together. They are the same medicine.
• Tell healthcare provider if you are allergic to any medicine. Make sure to tell about the allergy and how it affected you. This includes telling about rash; hives; itching; shortness of breath; wheezing; cough; swelling of face, lips, tongue, throat; or any other symptoms involved.
• Tell healthcare provider if you are pregnant or plan on getting pregnant.
• Tell healthcare provider if you are breast-feeding.

What are the common side effects of this medicine?

• Dry mouth. Frequent mouth care, sucking hard candy, or chewing gum may help.
• Inability to sleep, anxiety, increased sweating, shakiness, dizziness.
• Nausea or vomiting. Small frequent meals, frequent mouth care, sucking hard candy, or chewing gum may help.
• Constipation. More liquids, regular exercise, or a fiber-containing diet may help. Talk with healthcare provider about a stool softener or laxative.

What should I monitor?

• Follow up with healthcare provider.

Reasons to call healthcare provider immediately

• Signs of a life-threatening reaction. These include wheezing; tightness in the chest; fever; itching; bad cough; blue skin color; fits; swelling of face, lips, tongue, or throat.
• Very nervous and excitable.
• No improvement in condition or feeling worse.

How should I store this medicine?

• Store in a tight, light-resistant container at room temperature. Protect from moisture.

General statements

• Do not share your medicine with others and do not take anyone else's medicine.
• Keep all medicine out of the reach of children and pets.
• Keep a list of all your medicines (prescription, herbal/supplements, vitamins, over-the-counter) with you. Give this list to healthcare provider (doctor, nurse, pharmacist, physician assistant).
• Talk with healthcare provider before starting any new medicine, including over-the-counter or natural products (herbs, vitamins).

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