What is Bupropion?
Bupropion is an antidepressant medication which is used for treating the major depressive disorder and seasonal affective disorder. Bupropion tablets come in the form of a prescription drug. The medication comes in the form of an immediate-release tablet or extended-release tablets. The extended-release drug is released into the system slowly over time and the immediate release drug works more quickly.
Bupropion is available in various brand-name drugs called Wellbutrin SR, Wellbutrin XL, Aplenzin, Forfivo XL and Zyban. This is available as a generic drug. The generic drug generally costs less than the brand name version.
Bupropion Uses
Bupropion is used for treating symptoms like depression and seasonal affective disorder (SAD). The medication also helps people to prevent themselves from smoking. Bupropion is called antidepressants which work in increasing certain types of activity in the brain. The medication helps in improving the blood and feelings of well being. Bupropion helps in restoring the balance of certain natural substances in the brain.
Bupropion Side effects
Some of the common side effects of Bupropion are:
- Agitation
- Dry mouth
- Constipation
- Headache
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Dizziness
- Sweating
- Sleeping disorder
- Irregular heartbeat
- Rashes
Some of the serious adverse effects of Bupropion are:
Mental Health effects Symptoms:
- Worsen depression
- Anxiety
- Feeling agitate or restless
- Panic attacks
- Sleeping disorder
- Worsened irritability
- Dangerous impulses
Eye Problem Symptoms:
- Eye pain
- Swelling or redness near the eye
- Change in vision
Seizures Symptoms it includes are:
- Staring spells
- Jerking in arms and legs
- Loss of Consciousness
If you have any of these serious symptoms immediately contact your doctor for further assistance. In any case, due to Bupropion if you get any kind of reactions in your body try avoiding it.
A doctor advised you to take the medicines by seeing your problems and the benefits of this medicine are greater than the side effects. Majority of the people who use this medicine don’t show any side effects. Get medical help immediately if you get any serious Bupropion side effects.
Precautions
Before taking Bupropion you should talk to your doctor if you’re allergic to it or any other medication. Bupropion can contain some inactive ingredients which can cause a serious problem in your body. Avoid taking Bupropion if you ever had:
- Seizure disorder
- Eating disorder such as anorexia and bulimia
Bupropion can cause seizures if you have some serious medical conditions. For making the medicine safe to consult with your doctor if you ever had:
- Head injury, seizures, brain and spinal cord tumor
- Narrow-angle glaucoma
- Diabetes
- Kidney or liver disease
- Depression
How to take Bupropion?
Take Bupropion as directed by the doctor. Follow the direction written on the prescription level. Avoid taking the medicine in a larger or a smaller amount as recommended. Too much consumption of Bupropion tablets can increase the risk of seizure. Avoid crushing, chewing and breaking the extended-release tablet.
Don’t stop using Bupropion dose suddenly till you get any sign of seizure. Your doctor may prescribe a nicotine replacement product (such as patches or gum) to help you quit smoking. Start using the nicotine replacement product the same day you stop smoking or using tobacco products. Some people taking bupropion (Wellbutrin or Zyban) have had high blood pressure that is severe, especially when they also use a nicotine replacement product (patch or gum).
You may have nicotine withdrawal symptoms when you stop smoking, including increased appetite, weight gain, trouble sleeping, trouble concentrating, slower heart rate, urge to smoke, and feeling anxious, restless, depressed, angry, frustrated or irritated. These symptoms can occur with or without the use of medications such as Zyban. Quitting smoking can also cause new or worsening mental health problems, such as depression.
Dosage
Depression:
- Generic : Bupropion Tablet (75 mg, 100 mg)
- Brand : Wellbutrin XL (150 mg, 300 mg)
- Brand : Wellbutrin SR (100 mg, 150 mg)
- Brand : Aplenzin (175 mg, 348 mg, 522 mg)
- Brand : Forfivo XL (450 mg)
Dosage for seasonal affective disorder:
- Generic : Bupropion Tablet (100 mg, 150 mg, 200 mg, 300 mg)
- Brand : Aplenzin (174 mg, 348 mg, 522 mg)
- Brand : Wellbutrin XL (150 mg, 300 mg)
Dosage for smoking cessation:
- Generic : Bupropion (100 mg, 150 mg, 200 mg, 300 mg)
- Brand : Zyban (150 mg)
Missed dose
Missing one or two-dose of Bupropion won’t show any effect on your body. The skipped dose causes no problem. But with some medication, it won’t work if you don’t take the dosage on time. If you miss a dose some sudden chemical change may affect your body. In some cases, your doctor would advise you to take the prescribed medicine as soon as possible if you have missed the dose.
Overdose
Overdose of a drug can be accidental. If you have taken more than the prescribed Bupropion tablets there is a chance of getting a harmful effect on your body’s functions. Overdose of a medicine can lead to some medical emergency.
Allergy Warnings
- Rash
- Swelling of the lips
- Itching
- Hives
- Fever
- Swollen Lymph glands
- Painful sores in the mouth
- Trouble breathing
Warning for Serious Health Conditions:
Pregnancy
Bupropion is a C category pregnancy drug. It means research in animals have shown some of the adverse effects to the fetus when a mother takes this drug.
Breastfeeding
Bupropion passes into breast milk and can affect the baby directly.
Storage
Direct contact with heat, air and light may damage your medicines. The exposure of medicine may cause some harmful effects. The medicine must be kept in a safe place and out of children’s reach.
Mainly the drug should be kept at room temperature between 68ºF and 77ºF (20ºC and 25ºC).
Before taking Bupropion consult your Doctor. In case if you face any problems or get anyside effects after taking Bupropion rush immediately to your nearby hospital or consult your doctor for better treatment. Carry your medications always in your bag while travelling to avoid any immediate emergencies. Follow your prescription and follow your Doctor advice whenever you take Bupropion.
Bupropion vs Sertraline
| Bupropion | Sertraline |
|---|---|
| Bupropion is an antidepressant medication which is used for treating the major depressive disorder and seasonal affective disorder. Bupropion tablets come in the form of a prescription drug. The medication comes in the form of an immediate-release tablet or extended-release tablets. | Sertraline is an antidepressant drug which is called a selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor. The medication affects the chemicals in the brain which can be unbalanced in people with depression and anxiety. |
| Bupropion is used for treating symptoms like depression and seasonal affective disorder (SAD). The medication also helps people for preventing from stop smoking. Bupropion is called antidepressants which work in increasing certain types of activity in the brain. | Sertraline is used for treating depression, panic attacks, social anxiety disorder and traumatic stress disorder. The medication helps in improving the mood, sleep and energy level. |
Most common side effects of Bupropion are:
|
Most common side effects of Sertraline are:
|
