Bupropion is used to treat depression.
Bupropion is also used to help you stop smoking by reducing the withdrawal symptoms caused by smoking cessation. Bupropion is meant to be taken as part of a complete smoking cessation programme that should include patient education and counselling.
Bupropion can also be used for seasonal affective disorder, which is characterised by mood disorders during the autumn and/or winter months.
Take Bupropion exactly as directed by your doctor or according to the instructions on the label.
Do not take more or less than instructed by your doctor. Your doctor may increase your dose gradually to reduce the likelihood of side effects.
If you are taking Bupropion for smoking cessation, get a target date to stop smoking within 2 weeks of starting Bupropion.
You may take Bupropion with or without food. Try to take Bupropion at the same time each day.
If you are taking the sustained-release, prolonged-release or extended-release type of tablet (usually labeled as “SR”, “XL” or “ER”), swallow it whole. Do not divide, chew or crush the tablet.
This medicine must be taken regularly for it to be effective. Continue taking this medicine even when you feel better. Do not stop taking it unless instructed otherwise, as stopping it suddenly could worsen your condition.
Take the missed dose as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and return to your normal dosing.
DO NOT double a dose under any circumstances.
If you often forget to take your medicine, let your doctor and pharmacist know.
Alert your doctor quickly if you have the following conditions:
- history of fits or risk factors for fits e.g. history of head trauma, tumour involving the central nervous system
- undergoing abrupt withdrawal from alcohol, sleeping pills, medicines for epilepsy
- eating disorders
as Bupropion may not be suitable for you.
Do not take Bupropion if you are currently taking a certain type of medicine to treat depression known as a monoamine oxidase inhibitor (MAOI) or within 14 days of stopping the MAOI.
Inform your doctor if you have the following conditions:
- heart disease
- liver disease
- kidney disease
- bipolar disorder or psychoses
- mood disorders
Let your doctor know if you are pregnant or breastfeeding.
Your doctor and pharmacist will give you more detailed instructions about when to start therapy with Bupropion.
Always keep your appointments with your doctor so that he will be able to monitor your response to Bupropion.
What lifestyle changes should I make to cope with depression?
Regular exercise and eating a healthy diet will help increase energy and hormones in the body such as serotonin, endorphins and other feel-good chemicals that minimise mood swings. Get enough sleep, as lack of sleep may cause irritability, moodiness, sadness, and tiredness.
Bupropion may cause dizziness and blurred vision. If affected, do not drive or take part in any activity in which you need to be alert.
Other side effects include any of the following: headache, nausea, difficulty sleeping, confusion, agitation, excessive sweating, dry mouth, constipation, diarrhoea, stomach wind, stomach pain, ringing in the ears, and weight loss.
Some side effects may need immediate medical help. Alert your doctor immediately if you experience any of the following:
- fits (seizure)
- swelling around the eyes, face, throat, lips or other parts of the body
- breathlessness
- chest pain
- rash that is severe or that covers many areas of the body
- increased suicidal thoughts
Inform your doctor if any of these side effects do not go away or are severe, or if you experience other side effects.
Do not take Bupropion if you are currently taking a certain type of medicine to treat depression known as a monoamine oxidase inhibitor (MAOI) or within 14 days of stopping the MAOI.
Inform your doctor and pharmacist if you are taking any of these medicines:
- heart medications e.g. metoprolol, propafanone, flecainide
- medicines for Parkinson's Disease e.g. amantadine, levodopa
- medicines for mood disorder e.g. risperidone, thioridazine
- medicines for epilepsy e.g. carbamazepine, phenytoin, phenobarbital
- HIV medicines e.g. efavirenz, nelfinavir, ritonavir
This list does not include all medicines that may interact with Bupropion.
Always notify the doctor and pharmacist if you are taking any other medicines, including herbal tonics such as traditional Chinese medicines, supplements and medicines that you buy without a prescription.
Avoid alcohol.
Store in a cool, dry place away from the reach of children.
Medicines must not be used past the expiry date.
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