Drug
Bupropion
Pronounced
"byou-PRO-pee-on"
Uses
This medication is used to treat depression. Bupropion works by helping to restore the balance of certain natural substances (dopamine, norepinephrine) in the brain.
Warning
Bupropion is an antidepressant used for smoking cessation and to treat a variety of conditions, including depression and other mental/mood disorders. Antidepressants can help prevent suicidal thoughts/attempts and provide other important benefits. However, a small number of people (especially people younger than 25) who take antidepressants for any condition may experience new or worsening depression, other mental/mood symptoms, or suicidal thoughts/attempts. It is very important to talk with the doctor about the risks and benefits of antidepressant medication, even if treatment is not for a mental/mood condition.
Tell the doctor right away if you notice new or worsening depression/other psychiatric conditions, unusual behavior changes (including possible suicidal thoughts/attempts), or other mental/mood changes (including new/worsening anxiety, panic attacks, trouble sleeping, irritability, hostile/angry feelings, impulsive actions, severe restlessness, very rapid speech). Be especially watchful for these symptoms when a new antidepressant is started or when the dose is changed.
If you are using bupropion to quit smoking and experience any of these symptoms, stop taking it and contact your doctor right away. Also, tell your doctor right away if you have any of these symptoms after stopping treatment with bupropion.
Other Uses
This section contains uses of this drug that are not listed in the approved professional labeling for the drug but that may be prescribed by your health care professional. Use this drug for a condition that is listed in this section only if it has been so prescribed by your health care professional.
This drug may also be used for other mental/mood disorders (such as attention deficit hyperactivity disorder-ADHD, seasonal affective disorder, depressive phase of bipolar disorder). It may be used to help people quit smoking by lessening cravings and nicotine withdrawal. It may also be used to for binge eating disorder (BED).
How to Use This Medication
Read the Medication Guide provided by your pharmacist before you start using bupropion and each time you get a refill. If you have any questions, ask your doctor or pharmacist.
Take this medication by mouth with or without food as directed by your doctor, usually twice a day. If you have stomach upset, you may take this medication with or after a meal or snack. Take the first dose as soon as you wake up in the morning and the second dose at least 8 hours later, or take as directed by your doctor. Taking this medication late in the day may cause trouble sleeping (insomnia). Take this medication regularly to get the most benefit from it. To help you remember, take it at the same times each day.
Swallow the tablets whole. Do not crush or chew the tablets. Doing so can release all of the drug at once, increasing the risk of side effects.
The dosage is based on your medical condition and response to treatment. To reduce your risk of side effects, your doctor may direct you to start this medication at a low dose and gradually increase your dose. Do not increase your dose or use this drug more often or for longer than prescribed. Your condition will not improve any faster and your risk of side effects will increase.
Do not stop taking this medication without consulting your doctor. Your dose may need to be gradually decreased.
It may take 4 weeks or longer before you get the full benefit of this drug. Tell your doctor if your condition does not get better or if it gets worse.