Drug
Bupropion
Pronounced
"byou-PRO-pee-on"
Side Effects
See also Warning section.
Dry mouth and trouble sleeping may occur as your body gets used to the drug. Dizziness, drowsiness, nausea, diarrhea, tiredness, constipation, blurred vision, increased sweating, strange taste in mouth, or stomach pain may also occur. If any of these effects last or get worse, tell your doctor or pharmacist promptly.
Remember that this medication has been prescribed because your doctor has judged that the benefit to you is greater than the risk of side effects. Many people using this medication do not have serious side effects.
This medication may raise your blood pressure. Check your blood pressure regularly and tell your doctor if the results are high.
Tell your doctor right away if you have any serious side effects, including: chest pain, fainting, fast/pounding heartbeat, irregular heartbeat, mental/mood changes (such as anxiety, agitation, confusion, memory loss), muscle aches, ringing in the ears, severe headache, uncontrolled movements (tremor), unusual weight loss or gain, muscle pain/tenderness/weakness.
Get medical help right away if you have any very serious side effects, including: eye pain/swelling/redness, widened pupils, vision changes (such as seeing rainbows around lights at night), seizure.
A very serious allergic reaction to this drug is rare. However, get medical help right away if you notice any symptoms of a serious allergic reaction, including: rash, itching/swelling (especially of the face/tongue/throat), severe dizziness, trouble breathing.
An empty tablet shell may appear in your stool. This is harmless.
This is not a complete list of possible side effects. If you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor or pharmacist.
In the US -
Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088 or at www.fda.gov/medwatch.
In Canada - Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to Health Canada at 1-866-234-2345.
Precautions
Before taking bupropion, tell your doctor or pharmacist if you are allergic to it; or if you have any other allergies. This product may contain inactive ingredients, which can cause allergic reactions or other problems. Talk to your pharmacist for more details.
Before using this medication, tell your doctor or pharmacist your medical history, especially of: seizures or conditions that increase your risk of seizures (including brain/head injury, brain tumors, arteriovenous malformation, eating disorders such as bulimia/anorexia nervosa), alcohol/drug dependence, diabetes, heart disease (such as heart failure, recent heart attack), high blood pressure, kidney problems, liver problems (such as cirrhosis), mental/mood disorders (such as bipolar disorder, thoughts of suicide), personal or family history of glaucoma (angle-closure type).
This medication should not be used if you are suddenly stopping regular use of sedatives (including benzodiazepines such as lorazepam), drugs used to treat seizures, or alcohol. Doing so may increase your risk of seizures.
This drug may make you dizzy or drowsy or blur your vision. Alcohol or marijuana (cannabis) can make you more dizzy or drowsy. Do not drive, use machinery, or do anything that needs alertness or clear vision until you can do it safely. Avoid alcoholic beverages. Talk to your doctor if you are using marijuana (cannabis). Alcohol may also increase your risk of seizures.
Before having surgery, tell your doctor or dentist about all the products you use (including prescription drugs, nonprescription drugs, and herbal products).
Older adults may be more sensitive to the side effects of this drug, especially dizziness and memory loss. Dizziness can increase the risk of falling.
During pregnancy, this medication should be used only when clearly needed. Behavioral therapy and stop-smoking education is preferred for pregnant women who desire to stop smoking. Discuss the risks and benefits with your doctor.
This drug passes into breast milk and may have undesirable effects on a nursing infant. Consult your doctor before breastfeeding.