Bupropion(Wellbutrin, Zyban)

Uses

Bupropion is an effective medication used for treating depression and smoking cessation. It a safe and well tolerated medication and may be used to treat other conditions as well.

How to Use

Take this medication by mouth with water. It can be taken with or without food. If stomach upset occurs, try taking it with food to decrease this side effect.

Take it exactly as directed.

If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you remember. If your next upcoming dose will be taken within four hours, take only that upcoming dose and skip the missed dose.

Important Information

It may take a few weeks before this medication begins to work. Do not stop taking unless directed by your doctor.

If you notice worsening of depression(especially after a dose change or after initiation), or strong feelings of agitation, aggression or hostility, notify your healthcare provider.

Do not operate heavy machinery, drive a car, or engage in other activities that require fine motor skills until you are sure of how this medication affects you.

This medication can make it more difficult to sleep, therefore, try not to take it close to bedtime.

This medication can make your mouth dry. Drinking water, chewing sugarless gum, or sucking on candy can help to decrease this side effect.

Side effects that should be immediately reported to your healthcare provider

Allergic reaction(hives, itching, swelling of the face or mouth), trouble breathing, confusion, vision changes, changes in heartbeat, hallucinations, increased blood pressure, any red, blistering, loosening or peeling skin, seizures, suicidal thoughts or mood changes, very tired or fatigue, vomiting, yellowing of skin or eyes.

Other Side Effects

Changes in sex drive, constipation, headache, loss of appetite, nausea, tremors, weight loss.

Do not stop taking this medication suddenly without consulting with your doctor. This can result in worsening of depression and other adverse events.

Be sure that your prescribing doctor is aware if you have any of the the following conditions before taking this medication

Eating disorders, psychosis, bipolar disorder, diabetes, heart conditions, high blood pressure, brain tumor or head injury history, liver or kidney disease, seizure disorders, previous suicidal thoughts or actions, weight loss, pregnancy or breastfeeding, a history of allergic reactions.

Doses

Depression in Adults

Immediate Release Bupropion Hydrochloride:

100 mg tablet by mouth twice daily as a starting dose (taken in the morning).

Sustained Release Bupropion Hydrochloride:

150 mg tablet by mouth once daily as a starting dose (taken in the morning).

Extended Release Bupropion Hydrochloride:

150 mg tablet by mouth once daily as a starting dose (taken in the morning).

Extended Release Bupropion Hydrobromide:

174 mg tablet by mouth once daily as a starting dose (taken in the morning).

Smoking Cessation

Sustained Release Tablets(Zyban):

150 mg by mouth once daily for 3 days, then 150 mg by mouth twice daily. Doses should be separated by no less than 8 hours.

Sustained Release Tablets(Zyban) used with nicotine transdermal system:

150 mg by mouth once daily for 3 days, then 150 mg by mouth twice daily. Doses should be separated by no less than 8 hours.

Sources

1. Jorenby DE, Leischow SJ, Nides MA, et al. A controlled trial of sustained-release bupropion, a nicotine patch, or both for smoking cessation. N Engl J Med 1999;340:685-691.

2. Hurt RD, Sachs DPL, Glover ED, et al. A comparison of sustained-release bupropion and placebo for smoking cessation. N Engl J Med 1997;337:1195-202.

3. Aplenzin® oral extended-release tablets, bupropion hydrobromide oral extended-release tablets[package insert]. Bridgewater, NJ : Valeant Pharmaceuticals North America (per FDA); 2012.