Drug Name

Bupropion

Drug Uses

Bupropion is used for treating depression. It may also be used for other conditions as determined by your doctor.

How Taken

Use Bupropion as directed by your doctor.

• Take Bupropion by mouth with or without food. If stomach upset occurs, take with food to reduce stomach irritation.
• Several weeks may pass before your symptoms improve. Do not stop taking Bupropion without checking with your doctor.
• Take your doses at the same times each day at least 6 hours apart unless directed otherwise by your doctor. This may help to decrease the risk of seizures with Bupropion.
• Continue to take Bupropion even if you feel well. Do not miss any doses.

Drug Class and Mechanism

Bupropion is an antidepressant. It works in the brain to treat depression. Exactly how it works is not known.

Missed Dose

If you miss a dose of Bupropion and are using it regularly, take it as soon as possible. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and go back to your regular dosing schedule. Do not take 2 doses at once.

Storage

Store Bupropion between 68 and 77 degrees F (20 and 25 degrees C). Brief storage at temperatures between 59 and 86 degrees F (15 and 30 degrees C) is permitted. Store away from heat, moisture, and light. Do not store in the bathroom. Keep Bupropion out of the reach of children and away from pets.

Warnings/Precautions

Do not use Bupropion if:

• you are taking any other medicine that contains bupropion;
• you have a history of an eating disorder (e.g., anorexia, bulimia) or seizures (e.g., epilepsy);
• you are suddenly stopping the use of alcohol or sedatives (e.g., benzodiazepines) after long-term use;
• you are taking or have taken a monoamine oxidase inhibitor (MAOI) (e.g., phenelzine) within the last 14 days.

• Bupropion may cause drowsiness, dizziness, or blurred vision. These effects may be worse if you take it with alcohol or certain medicines. Use Bupropion with caution. Do not drive or perform other possibly unsafe tasks until you know how you react to it.
• Check with your doctor before you drink alcohol or use medicines that may cause drowsiness (e.g., sleep aids, muscle relaxers) while you are taking Bupropion; it may add to their effects. Ask your pharmacist if you have questions about which medicines may cause drowsiness.
• Bupropion may increase your risk of seizures. Your risk may be greater if you also have certain medical conditions, use certain medicines, or if you drink large amounts of alcohol. Talk to your doctor to see if you may have a greater risk of seizures while taking Bupropion.
• you already drink alcohol or use sedatives, do not suddenly stop them without first checking with your doctor. Suddenly stopping them may increase your seizure risk.
• Do not take decongestants (e.g., pseudoephedrine), stimulants, or diet pills while you are taking Bupropion without first checking with your doctor. They may increase your risk of seizures.
• The risk of seizures may be greater if you take Bupropion in high doses or for a long time. Do not take more than the recommended dose, change your dose, or use Bupropion for longer than prescribed without checking with your doctor.
• If you have trouble sleeping, you may be taking your dose too close to bedtime. Talk with your doctor about changing your dosing schedule.
• Pregnancy and breast-feeding: If you have trouble sleeping, you may be taking your dose too close to bedtime. Talk with your doctor about changing your dosing schedule.

Possible Side Effects

Check with your doctor if any of these most common side effects persist or become bothersome:

• constipation; dizziness; drowsiness; dry mouth; headache; increased sweating; loss of appetite; nausea; nervousness; restlessness; taste changes; trouble sleeping; vomiting; weight changes.

• severe allergic reactions (rash; hives; itching; difficulty breathing; tightness in the chest; swelling of the mouth, face, lips, or tongue); chest pain; confusion; delusions; fainting; fast or irregular heartbeat; fever, chills, or sore throat; hallucinations; hearing problems; menstrual changes; new or worsening mental or mood changes (e.g., concentration problems, panic attacks, aggressiveness, agitation, anxiety, impulsiveness, irritability, hostility, exaggerated feeling of well-being or inability to sit still); red, swollen, blistered, or peeling skin; seizures; severe headache or dizziness; severe or persistent joint or muscle pain; severe or persistent nervousness, restlessness, or trouble sleeping; shortness of breath; suicidal thoughts or attempts; tremor; unusual swelling; vision changes; worsening depression.

More Information

If you have any questions about Bupropion, please talk with your doctor, pharmacist, or other health care provider.
Bupropion is to be used only by the patient for whom it is prescribed. Do not share it with other people.