What is Bupropion?
Simply put, Bupropion is a medication that is used to treat mood disorders like depression. In our country, you may find it under brand names like Wellbutrin. Think about it, there are little messengers in our brain that control our emotions like happiness, sadness, and excitement. In medicine, we call these neurotransmitters . Norepinephrine and Dopamine are two of the main messengers. The activity of these messengers can sometimes be reduced in a person with depression. So, what this Bupropion pill does is to increase the level of these chemicals in the brain a little, rebalance your mood, and gradually make you feel better.Things you should definitely tell your doctor before taking medication
Bupropion is not a one-size-fits-all medication, so it is important to tell your doctor about your medical history. Be sure to tell your doctor if you have any of the following conditions:| Your health condition | Why is it important to tell the doctor ? |
|---|---|
| Unusual eating disorders (e.g. Anorexia, Bulimia) | Taking Bupropion with these conditions may increase the risk of seizures. |
| Seizures or head injury/brain tumor | Because bupropion slightly increases the risk of seizures, it is important to know the previous history. |
| Bipolar Disorder or other mental illness | This medication may cause a manic episode (hyperactive mood). |
| High Blood Pressure | Bupropion can increase blood pressure, so it needs to be checked frequently. |
| Heart disease or irregular heartbeat | Depending on your heart condition, your dosage may need to be adjusted or a different medication may be prescribed. |
| Liver or kidney disease | The dosage may need to be adjusted as it may affect the process of removing the medication from the body. |
| Diabetes | It is important to be careful as it can affect blood sugar levels. |
| If you are pregnant or trying to get pregnant | It is essential to talk to your doctor about the possible effects on the fetus. |
| If a mother is breastfeeding her child | Since the medication may pass to the baby through breast milk, discuss this with your doctor. |
How should I use this medicine?
- Drink with a glass of water: Take the medicine exactly as prescribed by your doctor, at the right time.
- Before or after meals: This medicine can be taken before or after meals. However, if you experience stomach upset, it is best to take it with food.
- Don't stop suddenly: This is very important. Never stop taking this medicine suddenly without your doctor's advice.Doing so may cause symptoms to worsen or other complications to occur.
- If you miss a dose: If you miss a dose for a day, take it as soon as you remember. However, if it is less than 4 hours until your next dose, skip the missed dose and take your next dose at the regular time. Never take a double dose.
- If you take too much: If you think you have taken too much of this medicine, do not delay. Immediately call the National Poisons Information Centre at the Colombo National Hospital . Or go to the Emergency Treatment Unit (ETU) of the nearest hospital.
Other things that may interact with this medicine (Interactions)
You should also be careful about other medications you take while taking Bupropion. Some medications can interact with it and cause dangerous conditions. Avoid taking Bupropion with these things! If you are taking these, inform your doctor.
| Many medications can interact with this, including alcohol, sleeping or anxiety medications, some high blood pressure medications (e.g. metoprolol), HIV/AIDS medications, seizure medications, Warfarin (a blood thinner), and Theophylline (an asthma medication). Therefore, give your doctor a complete list of all medications, vitamins, and supplements you are taking. |
Things to consider when taking medication
Mood changes and thoughts
Some people may experience sudden changes in mood, agitation, irritability, or suicidal thoughts during the first few weeks of taking this medicine or after changing the dose. This is especially common in young people.If you feel this way, or if your family notices something strange in your behavior, tell your doctor or someone close to you right away. Don't keep this to yourself.
- Avoid alcohol: Drinking alcohol while taking bupropion can increase the risk of seizures. Therefore, it is best to avoid alcohol completely during treatment.
- Severe skin reactions: Rarely, some people may develop fever, body aches, and red, blistered skin lesions . If you notice swelling of the face, lips, sores inside the mouth, or swelling of the armpits or neck, see a doctor immediately.
- Insomnia: This medication may cause sleep disturbances in some people. Therefore, unless otherwise directed by your doctor, avoid taking this medication close to bedtime.
- Dry mouth : Dry mouth is a common side effect. This can be managed by chewing sugar-free gum and drinking plenty of water.
What are the possible side effects?
Serious side effects that require immediate medical attention are usually not serious, but tell your doctor if they persist.
| Side effect | Description |
|---|---|
| Allergic reactions | Skin rash, itching, swelling of the face, lips, tongue or throat. |
| Seizures | A sudden seizure. |
| Severe mood swings | Severe anxiety, suicidal thoughts, hallucinations, extreme anger. |
| Eye problems | Sudden eye pain, blurred vision, seeing rings around lights. |
| Increased blood pressure | Severe headache, chest pain, and high blood pressure. |
| Dry mouth | Drinking water and chewing sugar-free foods can provide relief. |
| Dizziness | It will decrease as your body adjusts to the medication. Avoid driving. |
| Insomnia, nausea, loss of appetite | These are common and often decrease over time. |
Take-Home Message
- Bupropion is a medication that balances brain chemicals to treat depression. This will gradually help you feel better.
- Before starting this medication, tell your doctor about all your medical conditions and all medications you are taking.
- Do not stop taking the medication suddenly without your doctor's advice for any reason.
- If you experience mood changes, anxiety, or suicidal thoughts during the initial stages of taking the medication, do not ignore it and tell your doctor or someone you trust immediately.
- Avoid alcohol completely during treatment.
- It may take several weeks to see the full effects of this medication. So be patient and continue taking the medication as your doctor tells you. If you are having a hard time going through this journey alone, seek help from family, friends, and your doctor.
👩🏽⚕️ Additional questions (FAQs)
💬 What kind of diseases is Bupropion used for?
This medication is widely used as an antidepressant to help balance brain chemicals in people with depression. Doctors also recommend it to help control the urge to smoke for those trying to quit smoking.
💬 Will taking this medicine make you taller?
Many other antidepressants cause weight gain. But the biggest advantage of bupropion is that it does not cause weight gain. Some people lose weight after taking it because they lose their appetite.
💬 What kind of people should be careful when taking this medicine?
It is dangerous to take this medicine if you have a history of seizures/fits, a mental illness such as anorexia, or if you have suddenly stopped drinking alcohol. These people are at high risk of developing seizures.
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