Has your doctor prescribed you a medicine called Bupropion for your anxiety, or depression? Or is a friend of yours using this medicine? It's normal to feel a little scared and curious when you hear this name. Because these are medicines for mental health, people are a little hesitant to talk about them. So today, let's talk about this medicine called Bupropion, as if we were talking to a friend.
Simply put, what is Bupropion?
Bupropion is a medication primarily used to treat depression . Sometimes doctors also prescribe another form of it (such as Zyban) to help you quit smoking.
So how does this work? It's very simple. We have natural chemicals in our brains that control things like our mood, happiness, and interest. We call these neurotransmitters. Norepinephrine and dopamine are two of the main chemical messengers. The levels of these can be low in the brain of someone with depression. So what this drug Bupropion does is increase the levels of these two chemicals in the brain and improve your mood. This drug belongs to a class of drugs called NDRIs.
Things you need to tell your doctor before starting medication
This is a very important part. If you have any of the following conditions, you should definitely tell your doctor about them before starting this medication. Then he or she can decide exactly whether this medication is right for you or not, or what dose you should start with.
| Condition category | Situations you should report |
|---|---|
| Mental health problems | Other mental illnesses such as bipolar disorder, psychosis, suicidal thoughts or previous attempts. |
| Brain and nervous system problems | A disease that causes seizures (seizures/convulsions), a serious head injury, a brain tumor, Tourette's syndrome. |
| Heart disease and blood pressure | High blood pressure, heart disease, previous heart attack, irregular heartbeat. |
| Other physical illnesses | Diabetes, kidney or liver disease, glaucoma. |
| Diet and allergies | Eating disorders such as anorexia or bulimia, unusual weight loss, allergic reactions to Bupropion or other medications, foods, or dyes. |
| Special occasions | If you are pregnant, trying to get pregnant, or breastfeeding. |
How to use the medicine correctly?
How to take
This medicine should be taken with a glass of water. Take it daily at the prescribed time, as directed by your doctor. Usually, you take it once a day. Taking it at the same time every day helps keep the medicine working at the same level in your body. If you experience stomach upset, take it with food.
Very important: This is an Extended-Release (XL) pill. This means that the medicine is released into the body over a 24-hour period. Therefore , never break, crush, or chew this pill. Swallow the pill whole. Breaking it can cause all the medicine to be absorbed into the body at once and cause dangerous side effects.
How to stop taking the medicine
Do not stop taking this medicine suddenly without your doctor's advice. Doing so may make your symptoms worse or cause other problems.
What if I take too much medicine?
If you think you have taken too much of this medicine by mistake, go to the nearest hospital Emergency Department (ETU) immediately . Or call the National Poisons Information Centre at the Colombo National Hospital . This medicine has been prescribed for you only. Never share it with others.
What if I miss a deadline?
If you forget to take a dose, skip it. Take only the pill at the next scheduled time. Never take two pills to make up for a missed dose.
Other things that may interact with this medicine (Interactions)
It is very important to tell your doctor about all the medications, vitamins, herbal remedies, and supplements you are taking. Also, tell your doctor if you use alcohol, tobacco, or other drugs, as some of these things can interact with this medication.
Things that should never be taken together
- MAOIs (e.g. Parnate, Nardil) are medications used to treat depression. If you are taking bupropion, you should wait at least 2 weeks after stopping an MAOI.
- The antibiotic Linezolid.
- The vaccine called methylene blue.
- Other medications containing Bupropion, such as Zyban.
Things to use with caution
Alcohol can increase the risk of seizures when taken with this medication. Therefore, it is advised to avoid alcohol completely . In addition, many medications, such as tranquilizers, painkillers (such as Tramadol), heart medications, and HIV/AIDS medications, can interact with this medication. Therefore, inform your doctor about everything you are taking.
Things to consider when taking medication
- Don't expect quick results: It may take several weeks to feel the full effect of this, so continue taking the medication as prescribed by your doctor.
- Pay attention to mood changes: This is very important.
- Severe skin reactions: Although rare, some people may experience a severe allergic reaction. Seek immediate medical attention if you experience symptoms such as fever, body aches, red, itchy skin, blistering, or peeling skin.
- Driving and using machinery: This medicine may make you feel drowsy and dizzy. Therefore, avoid driving or operating heavy machinery until you know exactly how this medicine affects you.
- Sleep effects: This may interfere with sleep for some people. Therefore, do not take this medicine close to bedtime. It is best to take it in the morning.
- Dry mouth: Dry mouth is a common side effect. This can be managed by chewing sugar-free gum and drinking plenty of water.
- Tablet shell: Sometimes you may see the tablet shell come out with your poop. This is normal, don't worry about it. The medicine has been absorbed into your body.
- Severe allergic reaction (swelling of the face, lips, tongue, difficulty breathing, skin rash)
- Seizures
- Severe changes in mood or behavior (such as the previously mentioned suicidal thoughts, extreme agitation)
- Vision changes such as sudden eye pain, blurred vision, and seeing halos around lights
- Blistering, redness, or peeling of the skin
- Abnormally high blood pressure
- Dry mouth
- Difficulty falling asleep
- Dizziness
- Constipation
- Nausea
- Appetite
- Tremors
- Bupropion is a medication that treats depression by balancing chemicals in your brain.
- Never break, crush, or chew this tablet. Swallow it whole.
- Tell your doctor about all other medications you take and any illnesses you have.
- If you experience sudden, serious changes in mood or behavior (especially suicidal thoughts), seek medical advice immediately.
- Avoid alcohol completely while taking this medicine.
- Do not stop taking your medication suddenly without your doctor's advice. If you have any concerns, talk to him/her openly about them.
Some people may have suicidal thoughts or become more depressed when they first start taking this medicine, or after changing their dose. They may also experience extreme restlessness, agitation, or irritability. Tell your doctor or a family member right away if you notice any sudden, serious changes in your mood or behavior.
Side effects that may occur due to medication
Like any medicine, Bupropion can cause side effects, although not everybody gets them.
| Serious side effects that require immediate medical attention | |
|---|---|
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| Side effects that are usually not serious (but tell your doctor if they persist) | |
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