When your doctor prescribes you a medication for depression or another mental condition, it's normal to feel a little apprehensive, curious, and have a lot of questions. Today, we're talking about Bupropion, a commonly used medication for such conditions. Let's take a simple look at what it is, how it works, and what you need to be careful about when using it, as if you were talking to a friend.
What kind of medicine is Bupropion?
Simply put, Bupropion is a medication used to treat conditions like depression. Certain chemicals in the brain, called hormones, help control our mood. This medication works by increasing the levels of two important hormones , norepinephrine and dopamine, in the brain. It belongs to a class of drugs called NDRIs (Norepinephrine-Dopamine Reuptake Inhibitors). Sometimes doctors also prescribe this medication for other conditions. If you have questions about it, it's best to ask your doctor. In Sri Lanka, it can be found under brand names like Wellbutrin SR and Budeprion SR.
Things you need to tell your doctor before starting this medication
Before giving you Bupropion, your doctor will want to know your complete health history. This is because people with certain medical conditions need to be especially careful when using this medicine. Therefore, if you have any of the conditions listed below, you should tell your doctor without hiding anything .
| Health conditions you should report |
|---|
| • Eating disorders - for example, anorexia or bulimia. |
| • Mental illnesses such as bipolar disorder. |
| • If you are taking medication for diabetes or high blood sugar. |
| • Glaucoma condition. |
| • If you have had a head injury or a brain tumor. |
| • Heart disease, if you have had a previous heart attack, or if you have an irregular heartbeat. |
| • High blood pressure. |
| • Kidney or liver disease. |
| • If you have seizures. |
| • Suicidal thoughts or previous attempts. |
| • If you have an allergic reaction to Bupropion or any other medicine, food, or dye. |
| • If you are pregnant, trying to get pregnant, or breastfeeding. |
How exactly do I use this medicine?
This is very important. To get the most out of a medicine, you need to use it correctly.
- Take this pill by mouth with a glass of water.
- Take the prescribed dose at the prescribed time, just as the doctor told you.
- If you feel like you have an upset stomach, take the medicine with a meal.
- This is the most important thing: Do not break, crush, or chew this pill. Swallow the pill whole.
- If you are prescribed more than one pill per day, take the first pill and then take the second pill at least 8 hours later .
- To prevent sleep disturbances, avoid taking this medication close to bedtime. It is best to take it in the morning and afternoon.
- Do not stop taking the medicine suddenly unless your doctor tells you to. Doing so may cause discomfort or worsen your condition.
What do you do if you forget to take a medicine?
If you forget to take a dose, skip the missed dose and take the next dose at the scheduled time. Never take two pills at once to make up for a missed dose. Remember, there must be an 8-hour gap between taking two pills.
What if I take too much medicine?
If you think you have taken more medicine than you think, 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 Bupropion
Other medications, vitamins, or lifestyle changes you take (e.g., alcohol) may interact with this medication. Therefore, it is very important to tell your doctor about all medications you are taking.
| Do not take Bupropion with this medicine! | |
|---|---|
| • Linezolid | • Methylene blue (given as an injection) |
| • A class of medications called MAOIs (e.g. Parnate, Nardil) | • Other medications containing bupropion (e.g. Zyban) |
| If you take Bupropion with these things, talk to your doctor and be very careful. | |
| • Alcohol | • Some medications for anxiety or sleep |
| • Some medications for high blood pressure (e.g. metoprolol) | • Some medications for HIV/AIDS |
| • Some medications for seizures (e.g. carbamazepine, phenytoin) | • Some medications for irregular heartbeat |
| • Medicines like Digoxin, Warfarin, Theophylline, Tamoxifen | • Products containing nicotine |
This list is not complete. It is important for your own safety to tell your doctor about every medication, vitamin, or herb you are taking.
Things to be careful about while taking the medicine
Be aware of symptoms.
It may take several weeks for this medicine to take full effect. Therefore, do not stop taking it too soon because you are not seeing results. Continue taking it as prescribed by your doctor. If your symptoms do not improve, or if they get worse, tell your doctor right away.
Be aware of mood swings.
Some people may experience suicidal thoughts or increased depression when they first start taking this medication or after changing the dose. Also, people with bipolar disorder may experience manic episodes . These may include:
- Sudden excessive anxiety, restlessness
- Aggressive or irritable
- Hyperactivity, inability to focus
- Insomnia
If you or someone in your family notices sudden mood changes like this, call your doctor without delay .
Severe skin allergies
Rarely, serious skin reactions may occur within a few weeks or months of using this medicine. Tell your doctor right away if you notice anything like red or purple blisters or peeling skin along with fever, body aches, or pain.
Alcohol and driving
Avoid alcohol completely while taking this medication. The combination of alcohol and this medication can increase the risk of seizures. Also, if this medication makes you feel drowsy or less alert, avoid driving or operating heavy machinery until you know exactly how the medication affects you.
Possible side effects of the medicine
Like all medicines, Bupropion can have side effects. Not everyone gets them, but it's important to be aware of them.
| If you experience these side effects, tell your doctor immediately. | |
|---|---|
| • Allergic reactions - skin rash, itching, swelling of the face, lips, tongue or throat. | |
| • Increased blood pressure. | |
| • The serious mood changes we talked about earlier. | |
| • Redness, blistering, peeling of the skin (can also occur inside the mouth). | |
| • Seizures. | |
| • Sudden eye pain, blurred vision, or seeing rings around lights. | |
| Side effects that are usually not serious, but should be reported to the doctor if they persist | |
| • Constipation | |
| • Dizziness | |
| • Dry mouth (chewing sugarless gum and drinking water can help) | |
| • Loss of appetite | |
| • Nausea | |
| • Tremors | |
| • Difficulty falling asleep | |
Take-Home Message
- Bupropion is a medication that should only be taken under the advice of a doctor. Don't assume that it will work for you just because it worked for your friend.
- Before starting the medication, tell your doctor about all your medical conditions and all other medications you are taking.
- Swallow the tablet whole without breaking, crushing, or chewing.
- Avoid alcohol completely while taking the medication.
- If you notice serious, sudden changes in your mood or behavior, seek medical advice immediately.
- Do not stop taking the medication suddenly without your doctor's advice.
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