Are you tired of trying to quit smoking? It's not easy. Once we become addicted to nicotine, it's very difficult to break free. But don't worry, there are medical methods that can help you. One such drug that your doctor may recommend is Bupropion. Today, we'll talk in detail about this drug, what it does, and what you need to be careful about when using it.
What is this medicine called Bupropion?
Simply put, Bupropion is a medication that helps you quit smoking. It works by affecting your brain and reducing your cravings for nicotine. It also helps control withdrawal symptoms, such as irritability, restlessness, and difficulty concentrating.
But remember, it is difficult to achieve successful results using this medicine alone. It is most effective when used in conjunction with a stop-smoking program designed specifically for smoking cessation. Your doctor will tell you more about this.
Things you need to tell your doctor before taking medicine
Before giving you this medicine, your doctor should be aware of your complete health history. Be sure to tell them if you have any of the conditions below.
| Health condition or problem | Description |
|---|---|
| Eating disorders | For example, conditions like anorexia or bulimia. |
| Mental illness | Conditions such as bipolar disorder or psychosis. |
| Diabetes or blood sugar levels | Take medication if you have diabetes or high blood sugar. |
| Other medical conditions | Glaucoma, high blood pressure, heart disease, liver or kidney disease. |
| Head injuries or brain tumors | If you have had a previous severe head injury or have a brain tumor. |
| Seizures | If you have had a seizure before or are at risk for one. |
| Suicidal thoughts | If you have previously had thoughts of suicide or attempted suicide. |
| Pregnancy and breastfeeding | If you are pregnant, trying to get pregnant, or breastfeeding. |
| Allergies | If you have an allergy to Bupropion or any other medicine, food, or coloring. |
How should I use the medicine?
When using this medicine, you should follow your doctor's instructions exactly.
- Swallow this tablet with a glass of water. Do not break, crush, or chew the tablet.
- If you feel like you have an upset stomach, take the medicine with food.
- Take the medicine at the prescribed intervals as prescribed by your doctor. If you are taking more than one pill a day, there should be at least an 8-hour gap between the two pills.
- Do not take this medicine close to bedtime, as it may interfere with sleep.
- Do not stop taking the medication suddenly without your doctor's advice. Doing so may cause serious side effects.
What to do if you overdose?
If you think you have taken too much medicine, go to the nearest hospital Emergency Department (ETU) immediately. Or call the National Poisons Information Centre at the Colombo National Hospital for advice.
Most importantly: This medicine is for you only. Never share your medicine with others.
What if I miss a dose of medicine?
If you miss a dose, skip it and take the next dose at the scheduled time. Do not take a double dose to make up for a missed dose. Remember, there should be an 8-hour gap between two doses.
Other drugs that may interact with this medicine (Drug Interactions)
Bupropion is a drug that can interact with other medications, so you should tell your doctor about all the medications you are taking (including vitamins and herbal remedies).
| Never take Bupropion with this medicine! | |
|---|---|
| MAOI type medication | Some medications for depression (e.g. Parnate, Nardil). |
| Linezolid, Methylene blue | These are antibiotics given for some infections. |
| Other medicines containing Bupropion | Other brands, such as Wellbutrin, for example. |
| Be very careful if you take Bupropion with this medicine! | |
| |
*This list is not complete. Therefore, it is very important to tell your doctor about all medications you are taking.*
Things to be careful about when taking medicine
Take care of your mental health.
When using this medicine, especially in the early stages, some people may experience increased depression and suicidal thoughts. Tell your doctor or a family member immediately if you experience any sudden changes in your mood, behavior, agitation, irritability, or extreme restlessness.
Avoid drinking alcohol completely while taking this medication. The risk of seizures is greatly increased when alcohol and this medication are combined.
Other important points
- Skin allergies: Sometimes, even weeks after starting the medication, a skin rash may appear with fever-like symptoms. If the skin becomes red, blisters, or peels off, seek medical advice immediately.
- Driving: This medication may make you feel sleepy and have trouble concentrating. Therefore, avoid driving or operating heavy machinery until you know exactly how this medication affects you.
- Dry mouth: This is a common side effect. This can be controlled by chewing sugar-free gum and drinking plenty of water.
- Nicotine patches/chewing gum: If you use nicotine patches while taking Bupropion, do so only under the advice of your doctor. If you do, your blood pressure will need to be checked regularly.
What are the possible side effects of the medication?
Like any medication, Bupropion can have side effects. Some are serious, while others are common.
| Side effects that should be reported to the doctor immediately | |
|---|---|
| Allergy | Skin rash, itching, swelling of the face, lips, tongue. |
| Mental changes | Increased anger, hostility, suicidal thoughts, depression. |
| Serious skin reactions | Redness, blistering, peeling skin (even inside the mouth). |
| Seizures | A sudden seizure. |
| Eye problems | Sudden eye pain, blurred vision, seeing rings around lights. |
| Side effects that are usually not serious, but should be reported to the doctor if they persist | |
| |
Take-Home Message
- Bupropion is a medication that helps you quit smoking and must be prescribed by a doctor. It reduces nicotine cravings and the difficulty of quitting smoking.
- Before starting this medication, tell your doctor about all your medical conditions and all medications you are taking.
- Avoid drinking alcohol completely while taking the medication. The combination of the two increases the risk of seizures.
- If you experience sudden changes in your mood or behavior, especially thoughts of suicide, seek medical advice immediately.
- This medication is most effective when used in conjunction with a counseling program, so follow your doctor's instructions exactly.
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