bupropion

Brand names: buPropion Hydrochloride XL

# Understanding Bupropion Bupropion is a medication that doctors prescribe to help people with depression and to help smokers quit smoking. It works by changing the levels of certain chemicals in your brain that affect your mood and behavior. Unlike some other depression medicines, bupropion can actually help people feel more energized and focused rather than making them sleepy. It comes in different forms that you take by mouth, usually once or twice a day depending on which type your doctor prescribes. There are some important safety things to know about bupropion. This medicine can increase your risk of seizures, especially if you take high doses, so tell your doctor if you have ever had seizures or head injuries. It's also important to let your doctor know about all other medicines you take, because bupropion can interact with them—for example, it can increase the levels of certain depression and antipsychotic medicines in your body. You should never suddenly stop taking bupropion without talking to your doctor first. Like other depression medicines, bupropion may increase thoughts of suicide in young people, so watch for changes in mood or behavior and talk to your doctor right away if anything seems wrong.

Known Interactions

7 DRUG INTERACTIONS CYP2B6 inducers: Dose increase may be necessary if coadministered with CYP2B6 inducers (e.g., ritonavir, lopinavir, efavirenz, carbamazepine, phenobarbital, and phenytoin) based on clinical exposure, but should not exceed the maximum recommended dose. ( 7.1 ) Drugs metabolized by CYP2D6: Bupropion inhibits CYP2D6 and can increase concentrations of: antidepressants (e.g., venlafaxine, nortriptyline, imipramine, desipramine, paroxetine, fluoxetine, sertraline), antipsychotics (e.g., haloperidol, risperidone, thioridazine), beta-blockers (e.g., metoprolol), and Type 1C antiarrhythmics (e.g., propafenone, flecainide). Consider dose reduction when using with bupropion. ( 7.2 ) Drugs that lower seizure threshold: Dose bupropion hydrochloride extended-release tablets (XL) with caution. ( 5.3 , 7.3 ) Dopaminergic Drugs (levodopa and amantadine): CNS toxicity can occur when used concomitantly with bupropion hydrochloride extended-release tablets (XL). ( 7.4 ) MAOIs: Increase

Source: FDA-approved drug labeling via openFDA

Most Reported Side Effects (FAERS)

  • DRUG INEFFECTIVE12,772 reports
  • NAUSEA11,505 reports
  • FATIGUE9,694 reports
  • HEADACHE9,687 reports
  • DEPRESSION8,444 reports
  • ANXIETY7,573 reports
  • DIZZINESS7,528 reports
  • PAIN6,600 reports
  • OFF LABEL USE6,296 reports
  • INSOMNIA5,776 reports

Source: FDA Adverse Event Reporting System (FAERS). Voluntary reports do not establish causation.

Check interactions with bupropion:

SafeCheck provides drug interaction information from FDA-approved product labeling (openFDA). This is for informational purposes only and is not medical advice. Always consult your healthcare provider before making medication decisions.