Bupropion Hydrochloride

💊 What is Bupropion Hydrochloride used for?

• •Treatment of major depressive disorder (MDD) in adults
• •Prevention of seasonal major depressive episodes in adults with seasonal affective disorder (SAD) who have a history of depression with an autumn-winter pattern

How it works

How it is usually taken

• •The label says the tablet should be swallowed whole and not crushed, divided, or chewed. It is taken in the morning and may be taken with or without food. The dose is increased gradually, which the label says is done to reduce the risk of seizures. For seasonal affective disorder, the label says treatment starts in the autumn, before depression symptoms begin, and continues through the winter. Follow the instructions from your prescriber or pharmacist.

Comes as

• •Extended-release tablets (XL), 300 mg of bupropion hydrochloride. White to pale yellow, round tablets marked "YH 101" on one side.

⚠️ Bupropion Hydrochloride side effects

🛑 Who should not take Bupropion Hydrochloride, and who should be careful

The label says not to take it if

• 🚨You have a seizure disorder (the label says this medicine is contraindicated in this condition).
• 🚨You currently have, or have ever had, a diagnosis of bulimia or anorexia nervosa.
• 🚨You are stopping alcohol, benzodiazepines, barbiturates, or antiepileptic drugs suddenly. The label lists abrupt discontinuation of these as a reason this medicine should not be used.
• 🚨You are taking an MAOI (a medicine used to treat psychiatric disorders), or you have stopped an MAOI within the last 14 days. The label says the combination increases the risk of high blood pressure reactions.
• 🚨You are starting treatment with a reversible MAOI such as linezolid or intravenous methylene blue. The label lists this as contraindicated.

Tell your doctor before taking it if

• •Tell your prescriber if you have ever had a seizure, a head injury, or a history of bulimia or anorexia, since these affect whether this medicine can be used.
• •Tell your prescriber if you or a family member has bipolar illness (manic-depressive illness) or a history of suicidal thoughts or actions. The label says people with these conditions may have a higher risk and that bipolar disorder should be screened for.
• •The label says blood pressure should be monitored before starting and during treatment.
• •The label mentions that angle-closure glaucoma can happen with antidepressants in people who have narrow eye angles that are not treated.
• •The label says it is not known whether this medicine is safe and effective in children under 18.
• •The label says this medicine contains the same active ingredient as ZYBAN, which is used to help people quit smoking. The label states that this extended-release product is not a treatment for quitting smoking.
• •Keep a list of all your medicines, including over-the-counter products, and show it to your prescriber.

🔀 Bupropion Hydrochloride with other medicines, food and alcohol

The label says to discuss these with your doctor or pharmacist

• •Drugs that induce CYP2B6, such as ritonavir, lopinavir, efavirenz, carbamazepine, phenobarbital, and phenytoin: the label says a dose increase may be needed, but the dose should not go above the maximum recommended dose.
• •Drugs that inhibit CYP2B6, such as ticlopidine and clopidogrel: the label says dose adjustment may be needed based on clinical response.
• •Drugs broken down by CYP2D6: the label says bupropion can raise their levels. Examples include antidepressants (venlafaxine, nortriptyline, imipramine, desipramine, paroxetine, fluoxetine, sertraline), antipsychotics (haloperidol, risperidone, thioridazine), beta-blockers (metoprolol), and Type 1C antiarrhythmics (propafenone, flecainide). The label says dose reduction should be considered.
• •Drugs that lower the seizure threshold: the label says to use this medicine with caution.
• •Dopaminergic drugs, levodopa and amantadine: the label says central nervous system toxicity can occur when used together.
• •MAOIs: the label says there is an increased risk of high blood pressure reactions when used together. This combination is contraindicated.
• •Drug test interaction: the label says this medicine can cause false-positive urine test results for amphetamines.

Alcohol and food

The label says the tablet may be taken with or without food. The label lists abruptly stopping alcohol as a reason this medicine should not be used. The sections provided do not give other specific alcohol guidance, so ask your prescriber or pharmacist.

🤰 Bupropion Hydrochloride in pregnancy and breastfeeding

Pregnancy

The label says that data from studies of pregnant women exposed to bupropion in the first trimester have not shown an increased risk of birth defects overall. The label also says untreated depression carries risks for the mother. A pregnancy exposure registry for antidepressants is available, and healthcare providers are encouraged to register patients at 1-844-405-6185. Talk with your prescriber about your options if you are pregnant or planning a pregnancy.

Breastfeeding

The label does not say.

🗓️ Storage, missed doses and taking too much

Storage

The label says to store at 20 to 25 degrees C (68 to 77 degrees F), with brief excursions allowed between 15 and 30 degrees C (59 to 86 degrees F). Keep it in a tight, light-resistant container with a child-resistant closure, and keep it out of reach of children. The label notes the tablets may have an odor.

If a dose is missed

The label does not say.

If too much is taken

The label reports that very large overdoses of bupropion have occurred, and that seizures happened in about one third of these cases. Other serious effects reported include hallucinations, loss of consciousness, mental status changes, fast heart rate, heart rhythm changes, muscle problems, and coma. Deaths have been reported with large overdoses of bupropion alone. Get emergency medical help right away if an overdose is suspected.

🗒️ Questions to ask about Bupropion Hydrochloride

• Is this medicine right for my type of depression or my seasonal pattern of symptoms?
• How will I be watched for changes in mood, thoughts, or behavior, especially when I start or change my treatment?
• Do I have any of the conditions that could raise my seizure risk, such as a seizure disorder or an eating disorder?
• How often will my blood pressure be checked while I take this medicine?
• Do any of my current medicines or supplements interact with this one?
• How long will I need to continue this medicine, and how often should my need for it be reviewed?
• What should I do if I think I missed a dose or took too much?

❓ Bupropion Hydrochloride: frequently asked questions