Description
Bupropion is an antidepressant medication that works in the brain. It is approved for the treatment of major depressive disorder (MDD), and seasonal affective disorder (SAD), and to help people quit smoking (smoking cessation).
SAD is a type of depression that occurs mainly during the autumn-winter season. Although the common term SAD is now referred to as Major Depression with Seasonal Patterns, this fact sheet will continue to use SAD as it is more commonly known.
Bupropion may also be helpful when prescribed “off-label” for bipolar disorder, attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD, and sexual dysfunction due to SSRI antidepressants. “Off-label” means that it hasn’t been approved by the Food and Drug Administration for this condition. Your mental health provider should justify his or her thinking in recommending an “off-label” treatment. They should be clear about the limits of the research around that medication and if there are any other options.
Bupropion, sold under the brand names Wellbutrin and Zyban among others, is an atypical antidepressant primarily used to treat the major depressive disorder and to support smoking cessation. It is also popular as an add-on medication in the cases of “incomplete response” to the first-line selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI) antidepressant.
Bupropion has several features that distinguish it from other antidepressants: it does not usually cause sexual dysfunction; it is not associated with weight gain and sleepiness, and it is more effective than SSRIs at improving symptoms of hypersomnia and fatigue. Bupropion does, however, carry a much higher risk of seizure than many other antidepressants and extreme caution must be taken in patients with a history of seizure disorder.
Common adverse effects of bupropion with the greatest difference from placebo are dry mouth, nausea, constipation, insomnia, anxiety, tremor, and excessive sweating. Raised blood pressure is notable. Rare but serious side effects include seizure, liver toxicity, psychosis, and risk of overdose. Bupropion use during pregnancy may be associated with increased odds of congenital heart defects.
Bupropion acts as a norepinephrine-dopamine reuptake inhibitor and a nicotinic receptor antagonist. However, its effects on dopamine are weak. Chemically, bupropion is an aminoketone that belongs to the class of substituted cathinone and more generally that of substituted amphetamines and substituted phenethylamines.
Bupropion was invented by Nariman Mehta, who worked at Burroughs Wellcome, in 1969. It was first approved for medical use in the United States in 1985.
Bupron Tablet is used in the treatment of depression and smoking addiction. This medicine helps by increasing the level of chemical messengers in the brain that relax the nerves and have a calming effect on the brain.
Bupron may be taken with or without food. It is advised to take this medicine at a fixed time each day. You should never skip any doses and finish the full course of treatment even if you feel better. This medication mustn’t be stopped suddenly as it may worsen your symptoms.
Some common side effects of this medicine include insomnia (difficulty sleeping), allergic reaction, impaired concentration, sweating, headache, nausea, vomiting, and dry mouth. It even causes dizziness and sleepiness, so do not drive or do anything that requires mental focus. Moreover, most of the side effects are immediate and often go away with time. Please consult your doctor if these bother you or do not go away.
Before taking this medicine it is important to inform your doctor if you have any history of seizures or if you drink alcohol. Inform your doctor if you develop any unusual mood changes or if you have any suicidal thoughts.
In Depression. Bupron helps in maintaining the balance of certain chemicals in the brain that affect mood and behavior. This improves your mood, relieves anxiety, and tension, helps you sleep better, and increases your energy levels. Bupron Tablet prevents extreme mood changes and helps you feel less agitated. You may experience fewer episodes of depression and low mood.
In Smoking addiction. Smoking addiction can have adverse effects on your physical, mental as well as behavioral health. Bupron Tablet is a medicine used, along with social support and counseling, to help people in quitting smoking and avoid having the urge to smoke again. Bupron Tablet starts working from the very first dose and is a very safe and effective way of treating smoking addiction.
