Bupropion is used to treat depression.
This medicine is also used to help you stop smoking. It is meant to be taken as part of a complete smoking cessation programme that should include patient education and counselling.
Take Bupropion exactly as directed by your doctor or according to the instructions on the label. Do not take more or less than instructed by your doctor.
If you are taking this medicine for smoking cessation, you may start your treatment while you are still smoking. Set a target date to stop smoking, ideally during the second week of your treatment. Stop smoking on the second week and continue taking Bupropion.
You may take this medicine with or without food. If you have difficulty sleeping, do not take it near your bedtime. Try to take it at the same time each day.
Bupropion is available as a conventional, modified-release, prolonged-release, sustained-release or extended-release tablet.
Swallow the tablet whole with a glass of water. Do not divide, chew, or crush the tablet.
The dose of this medicine will be decided by your doctor. Your doctor will advise you on the treatment timeframe depending on your response to the medication.
Bupropion must be taken regularly for it to be effective. Continue taking this medicine even when you feel better. Do not stop taking it unless instructed by the doctor.
Take the missed dose as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and return to your normal dosing schedule.
DO NOT double a dose under any circumstances.
If you often forget to take your medicine, let your doctor and pharmacist know.
Alert your doctor if you have the following conditions:
- current or history of epilepsy (fits or seizures)
- current or history of eating disorders e.g. anorexia (loss of appetite), bulimia (an eating disorder characterised by episodes of binge eating then purging the food in an unhealthy way)
- tumour in the brain or spinal cord
- heavy or frequent drinker of alcohol and then you suddenly stopped drinking alcohol
- if you suddenly stopped taking medicines for mood disorders
- history of bipolar disorder (mental condition that causes extreme mood changes between feeling very high [mania] and very low [depression])
- severe liver disease
as Bupropion may not be suitable for you.
Do not take Bupropion with medicines used to treat depression known as monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs), certain medicine for blood disorder, or certain antibiotic. Please see the section "Can I take it with other medicines?" below for more information.
Inform your doctor if you have the following conditions:
- heart disease
- high blood pressure
- diabetes
- history of head trauma
- history of mental illness
- mild to moderate liver disease
- kidney disease
Let your doctor know if you are pregnant or breastfeeding.
Be sure to check with your doctor or pharmacist before giving Bupropion to the elderly. Elderly people may be more sensitive to the side effects.
If you are going to have certain laboratory tests (e.g. urine drug test), inform your doctor that you are taking this medicine.
Medicines for depression such as Bupropion may increase the risk of suicidal thoughts and behaviour. In some individuals, trying to quit smoking may also cause depression. As depression and some psychiatric disorders are themselves associated with an increased risk of suicide, it is important for you or your family members to monitor your condition, especially at the start of treatment and if your dosage is still being adjusted. If you experience new or sudden changes in mood, behaviour, thoughts or feelings or a worsening of your depression with suicidal thoughts or attempts, harm to self or harm to others, contact your doctor immediately.
Why is it important to keep my appointments with the doctor?
Keep your appointments with your doctor. Your doctor needs to monitor your condition and check your response to the medication regularly.
- Routine tests (e.g. liver and kidney function) may be done while you are being treated with this medicine. Your doctor will advise you about how often you need to have these tests.
- Your blood pressure may rise to unsafe levels without you noticing it. Monitor your blood pressure regularly during treatment.
- Regular monitoring for signs of depression and unusual changes in mood or behaviour may also be needed.
What lifestyle changes should I make to cope with depression?
Regular exercise and eating a healthy diet will help increase energy and hormones in the body such as serotonin, endorphins and other feel-good chemicals that minimise mood swings. Get enough sleep, as lack of sleep may cause irritability, moodiness, sadness, and tiredness.
What lifestyle changes can I make to help myself quit smoking?
Do not give in to cigarette cravings even for one single puff. Avoid groups or places which may encourage smoking. Engaging in sports or exercise and eating healthy foods are effective methods of countering such cravings.
Communicate with others and establish a support group. Always remind yourself about the benefits of quitting smoking such as the reduced risk of developing diseases caused by smoking, improved general health, and increased life expectancy.
Bupropion may cause dizziness or lightheadedness which may impair your concentration and judgment. If affected, do not drive or take part in any activity in which you need to be alert.
Other side effects include any of the following: headache, nausea, vomiting, stomach pain, constipation, dry mouth, changes in the taste, headache, fever, sweating, rash, ringing in the ears, weakness, difficulty sleeping, loss of appetite, and weight loss.
Some side effects may need immediate medical help. Alert your doctor quickly if you experience any of the following:
- rashes, breathlessness, swelling of the face, eyes, mouth or throat
- having thoughts of self-harm
- fits or seizures
- unusual changes in mood or behaviour (being too depressed, agitated, or having compulsive and impulsive behaviour)
- hallucinations (seeing, hearing or feeling things that are not existent)
- delusional thinking (not being able to tell what is real from what is imagined)
- confusion, difficulty concentrating, irrational thinking that causes suspiciousness or mistrust
- signs and symptoms of high blood pressure e.g. severe headache or dizziness, fainting, changes in vision
- changes in vision, eye pain, swelling or redness in or around the eye
- rashes with peeling of the skin or blistering of the lips, mouth or eyes accompanied by fever
Inform your doctor if any of these side effects do not go away or are severe, or if you experience other side effects.
Do not take Bupropion if you are currently taking or have taken a medicine that is used to treat depression known as a monoamine oxidase inhibitor (MAOI) such as isocarboxazid, phenelzine, and tranylcypromine in the last 14 days.
Do not take this medicine with the following medicines:
- linezolid (an antibiotic)
- injectable methylthioninium chloride (medicine for blood disorder)
Inform your doctor and pharmacist if you are taking or using any of these medicines:
- other medicines to treat depression e.g. venlafaxine, fluoxetine, sertraline, desipramine, imipramine, paroxetine
- medicines for mood disorders e.g. haloperidol, risperidone, thioridazine
- tamoxifen (medicine for cancer)
- strong painkillers e.g. tramadol
- medicines for fits or seizures e.g. phenytoin, carbamazepine, phenobarbital
- blood-thinning medicines e.g. clopidogrel, ticlopidine
- medicines for HIV infection e.g. ritonavir, lopinavir, efavirenz
- medicines for high blood pressure e.g. metoprolol
- medicines for Parkinson's disease (disorder that affects the movement of a person, causing symptoms such as tremors, muscle stiffness, slowed movement and impaired balance or walking) e.g. amantadine, levodopa
This list does not include all medicines that may interact with Bupropion.
Always notify your doctor and pharmacist if you are taking any other medicines, including herbal tonics such as traditional Chinese medicines, supplements, and medicines that you buy without a prescription.
Avoid alcohol. Consuming large amounts of alcohol or sudden discontinuation of drinking alcohol may increase the risk of fits or seizures. Some individuals may also notice that they are more sensitive to alcohol while taking Bupropion.
Store in a cool, dry place away from the reach of children.
Medicines must not be used past the expiry date.
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