What is Bupropion?
Bupropion is a prescription antidepressant approved for adults with major depressive disorder (MDD) and seasonal affective disorder (SAD). Under the brand name Zyban, it is also indicated to assist with smoking cessation.
The effectiveness of Bupropion in treating MDD has been demonstrated in both short-term and long-term clinical trials. The maximum recommended daily dose for depression is 450 mg, divided into smaller doses. No single dose should exceed 150 mg (immediate-release) or 200 mg (sustained-release) to lower the risk of seizures.
Bupropion tablets should be taken whole and can be taken with or without food. Additionally, Bupropion is also prescribed off-label for conditions such as attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), sexual dysfunction related to SSRIs, and as an adjunct in bipolar depression (with mood stabilizers).
Indications and Benefits of Medication
Bupropion is mainly prescribed to help people with major depressive disorder and seasonal affective disorder. It is also used to support those who want to quit smoking.
This treatment works by balancing certain natural chemicals in the brain that affect mood and energy levels. By doing so, it helps improve emotional well-being, reduce fatigue, and support better focus.
What Are the Benefits of Medication?
- Helps lift mood and ease symptoms of depression, allowing a more positive outlook.
- Boosts energy and reduces tiredness, making daily tasks easier to manage.
- Supports smoking cessation by lowering nicotine cravings and withdrawal discomfort.
- Improves mood and motivation during the darker winter months for those with seasonal affective disorder.
- Enhances concentration and focus, helping with work, study, and other daily responsibilities.
- Promotes emotional stability, reducing mood swings and irritability.
- Encourages better motivation and engagement in daily life, improving overall well-being.
Fact Table
| Fact Category | Fact Details |
| Generic Name | Bupropion |
| Medication Class | Antidepressant |
| Primary Use | Used to treat major depressive disorder and seasonal affective disorder |
| Additional Benefit | Helps people quit smoking by reducing nicotine cravings and withdrawal symptoms |
| Available Form | Regular tablets, sustained-release tablets, and extended-release tablets |
| Method of Administration | Taken by mouth with or without food |
| Frequency | Regular tablets are taken three or four times daily; sustained-release tablets are taken twice daily; extended-release tablets are taken once daily in the morning |
| Storage Instructions | Store at room temperature, away from light, heat, and moisture; keep tightly closed and out of reach of children |
| Pregnancy and Breastfeeding | Should be used only if clearly needed; consult a doctor before use during pregnancy or breastfeeding |
| Drug Interactions | Should not be taken with monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs); can interact with cimetidine, alcohol, and other medications that affect the brain or liver |
| Manufacturer | Commonly produced by several companies, including GlaxoSmithKline (maker of Wellbutrin and Zyban) |
How It Works?
Bupropion is an aminoketone antidepressant that helps balance brain chemicals, specifically norepinephrine and dopamine.
Norepinephrine affects attention and responses, while dopamine is crucial for pleasure and motivation.
Bupropion primarily inhibits the reuptake of dopamine and norepinephrine, enhancing their availability in the brain. It is also a nicotinic acetylcholine receptor antagonist, which contributes to its effect in smoking cessation.
Dosage Information and Usage
Bupropion comes in different strengths and forms. The tablets are round, biconvex, and coated with a film.
These tablets are extended-release (SR) and are used to treat major depressive disorder (MDD) in adults, among other conditions. It’s essential to follow your healthcare provider’s instructions regarding the dosage and frequency of taking these tablets.
Dosage form and strengths of Bupropion
Here are the dosage forms and strengths of Bupropion HCl:
- 75 mg tablets: Pale lavender, round, biconvex, film-coated, debossed with “L1” on one side and plain on the other side.
- 100 mg tablets: Pale lavender, round, biconvex, film-coated, debossed with “L7” on one side and plain on the other side.
Here are the dosage forms and strengths of Bupropion XL:
- 100 mg: These are blue, round, biconvex tablets with a film coating. They are extended-release (SR) and are debossed with “S” on one side and “522” on the other.
- 150 mg: These are purple, round, biconvex tablets with a film coating. They are extended-release (SR) and are debossed with “S” on one side and “525” on the other.
- 200 mg: These are pink, round, biconvex tablets with a film coating. They are extended-release (SR) and are debossed with “S” on one side and “527” on the other.
Dosage Chart
| Condition & Population | Recommended Dosage | Special Notes |
| Major Depressive Disorder (Adults) | Start with 150 mg once daily in the morning. After 3 days, increase to 150 mg twice daily. The maximum dose is 300 mg once daily. | Take doses at least 6 hours apart. Avoid taking before bedtime to reduce insomnia. |
| Major Depressive Disorder (Seniors 65+) | Begin with 100–150 mg once daily. Increase slowly based on tolerance and response. | Seniors are more sensitive to side effects and may need lower doses. Monitor closely. |
| Major Depressive Disorder (Children & Adolescents) | Not approved for depression under 18. Off-label use (e.g., ADHD) starts at 1–3 mg/kg/day with careful monitoring. | Use only under specialist supervision. Dose adjustments should be made gradually. |
| Seasonal Affective Disorder (Adults) | Begin with 150 mg once daily in the morning. After 1 week, increase to 300 mg once daily. | Start treatment in early fall and continue through winter. Stop gradually in early spring. |
| Seasonal Affective Disorder (Seniors 65+) | Start with 100–150 mg daily. Adjust slowly according to tolerance. | Monitor blood pressure and neurological effects carefully. |
| Seasonal Affective Disorder (Children) | Not recommended for use in children or adolescents. | Safety and effectiveness have not been established. |
| Smoking Cessation (Adults) | Take 150 mg once daily for the first 3 days, then increase to 150 mg twice daily. Continue for 7–12 weeks. | Begin 1–2 weeks before quitting smoking. Avoid taking doses too close together. |
| Smoking Cessation (Seniors 65+) | Start with 150 mg once daily and increase gradually if tolerated. | Monitor for confusion, dizziness, or changes in blood pressure. |
Usage
To use Bupropion tablets safely and effectively, follow these instructions:
- Swallow Bupropion tablets whole; don’t break, crush, or chew them.
- You can take these tablets with or without food.
Recommended Dosage
- For adults, the usual dose is 300 mg/day, taken as 150 mg twice daily.
- Start with 150 mg/day for the first three days, then increase to 300 mg/day, taken as 150 mg twice daily.
- Wait at least 8 hours between doses.
- If needed, the dose can be increased to 400 mg/day, taken as 200 mg twice daily.
- Don’t take more than 200 mg at once.
Special Cases
- If your liver or kidneys are not working well, your doctor may adjust your dose.
- For patients with liver issues, the highest dose should be 100 mg/day or 150 mg every other day.
- If you have mild liver problems, your doctor might reduce your dose.
- Patients with kidney problems may need a lower dose or less often.
Switching Medications
- If you’re switching to or from MAOIs (Monoamine Oxidase Inhibitors), wait at least 14 days.
Using with Reversible MAOIs
- Don’t start Bupropion hydrochloride extended-release (SR) tablets if you’re taking drugs like linezolid or intravenous methylene blue.
- If urgent treatment is needed, consider non-drug options or hospitalization.
- If you have to take linezolid or intravenous methylene blue, stop taking Bupropion hydrochloride extended-release (SR) tablets right away.
Always listen to your doctor and talk to them regularly about your treatment.
Side Effects of Bupropion
Side effects of Bupropion hydrochloride tablets can range from mild to severe. If you experience one or any of these side effects, consult your healthcare provider or pharmacist for more information.
Common Side Effects
- Headache
- Nausea or vomiting
- Dizziness
- Heavy sweating
- Shakiness (tremor)
- Fast heartbeat
- Nervousness
- Dry mouth
- Constipation
- Trouble sleeping
- Blurred vision
Serious but Rare Side Effects
- Suicidal thoughts and behaviors in adolescents and young adults
- Neuropsychiatric symptoms and suicide risk in smoking cessation treatment
- Seizure
- Hypertension
- Activation of mania or hypomania
- Psychosis and other neuropsychiatric reactions
- Angle-closure glaucoma
- Hypersensitivity reactions
Missed Dose
If you forget to take a dose of bupropion, take it as soon as you remember.
If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed one and continue with your usual schedule.
Do not take two doses at the same time to make up for the missed dose. Always make sure there is enough time between doses to avoid side effects.
Overdosage of Bupropion
Overdosing on Bupropion is very dangerous and requires immediate medical attention. Taking too much, even up to 30 grams, can cause serious health issues.
Symptoms include seizures, hallucinations, loss of consciousness, rapid heartbeat, and mental changes.
Severe reactions may involve muscle stiffness, fever, low blood pressure, coma, or respiratory failure.
Deaths have occurred from large overdoses. If an overdose is suspected, contact a Poison Control Center immediately.
There is no specific antidote for Bupropion; treatment focuses on supportive care and monitoring vital signs.
Storage Information
Store Bupropion tablets in a cool place between 20°C and 25°C (68°F to 77°F). A slight temperature range from 15°C to 30°C (59°F to 86°F) is acceptable, but avoid drastic changes. Protect the tablets from light and moisture by keeping them in their original bottle.
Warnings and Precautions
Before starting Bupropion, be aware of several important warnings and precautions for safe and effective use.
Always consult your healthcare provider to understand the implications of taking Bupropion and to customize your treatment plan to your needs.
Boxed Warnings for Bupropion
Bupropion comes with a warning about the risk of suicidal thoughts and behaviors. In short-term trials, antidepressants like Bupropion increased the risk of suicidal thoughts and behavior in children, adolescents, and young adults.
These trials did not show an increased risk for people over 24 years old, nor in those aged 65 and older.
It’s important to closely monitor patients of all ages who start taking Bupropion for any worsening of symptoms or new suicidal thoughts and behaviors.
Families and caregivers should be advised to keep in close contact with the prescriber to report any concerns.
General Precautions for Bupropion Medication
When using Bupropion, it is important to be aware of certain precautions. This helps ensure the medication is used safely and effectively.
Here are some precautions to know when using Bupropion:
- Suicidal Thoughts and Behaviors: Bupropion can increase the risk of suicidal thoughts and behaviors in children, adolescents, and young adults. Monitor patients closely for worsening depression or unusual changes in behavior.
- Neuropsychiatric Symptoms: Some people may experience serious mood changes, hallucinations, or other psychiatric symptoms. These may include aggression, anxiety, or panic attacks.
- Seizures: The risk of seizures increases with higher doses of Bupropion. Do not exceed the recommended dose, and gradually increase the dose as prescribed by a healthcare provider.
- Hypertension: Bupropion can cause high blood pressure. Regularly check your blood pressure during treatment, especially if you have a history of hypertension.
- Activation of Mania/Hypomania: Bupropion may trigger manic or hypomanic episodes, particularly in people with bipolar disorder. Monitor for signs of mania, such as extreme energy or irritability.
- Angle-Closure Glaucoma: Bupropion can cause pupil dilation, which may trigger an attack in individuals with narrow angles in the eye. Seek immediate medical attention if you experience eye pain or vision changes.
- Hypersensitivity Reactions: Allergic reactions like rash, itching, or breathing difficulties may occur. Stop taking Bupropion and seek medical help if you experience these symptoms.
It is essential to talk to your healthcare provider about any concerns or side effects you may experience while taking Bupropion.
Contraindications
Bupropion should not be used by people who have seizures, eating disorders such as anorexia or bulimia, or severe liver problems.
It is also not suitable for those who recently stopped using alcohol or sedatives.
Do not take bupropion if you are using or have recently used monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs).
Tell your doctor about your medical history and any medications you are taking before starting bupropion to make sure it is safe for you.
Drug Interactions With Other Medications
Bupropion can interact with various other medications, which can affect how well it works or increase the risk of side effects. It is important to be aware of these potential interactions to manage your treatment effectively.
Here are the following drug interactions to note:
- CYP2B6 Inhibitors (e.g., Ticlopidine and Clopidogrel): These drugs can increase the levels of Bupropion in your body. Higher Bupropion levels may increase the risk of side effects because more of the drug stays in your system.
- CYP2B6 Inducers (e.g., Ritonavir, Lopinavir, Efavirenz): These drugs can decrease the levels of Bupropion in your body. Lower Bupropion levels might make it less effective because there is not enough of the drug in your system.
- Drugs Metabolized by CYP2D6 (e.g., certain antidepressants, antipsychotics, beta-blockers): Bupropion can increase the levels of these drugs in your body. This happens because Bupropion inhibits the enzyme that breaks them down.
- Digoxin: Bupropion can decrease the levels of digoxin in your body. Lower digoxin levels might make it less effective because it reduces the drug’s presence in your bloodstream.
- Drugs that Lower Seizure Threshold (e.g., other Bupropion products, antipsychotics, theophylline): Using these drugs with Bupropion can increase the risk of seizures. This is because Bupropion also lowers the seizure threshold.
- Dopaminergic Drugs (e.g., Levodopa and Amantadine): Combining these drugs with Bupropion can cause side effects like restlessness and dizziness. This is because both types of drugs increase dopamine levels in the brain.
- Alcohol: Drinking alcohol while taking Bupropion can lead to adverse neuropsychiatric events or reduced alcohol tolerance. This is because alcohol and Bupropion can both affect the brain.
- Monoamine Oxidase Inhibitors (MAOIs): Using MAOIs with Bupropion is not recommended because it can increase the risk of hypertensive reactions. MAOIs and Bupropion both affect brain chemicals. You should wait at least 14 days after stopping an MAOI before starting Bupropion, and vice versa.
Alternative Medications
If Wellbutrin isn’t suitable for you, there are other options available. These include prescription medications
- Sertraline
- Fluoxetine
- Paroxetine
- Duloxetine
- Venlafaxine
- Mirtazapine
- Escitalopram
- Aripiprazole
- Quetiapine
Cost & Discounts
Bupropion Canada
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Discount Code and Offer
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150mg
- 90 tabs – $49.99
- 150mg – 180 tabs – $90
- 150mg – 270 tabs – $123
300mg
- 90 tabs – $79.99
- 180 tabs – $150
- 270 tabs – $216
Patients can enjoy substantial discounts by opting for larger quantities, providing both convenience and long-term cost savings. Remember, each purchase is limited to a 90-day supply.
Assurance of Quality and Timely Delivery
At PharmaGiant, we ensure top-quality medication and timely delivery. Your orders are shipped in advanced containers to maintain integrity during transit.
With express shipping, your medication will arrive within 3-5 business days across the US.
Our service provides broader access to necessary treatments at manageable costs, whether you have insurance or not.
Please be aware that despite our precautions, unforeseen events like weather or political issues may cause occasional delays.
Frequently Asked Questions
Disclaimer
Pharma Giant provides medical information to help you better understand medications and medical conditions.This content is for informational use only and does not replace advice from a licensed medical practitioner. Consult your doctor or pharmacist before starting or changing any medication. All our partners follow strict safety standards set by their country’s health authorities to make sure you receive safe and high-quality medications.
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