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Bupropion: Frequently Asked Questions Answered

Bupropion

Bupropion is categorised as an atypical Antidepressant and is used in the treatment of depression. It helps to improve the mood and imparts a feeling of happiness. It is termed an atypical antidepressant as its mode of action is different from other antidepressants and results in less severe side effects. It functions by disrupting the normal uptake cycle of naturally occurring neurotransmitters such as dopamine and norepinephrine.

What are the uses of Bupropion?

Bupropion is used in the management of severe depression disorders. It weakly inhibits the enzyme that causes uptake of neurotransmitters in the brain. Some of the most common conditions where Bupropion is effective is-

  • Major Depressive disorders
  • Seasonal depressive disorders
  • Bipolar depression
  • Attention deficiency disorder
  • Smoking cessation aid

It may also be prescribed as a combination drug along with conventional serotonin inhibiting antidepressants and, in some cases, as a support therapy along with mood stabilisers.

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    What are the side effects of Bupropion?

    Bupropion is an atypical antidepressant and exerts less severe side effects than its conventional counterparts. However, it has been noted that it may cause some minor side effects like

    • Nausea
    • Vomiting
    • Dry mouth and strange taste of mouth
    • Dizziness
    • Joint pain
    • Sore throat

    Some of its more severe side effects include

    • Elevation of blood pressure
    • Chest pains
    • Irregular beating and pounding of the heart
    • Uncontrolled tremors or seizures

    It is best to consult a doctor if any of the side effects persist or worsen. To know more, talk to our specialists. https://www.yashodahospital.org/.

    What is Bupropion

    Uses of Bupropion

    Side effects of Bupropion

    References

    1. https://go.drugbank.com/drugs/DB01156
    2. https://www.webmd.com/drugs/2/drug-13507-155/bupropion-hcl-oral/bupropion-oral/details
    3. https://www.forhims.com/blog/how-long-does-wellbutrin-stay-in-your-system
    4. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/26952953/

    Disclaimer: The information provided herein is accurate, updated and complete as per the best practices of the Company. Please note that this information should not be treated as a replacement for physical medical consultation or advice. We do not guarantee the accuracy and the completeness of the information so provided. The absence of any information and/or warning to any drug shall not be considered and assumed as an implied assurance of the Company. We do not take any responsibility for the consequences arising out of the aforementioned information and strongly recommend you for a physical consultation in case of any queries or doubts.

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    Frequently Asked Questions about Bupropion

    Bupropion is an antidepressant drug and, once taken, stays in the system for a long duration. It takes close to 4 and a half days for the medicine to thoroughly flush out from the system. As with all other antidepressants, this drug should not be stopped abruptly and should be gradually tapered off.

    Yes, Bupropion may cause hair loss. It is common to experience hair loss after taking antidepressants. Hair loss of this type is called ‘Telogen effluvium’. The hair loss in such cases starts 3 to 4 months after taking the medicine. The positive takeaway is that the hair loss is reversible and resolves completely after stopping the medicine.

    No Bupropion is not used for anxiety. Bupropion is an antidepressant medicine used to treat major depression and withdrawal therapy in people trying to stop smoking. Unlike other traditional antidepressants, Bupropion gives far fewer side effects related to sex, sedation, and weight gain.

    Bupropion is an atypical antidepressant. It acts by stopping the production of an enzyme that is involved in the uptake of neurotransmitters like domain, norepinephrine, etc., by the brain. It helps to prolong the effect of these neurotransmitters—most of the other antidepressants, on the other hand, act by altering the serotonin enzyme metabolism.

    Bupropion is usually prescribed three times a day and should be taken with a 6-hour gap between each dose. It may cause stomach upsets in some people, and the medicine can be taken between meals to avoid this condition. It is best to take with water. People also complain of sleeplessness with bupropion, and to avoid that, the medicine should be 5 to 6 hours before bedtime.

    Bupropion tablets are coated with an inert material that protects the medicine from the acids and digestive juices to act on them and release the drug before the appropriate time. When someone chews the tablets, the inert coating of the tablet is lost, and the medicine is released instantly. This allows the acids to act on the medicine and reduce the efficiency or the efficacy of Bupropion.

    It is not advisable to take Bupropion along with Fluvoxamine simultaneously. When both these medicines are taken together, the metabolism of both drugs is affected. This results in elevated levels of bupropion and fluvoxamine in the blood and brain. It increases the chances of seizures and worsening of the other side effects.

    Bupropion is an antidepressant with stimulant properties. It has been seen that bupropion can increase the production of some enzymes which monitor brain energy metabolism. There is no evidence that Bupropion has any significant effect on the body’s energy levels though there is definite evidence that antidepressants modulate brain energy metabolism.

    Bupropion is an antidepressant and does impart a happy feeling, and it also helps stabilise your mood. Bupropion modifies the metabolism and uptake of major neurotransmitters like dopamine and epinephrine. This action leads to increased availability of dopamine and norepinephrine, which are termed as ‘feel good’ brain enzymes.

    No Bupropion does not cause sleepiness which is one of the major side effects of traditional antidepressants. The difference lies in the way the antidepressant effect is achieved. Traditional antidepressants affect the serotonin enzyme of the body and are known to cause lethargy, sleepiness, and drowsiness. On the other hand, Bupropion affects the metabolism of neurotransmitters like Dopamine and does not cause sleepiness.

    Yes, Bupropion does cause some people to lose weight. Bupropion is known to affect the metabolism of neurotransmitter ‘Dopamine’. Reduced levels of Dopamine in the brain are associated with obesity. Since Bupropion inhibits the uptake of Dopamine and prevents its metabolism, it does cause weight loss.

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