Bupropion Medication: Uses, Dosage, and Side Effects Explained

Summary of Key Points

Bupropion is a prescription medication commonly used to treat conditions such as depression, anxiety, and to assist with smoking cessation. It works by influencing chemicals in the brain that affect mood and behavior. Bupropion is available in various forms and strengths, so it’s essential to follow your doctor’s instructions closely. If you have any questions about your treatment, you can consult one of our healthcare providers through telemedicine.

Names of Bupropion Medication

Wellbutrin (Bupropion)

Zyban (Bupropion)

Aplenzin (Bupropion)

Forfivo XL (Bupropion)

The generic name refers to the active ingredient, while the brand name is assigned by the manufacturer. In this case, the generic name is listed in parentheses.

Pharmacologic Category of Bupropion

Norepinephrine-Dopamine Reuptake Inhibitors (NDRIs)

Antidepressants

Smoking Cessation Aids

Bupropion Dosage

Bupropion is prescribed to treat several conditions in adults. The dosage and frequency depend on the specific condition being treated. Always consult your doctor before making any changes to your dose. You can also schedule a telemedicine appointment with one of our providers for personalized advice.

Bupropion for Major Depressive Disorder (MDD)

Initial Dose: 150 mg once daily in the morning.

Maintenance Dose: 150 mg to 300 mg per day, depending on your response to the medication.

Duration: Treatment typically lasts several months to prevent relapse.

Bupropion for Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD)

Initial Dose: 150 mg once daily in the morning.

Maintenance Dose: 300 mg per day, taken as 150 mg twice daily.

Duration: Begin treatment in the fall and continue through early spring.

Bupropion for Smoking Cessation

Initial Dose: 150 mg once daily for the first 3 days.

Maintenance Dose: 150 mg twice daily for 7 to 12 weeks.

Duration: Treatment may continue for up to 6 months if necessary.

Bupropion for Anxiety Disorders

Initial Dose: 150 mg once daily.

Maintenance Dose: 150 mg to 300 mg per day, depending on your response.

Duration: Treatment may last several months or longer.

Bupropion for Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD)

Initial Dose: 150 mg once daily in the morning.

Maintenance Dose: 150 mg to 300 mg per day, depending on your response.

Duration: Treatment is typically long-term.

Bupropion for Bipolar Disorder

Initial Dose: 150 mg once daily in the morning.

Maintenance Dose: 150 mg to 300 mg per day, depending on your response.

Duration: Treatment may last several months or longer.

Bupropion for Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)

Initial Dose: 150 mg once daily in the morning.

Maintenance Dose: 150 mg to 300 mg per day, depending on your response.

Duration: Treatment may last several months or longer.

Bupropion for Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD)

Initial Dose: 150 mg once daily in the morning.

Maintenance Dose: 150 mg to 300 mg per day, depending on your response.

Duration: Treatment is typically long-term.

Bupropion for Chronic Pain

Initial Dose: 150 mg once daily in the morning.

Maintenance Dose: 150 mg to 300 mg per day, depending on your response.

Duration: Treatment may last several months or longer.

Bupropion for Weight Management

Initial Dose: 150 mg once daily in the morning.

Maintenance Dose: 150 mg to 300 mg per day, depending on your response.

Duration: Treatment may last several months or longer.

Dosage Forms and Strengths of Bupropion

Immediate-Release Tablets: 75 mg, 100 mg

Sustained-Release (SR) Tablets: 100 mg, 150 mg, 200 mg

Extended-Release (XL) Tablets: 150 mg, 300 mg, 450 mg

Administration Instructions for Bupropion

Bupropion should be taken exactly as prescribed by your healthcare provider. It is generally recommended to take it in the morning to avoid potential sleep disturbances. Swallow the tablets whole; do not crush, chew, or break them. If you miss a dose, skip it and take your next dose at the regular time. Do not take two doses at once. If you have any questions about how to take your medication, consult one of our providers through telemedicine.

Contraindications for Bupropion

A contraindication is a specific condition where a medication should not be used because it may cause harm. It’s important to be aware of any contraindications before starting Bupropion.

Common Contraindications for Bupropion

Seizure disorders: Bupropion can lower the seizure threshold, increasing the likelihood of seizures. If you have a history of seizures, Bupropion may elevate your risk.

Eating disorders (e.g., bulimia or anorexia nervosa): Individuals with eating disorders are at higher risk of electrolyte imbalances, which can lower the seizure threshold. Bupropion increases the risk of seizures in these cases.

Alcohol or sedative withdrawal: Withdrawal from alcohol or sedatives (such as benzodiazepines) can already heighten the risk of seizures. Bupropion may further increase this risk.

Monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs): If you are taking or have recently taken an MAOI (such as phenelzine or tranylcypromine) within the past 14 days, combining it with Bupropion can lead to dangerous increases in blood pressure.

Hypersensitivity or allergic reactions: If you’ve had an allergic reaction to Bupropion in the past, you should not take it again, as it could lead to severe reactions, including anaphylaxis.

Drug to Drug Interactions

Bupropion can interact with other medications, which may increase the risk of side effects or reduce the effectiveness of either drug. It’s important to inform your healthcare provider about all the medications you are taking, including over-the-counter drugs, supplements, and herbal products.

Medications that Interact with Bupropion

SSRIs (Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors): Medications such as fluoxetine (Prozac), sertraline (Zoloft), and paroxetine (Paxil) can increase the risk of seizures when taken with Bupropion.

Antipsychotics: Drugs like haloperidol (Haldol) and risperidone (Risperdal) may also raise the risk of seizures when combined with Bupropion.

Levodopa and Amantadine: These medications, often prescribed for Parkinson’s disease, can increase side effects such as dizziness and confusion when taken with Bupropion.

Blood thinners: Warfarin (Coumadin) may have altered effects when taken with Bupropion, potentially increasing the risk of bleeding.

Other medications that lower the seizure threshold: Tramadol (Ultram), theophylline, and certain antibiotics like ciprofloxacin (Cipro) can increase the risk of seizures when combined with Bupropion.

Bupropion in Pregnancy

Is it Safe to Take Bupropion When Pregnant?

The safety of Bupropion during pregnancy is not fully established. Some studies suggest a potential risk of birth defects, particularly heart defects, when Bupropion is taken during pregnancy. However, untreated depression or smoking during pregnancy can also pose risks to both the mother and baby. If you are pregnant or planning to become pregnant, it’s essential to discuss the risks and benefits of continuing Bupropion with your healthcare provider. In some cases, the benefits of treating depression or aiding smoking cessation may outweigh the risks. Our telemedicine providers are available to help you make an informed decision.

Bupropion While Breastfeeding

Is it Safe to Take Bupropion While Breastfeeding?

Bupropion does pass into breast milk, but the levels are generally low. There have been reports of side effects in breastfed infants, such as irritability and poor feeding. However, the overall risk is considered low. If you are breastfeeding, it’s important to weigh the benefits of continuing Bupropion against the potential risks to your baby. Discuss this with your healthcare provider, who can help you make the best decision for you and your child. You can also consult with one of our telemedicine providers for guidance.

Estimated Cost of Bupropion Medication

The cost of a 30-day supply of Bupropion without insurance can vary depending on the dosage and formulation (immediate-release, sustained-release, or extended-release). Using a GoodRx coupon, the estimated cost for a 30-day supply ranges from $10 to $25. Prices may vary by location and pharmacy, so it’s a good idea to check with your local pharmacy or use a discount service like GoodRx to find the best price.

Possible Alternatives to Bupropion

If Bupropion is not the right fit for you, there are alternative treatments and lifestyle changes that may help manage your condition. Always consult with your healthcare provider before making any changes to your treatment plan. Our telemedicine providers are available to discuss these options with you.

Major Depressive Disorder

1. Other antidepressants like SSRIs (e.g., sertraline, fluoxetine) or SNRIs (e.g., venlafaxine, duloxetine)
2. Cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT)
3. Exercise and mindfulness practices

Seasonal Affective Disorder

1. Light therapy
2. SSRIs or SNRIs
3. Vitamin D supplementation

Smoking Cessation

1. Nicotine replacement therapy (patches, gum, lozenges)
2. Varenicline (Chantix)
3. Counseling and support groups

Anxiety Disorders

1. SSRIs or SNRIs
2. Cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT)
3. Mindfulness and relaxation techniques

Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD)

1. Stimulant medications like methylphenidate (Ritalin) or amphetamine (Adderall)
2. Non-stimulant medications like atomoxetine (Strattera)
3. Behavioral therapy

Bipolar Disorder

1. Mood stabilizers like lithium or valproate
2. Atypical antipsychotics like quetiapine (Seroquel)
3. Psychotherapy

Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)

1. SSRIs like sertraline (Zoloft) or paroxetine (Paxil)
2. Trauma-focused cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT)
3. Eye movement desensitization and reprocessing (EMDR)

Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD)

1. SSRIs like fluoxetine (Prozac) or fluvoxamine (Luvox)
2. Exposure and response prevention (ERP) therapy
3. Mindfulness and relaxation techniques

Chronic Pain

1. Non-opioid pain relievers like acetaminophen or NSAIDs
2. Physical therapy
3. Cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) for pain management

Weight Management

1. Dietary changes and increased physical activity
2. Medications like orlistat (Alli) or liraglutide (Saxenda)
3. Behavioral therapy for weight loss

Recent Updates on Bupropion Research

Recent studies have explored the use of Bupropion in combination with other medications to treat conditions like bipolar disorder and ADHD. Some research suggests that Bupropion may be effective in managing depressive symptoms in bipolar disorder when used alongside mood stabilizers. Additionally, ongoing research is investigating Bupropion’s potential benefits for weight management, particularly in combination with naltrexone (Contrave). However, more studies are needed to confirm these findings and establish long-term safety. If you’re interested in learning more about the latest research, our telemedicine providers are available to discuss how this might impact your treatment plan.

James Kingsley

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