What Is Bupropion (Wellbutrin)?

Bupropion seems to be a major consideration in depression treatment. However, patients may still need other treatments for depression. This can include mindfulness for depression or cognitive behavioral therapy. These natural remedies for depression may help some patients stay on a lower dose. Understanding this medication, however, appears to be important no matter what.

How It Should Work

Bupropion seems to be an antidepressant. Some doctors consider it as part of a group of medications called aminoketones. It does not appear to be related to other antidepressants, such as tricyclic antidepressants, in its chemical structure. However, it may be similar to diethylpropion in this way. This medication may also be water-soluble.

It seems as if some researchers classify this medication as a norepinephrine-dopamine reuptake inhibitor. This means that it should block the reabsorption of dopamine and norepinephrine. However, this medication may also release them from a neuron in the brain. It can also bind to and activate certain receptors. This may result in reduced nicotine cravings.

Continue reading to reveal potential uses for this medication next.

Potential Uses

Officials seem to have approved this medication to treat adults with seasonal affective disorder or major depressive disorder. Some brands may also be effective for individuals who want to quit smoking. It appears one brand has been approved for this use. Of course, doctors may also prescribe this medication 'off-label.' This may allow it to treat patients with bipolar disorder. It seems to also help with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder.

Patients may need to talk to their doctor about the risks linked to this medication. This seems to apply the most to when this medication is used 'off-label.' There may be other medications approved for those needs that may not supply the same side effects. Regardless, however, patients should likely be monitored throughout their treatment with this medication.

Get the details on the possible side effects next.

Possible Side Effects

Of course, this medication appears to cause many different side effects. Patients seem to experience rashes, sweating, and dry mouth fairly often. They may also deal with weight loss and ringing in their ears. A sore throat, nausea, constipation, and a fast heart rate can also be quite common side effects. Frequent urination and tremors may appear as well. Severe insomnia and agitation in the first weeks are also possible for some patients.

Less common side effects appear to include hot flashes, twitching, migraines, chest pain, and flushing. Issues swallowing, hives, and urinary tract infections may also occur. Rare side effects can include neurological or mental health changes. Young adults, for instance, might be at a higher risk of having suicidal thoughts. Some individuals have reported seizures and hallucinations on this medication as well. It may also trigger increases in blood pressure.

Learn about potential precautions for this medication next.

Precautions

This medication does not appear to be safe for epilepsy patients. This may also include individuals with other seizure conditions. Patients with a history of eating disorders may not be able to take it either. A history of suddenly stopping seizure medicines or sedatives can also mean that individuals should not take bupropion. Additionally, patients should only be using it for one condition at a time. Other potential precautions include patients informing their doctor if they have a history of brain tumors, seizures, and spinal cord tumors. Head injuries may also be vital information. Other issues of concern may include heart disease, diabetes, and kidney disease. Past heart attacks and high blood pressure can also impact this medication. Patients may also wish to talk to their doctor about liver issues, depression, and bipolar disorder.

Pregnant patients must discuss this medication's safety with their doctor. If they take it, they will likely need close monitoring. Those under eighteen should not take this medication. Additionally, it seems as if taking the extended-release form must be done whole. Patients may also need to be concerned about blood pressure, withdrawal symptoms, and false-positives on drug screening tests with this medication. Their doctor can discuss this in detail with them.

Learn about potential medication interactions next.

Potential Medication Interactions

Bupropion may interact with over four hundred other medications. This can include more than two hundred major interactions. For instance, taking this with medication for epilepsy should be done with a high amount of caution. They can cause interactions and reduce the effectiveness of this medication. Some HIV medicines may reduce the body's concentration of this medication by up to sixty-six percent. This may not be good for patients.

Patients who are stopping their use of benzodiazepines may deal with a higher seizure risk if they take this medication as well. Due to this, doctors may want to prescribe a different medication. Some medicines, such as MAOIs, may cause severe side effects with bupropion. Waiting fourteen days after taking them before using bupropion may help reduce this risk.