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Bupropion

Bupropion is a brand of Bupropion.

1. INDICATIONS AND USAGE Bupropion hydrochloride extended-release tablets, USP (XL) is an aminoketone antidepressant, indicated for the treatment of m.

Checked against the official label · Updated

Prescription medicine Oral

Bupropion: quick answers

Used for
Bupropion hydrochloride extended-release tablets, USP (XL) is an aminoketone antidepressant, indicated for the treatment of major depressive disorder (MDD) and prevention of seasonal affective disorder (SAD).
Children
With food?
Bupropion hydrochloride extended-release tablets (XL) should be administered in the morning and may be taken with or without food.
Prescription
Prescription medicine in the United States; rules differ by country.

From the official label (Jan 2021). Your prescription and pharmacist come first.

How to use Bupropion

What the official label says. If a doctor prescribed it, follow the prescription. Your pack's leaflet comes first if it is different.

Serious warning: SUICIDAL THOUGHTS AND BEHAVIORS; AND NEUROPSYCHIATRIC REACTIONS See full prescribing information for complete boxed warning. • Increased risk of suicidal thinking and behavior in children, adolescents, and young adults taking antidepressants. ( 5.1 ) • Monitor for worsening and emergence of suicidal thoughts and behaviors. ( 5.1 ) • Serious neuropsychiatric events have been reported in patients taking bupropion for smoking cessation. …
Who it is for

1. INDICATIONS AND USAGE Bupropion hydrochloride extended-release tablets, USP (XL) is an aminoketone antidepressant, indicated for the treatment of major depressive disorder (MDD) and prevention of seasonal affective disorder (SAD). Periodically reevaluate long-term usefulness for the individual patient. ( 1 ) 1.1 Major Depressive Disorder Bupropion hydrochloride extended-release tablets, USP (XL) are indicated for the treatment of major depressive disorder (MDD), as defined by the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual (DSM). …

How to take it and how often
  • DOSAGE AND ADMINISTRATION General: • Increase dose gradually to reduce seizure risk. • Periodically reassess the dose and need for maintenance treatment
  • Major Depressive Disorder: • Starting dose: 150 mg/day once daily
  • Usual target dose: 300 mg once daily • After 4 days, may increase the dose to 300 mg once daily
  • Seasonal Affective Disorder: • Initiative treatment in the autumn prior to onset of seasonal depressive symptoms. • Starting dose: 150 mg once daily
  • Usual target dose: 300 mg once daily. • After one week, may increase the dose to 300 mg once daily. • Continue treatment through the winter season
  • Hepatic Impairmen t: • Moderate to severe hepatic impairment: 150 mg every other day • Mild hepatic impairment: Consider reducing the dose and/or frequency of dosing
  • Renal Impairment: • Consider reducing the dose and/or frequency of dosing
  • General Instructions for Use To minimize the risk of seizure, increase the dose gradually [see Warnings and Precautions ]
  • Bupropion hydrochloride extended-release tablets (XL) should be swallowed whole and not crushed, divided, or chewed
  • Bupropion hydrochloride extended-release tablets (XL) should be administered in the morning and may be taken with or without food
  • Dosage for Major Depressive Disorder (MDD) The recommended starting dose for MDD is 150 mg once daily in the morning
  • After 4 days of dosing, the dose may be increased to the target dose of 300 mg once daily in the morning. …
Strengths it comes in

3. DOSAGE FORMS AND STRENGTHS • Extended-release tablets: 300 mg ( 3 ) Bupropion Hydrochloride Extended-release Tablets USP (XL), 300 mg are creamy-white to pale-yellow, round, biconvex, coated-tablets imprinted with '354' in black ink on one side and plain on other side.

Children
  • Safety and effectiveness in the pediatric population have not been established
  • When considering the use of bupropion hydrochloride extended-release tablets (XL) in a child or adolescent, balance the potential risks with the clinical need [see Boxed Warning and Warnings and Precautions ]
Older adults

Of the approximately 6000 patients who participated in clinical trials with bupropion hydrochloride sustained-release tablets (depression and smoking cessation studies), 275 were ≥ 65 years old and 47 were ≥ 75 years old. In addition, several hundred patients ≥ 65 years of age participated in clinical trials using the immediate-release formulation of bupropion hydrochloride (depression studies). …

While you are taking it
  • PATIENT COUNSELING INFORMATION Advise the patient to read the FDA-approved patient labeling (Medication Guide)
  • Inform patients, their families, and their caregivers about the benefits and risks associated with treatment with bupropion hydrochloride extended-release tablets (XL) and should counsel them in its appropriate use
  • A patient Medication Guide about "Antidepressant Medicines, Depression and Other Serious Mental Illnesses, and Suicidal Thoughts or Actions", "Quitting smoking, Quit-smoking Medications, Changes in Thinking and Behavior, Depression, and Suicidal Thoughts or Actions," and "What other important information should I know about bupropion hydrochloride extended-release t …
Talk to a doctor first if

4. CONTRAINDICATIONS • Seizure disorder. ( 4 , 5.3 ) • Current or prior diagnosis of bulimia or anorexia nervosa ( 4 , 5.3 ) • Abrupt discontinuation of alcohol, benzodiazepines, barbiturates, antiepileptic drugs. ( 4 , 5.3 ) • Monoamine Oxidase Inhibitors (MAOIs): Do not use MAOIs intended to treat psychiatric disorders with bupropion hydrochloride extended-release tablets (XL) or within 14 days of stopping treatment with bupropion hydrochloride extended-release tablets (XL). …

Medicines it may not mix with

7. DRUG INTERACTIONS • CYP2B6 inducers: Dose increase may be necessary if coadministered with CYP2B6 inducers (e.g., ritonavir, lopinavir, efavirenz, carbamazepine, phenobarbital, and phenytoin) based on clinical exposure, but should not exceed the maximum recommended dose. ( 7.1 ) • Drugs metabolized by CYP2D6: Bupropion inhibits CYP2D6 and can increase concentrations of: antidepressants (e.g., venlafaxine, nortriptyline, imipramine, desipramine, paroxetine, fluoxetine, sertraline), antipsychotics (e.g., haloperidol, risperidone, thioridazine), beta-blockers (e.g., metoprolol), and Type 1C antiarrhythmics (e.g., propafenone, flecainide). Consider dose reduction when using with bupropion. …

Warnings

5. WARNINGS AND PRECAUTIONS • Seizure risk: The risk is dose-related. Can minimize risk by limiting daily dose to 450 mg and gradually increasing the dose. Discontinue if seizure occurs. ( 4 , 5.3 , 7.3 ) • Hypertension: Bupropion hydrochloride extended-release tablets (XL) can increase blood pressure. Monitor blood pressure before initiating treatment and periodically during treatment. ( 5.4 ) • Activation of mania/hypomania: Screen patients for bipolar disorder and monitor for these symptoms. ( 5.5 ) • Psychosis and other neuropsychiatric reactions: Instruct patients to contact a healthcare professional if such reactions occur. …

Possible side effects

6. ADVERSE REACTIONS Most common adverse reactions are (incidence ≥ 5%; ≥ 2 placebo rate): dry mouth, nausea, insomnia, dizziness, pharyngitis, abdominal pain, agitation, anxiety, tremor, palpitation, sweating, tinnitus, myalgia, anorexia, urinary frequency, rash ( 6.1 ) To report SUSPECTED ADVERSE REACTIONS, contact Zydus Pharmaceuticals USA Inc. at 1-877-993-8779 or FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088 or www.fda.gov/medwatch. …

Pregnancy and breastfeeding

8.1 Pregnancy Pregnancy Category C Risk Summary Data from epidemiological studies including pregnant women exposed to bupropion in the first trimester indicate no increased risk of congenital malformations overall. All pregnancies regardless of drug exposure have a background rate of 2% to 4% for major malformations and 15% to 20% for pregnancy loss. …

If you take too much

10. OVERDOSAGE 10.1 Human Overdose Experience Overdoses of up to 30 grams or more of bupropion have been reported. Seizure was reported in approximately one third of all cases. Other serious reactions reported with overdoses of bupropion alone included hallucinations, loss of consciousness, sinus tachycardia, and ECG changes such as conduction disturbances or arrhythmias. Fever, muscle rigidity, rhabdomyolysis, hypotension, stupor, coma, and respiratory failure have been reported mainly when bupropion was part of multiple drug overdoses. …

Dependence and misuse

9. DRUG ABUSE AND DEPENDENCE 9.1 Controlled Substance Bupropion is not a controlled substance. 9.2 Abuse Humans Controlled clinical studies of bupropion hydrochloride immediate-release conducted in normal volunteers, in subjects with a history of multiple drug abuse, and in depressed patients demonstrated an increase in motor activity and agitation/excitement. …

If you miss a dose

Take it when you remember, unless it is nearly time for the next dose. Then skip the missed one. Never take two doses at once to make up for it. Check your leaflet, as some medicines are different.

From the official U.S. FDA label for this active ingredient. Your pack may have a different strength, so always read its leaflet. If a doctor prescribed it, follow the prescription. Ask a pharmacist if you are unsure. Label dated 2021-01-01.

How much Bupropion costs

In other countries

Prices in other countries are not what you will pay where you live; they show how prices compare.

Same medicine, other brands

Products with Bupropion as the active ingredient. Names differ between countries.

Check your pack of Bupropion

Type the registration number on the pack, or scan it with your camera.

Or take photos of the pack
3 free checks left today Official sources: U.S. FDA · EMA (EU) · Health Canada · WHO alerts

Questions about Bupropion

What is in Bupropion?

Bupropion contains Bupropion. Other brands with the same active ingredient work the same way; the dose and strength on your pack are what matter.

What is Bupropion used for?

1. INDICATIONS AND USAGE Bupropion hydrochloride extended-release tablets, USP (XL) is an aminoketone antidepressant, indicated for the treatment of major depressive disorder (MDD) and prevention of seasonal affective disorder (SAD). Periodically reevaluate long-term usefulness for the individual patient. ( 1 ) 1.1 Major Depressive Disorder Bupropion hydrochloride extended-release tablets, USP (XL) are indicated for (From the official U.S. FDA label.)

How do I take Bupropion?

Follow your prescription or the leaflet in your pack. The official label says: 2. DOSAGE AND ADMINISTRATION General: • Increase dose gradually to reduce seizure risk. ( 2.1 , 5.3 ) • Periodically reassess the dose and need for maintenance treatment. ( 2.2 ) Major Depressive Disorder: • Starting dose: 150 mg/day once daily. Usual target dose: 300 mg once daily ( 2.2 ) • After 4 days, may increase the dose to 300 mg once daily. ( 2.2 ) Seasonal Affective Di…

Should I take Bupropion with food?

Bupropion hydrochloride extended-release tablets (XL) should be administered in the morning and may be taken with or without food.

Do I need a prescription for Bupropion?

Usually yes. Bupropion is a prescription medicine in most countries. Rules differ by country.

What brands contain Bupropion?

Bupropion is sold under names such as Forfivo, Contrave, Auvelity, Wellbutrin, Aplenzin. Brand names differ between countries.

What are the side effects of Bupropion?

The official label lists: Most common adverse reactions are (incidence ≥ 5%; ≥ 2 placebo rate): dry mouth, nausea, insomnia, dizziness, pharyngitis, abdominal pain, agitation, anxiety, tremor, palpitation, sweating, tinnitus, myalgia, anorexia, urinary frequency, rash ( 6.1 ) To report SUSPECTED ADVERSE REACTIONS, contact Zydus Pharmaceuticals USA Inc. at 1-877-993-8779 or FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088 or www.f… Tell your doctor about any side effect that bothers you or does not go away.

Can children take Bupropion?

Safety and effectiveness in the pediatric population have not been established. When considering the use of bupropion hydrochloride extended-release tablets (XL) in a child or adolescent, balance the potential risks with the clinical need [see Boxed Warning and Warnings and Precautions ( 5.1 ) ]. Always use the dose for the child's age or weight on the pack or prescription.

Can I take Bupropion when pregnant or breastfeeding?

8.1 Pregnancy Pregnancy Category C Risk Summary Data from epidemiological studies including pregnant women exposed to bupropion in the first trimester indicate no increased risk of congenital malformations overall. All pregnancies regardless of drug exposure have a background rate of 2% to 4% for major malformations and 15% to 20% for pregnancy loss. … Ask your doctor or midwife first.

What medicines interact with Bupropion?

• CYP2B6 inducers: Dose increase may be necessary if coadministered with CYP2B6 inducers (e.g., ritonavir, lopinavir, efavirenz, carbamazepine, phenobarbital, and phenytoin) based on clinical exposure, but should not exceed the maximum recommended dose. ( 7.1 ) • Drugs metabolized by CYP2D6: Bupropion inhibits CYP2D6 and can increase concentrations of: antidepressants (e.g., ve… Use the free interaction checker before combining medicines.

What happens if I take too much Bupropion?

10.1 Human Overdose Experience Overdoses of up to 30 grams or more of bupropion have been reported. Seizure was reported in approximately one third of all cases. Other serious reactions reported with overdoses of bupropion alone included hallucinations, loss of consciousness, sinus tachycardia, and… Get medical help right away.

How can I check that my Bupropion is genuine?

Scan the registration number on your pack with PillVera (NAFDAC number in Nigeria, NDC in the United States, DIN in Canada), check the expiry date and buy only from licensed pharmacies.

Sources

This page shows what official sources say, in plain words. It is not medical advice: your prescription and your doctor or pharmacist come first. Brand names, strengths and rules differ between countries.