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Chemical Name: BUPROPION
 
Common applications

This medicine is designed to help people quit smoking.

Precautions

This medicine is known to interact with other substances, so inform your doctor of whatever you might be using before treating yourself with this medicine. Additional monitoring of your health status may be needed if you're using some specific medicines such as antidepressants or psychiatric medicines, certain high blood pressure medicines (e.g., "beta-blockers"),

Other drugs which fall into this category are certain heart medicines (e.g., propafenone, flecainide), warfarin, decongestants, diabetes medicine, diet pills, levodopa, HIV protease inhibitors (e.g., ritonavir), quinolone antibiotics (e.g., ciprofloxacin, ofloxacin), seizure medicines, tranquilizers, tramadol, narcotic pain relievers (e.g., acetaminophen with codeine).

It's also important to inform your doctor of the use of any drugs which increase the risk of a seizure, when combined with bupropion such as phenothiazines (e.g., thioridazine), tricyclic antidepressants (e.g., amitriptyline), isoniazid (INH), or theophylline.

Tell your doctor about any medical conditions you have, both physical and mental, including liver and kidney problems, heart diseases, and bipolar disorder.

This medicine should not be used by patients with a history of eating disorders, such as anorexia and bulimia. It's also inadvised to use it if you have a history of strokes, seizures, or muscle and nerve conditions. Alcohol may have a negative effect on your body when using this medication, so avoid drinking it when using it.

Warnings

The medicine is known to have some negative interactions with patients' moods. It can cause suicidal thoughts and sudden drops in mood. If you experience any of these, consult a doctor. It's important to monitor people currently being treated with this medicine, to ensure they do not suffer any such side effects. If you're watching over someone who's being treated with the medication, keep an eye out for these specific mood changes.

Instructions

Your doctor should provide you with information about your treatment. If you do not understand anything, talk to him/her. Do not break or chew the medicine. If you find it hard to swallow, use larger quantities of water.

The medicine should take about one week to start acting. Do not stop using it suddenly without informing your doctor. You should stop smoking after the first week of using the medicine, but not earlier. Plan ahead so you can stop smoking around the second week.

You should monitor your condition carefully at the beginning of the treatment, or when making any alterations to it. Keep a close eye out for any effects such as irritation, hostility and depression, impulsive feelings, and restlessness. Your doctor should be kept informed of your condition and if any of those symptoms appear.

The medicine can cause drowsiness and sleepiness. Do not drive a vehicle or operate dangerous machinery while under its effects. The medicine may interfere with your ability to think clearly, so plan you actions responsibly beforehand. The medicine can increase the risk of a seizure, so if you're predisposed to seizures, avoid using it or use it carefully.

When treating children or adolescents with this medicine, extreme caution should be applied, as they can be more sensitive to its side effects.

Side effects

The medicine can induce some side effects, like dry mouth, vomiting, trouble sleeping, agitation, dizziness, constipation, and sudden weight changes. If you experience any of these for prolonged periods of time, consult your doctor immediately.

The same goes if you experience any severe nervousness, anxiety, or agitation; panic attacks; difficulty sleeping; feelings of irritability or hostility; impulsive behavior or other unusual changes in behavior; severe restlessness; feelings of depression.

Overdose

You may experience lightheadedness, seizures, and loss of consciousness as a result of an overdose from this medicine. If this occurs, talk to your local poison control center.

Final notes

The medicine can have a slightly unpleasant odor, this is completely normal. Do not share it with other individuals who do not have a prescription for it. Keep it in a dry, cool place, out of reach for children and pets.

Drug interactions

This medicine can negatively interact with other substances. Inform your doctor of anything you're currently using before engaging in treatment with this medication.