Bupropion Health Article

Side effects

Bupropion is a mild stimulant and may cause insomnia, agitation, confusion, restlessness, and anxiety. These effects may be more pronounced at the beginning of therapy and after dose increases. Headache, dizziness, and tremor may occur. Despite stimulating effects, bupropion may also cause sedation.

Weight loss is more common with bupropion than weight gain, but both have been reported. Excessive sweating, dry mouth, sore throat, nausea, vomiting, decreased appetite, constipation, blurred vision, and rapid heart rate may occur.

Interactions

Bupropion should not be administered along with other medications that lower the seizure threshold, such as steroids and the asthma medication theophylline. Many psychiatric medications also lower the seizure threshold. Monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOs), another type of antidepressant medication, should not be taken with bupropion. Adverse effects may increase in patients taking levodopa and other medications for Parkison's disease along with bupropion. Patients should inform their doctors about all other medications they are taking before starting this drug.

Nicotine patch therapy may be administered concurrently with bupropion in smoking cessation treatment. If this is done, blood pressure must be monitored, since increased blood pressure has been reported with this combination of medications.

Certain drugs, especially those eliminated by the liver, may interfere with the elimination of bupropion from the body, causing higher blood levels and increased side effects. Conversely, bupropion may retard the elimination of other medicines, including many antidepressants, antipsychotic drugs, and heart medications, resulting in higher blood levels and potentially increased side effects.

BOOKS

American Society of Health-System Pharmacists, Inc. AHFS Drug Information. Edited by Gerald K. McEvoy, Pharm. D. Bethesda, MD: American Society of Health-System Pharmacists, Inc., 2001.

Medical Economics Co. Staff. Physicians' Desk Reference. 55th ed. Montvale, NJ: Medical Economics Company, Inc., 2001.

Nissen, David, ed. Mosby's GenRx 11th ed. St. Louis: Mosby, Inc., 2001.

The United States Pharmacopeia Convention, Inc. USP DI(r) Volume I–. Drug Information for the Health Care Professional. 21st ed. Englewood, CO: Micromedex, Inc., 2001.

The United States Pharmacopeial Convention, Inc. USP DI(r) Volume II–. Advice for the Patient. 21st ed. Englewood, CO: Micromedex, Inc., 2001.

Richard Kapit, M.D.