Often used for:
Depression, smoking cessation, attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD)
What is bupropion?
Bupropion is an antidepressant used to treat mental health conditions and behavioral issues. It works by changing the activity of certain natural chemicals in the brain to help regulate mood. This medicine may be given in the clinic, hospital, or at home.
Bupropion at home
- Give with or without food; take with food if stomach upset occurs.
- Swallow tablets whole unless instructed otherwise. Do not crush, chew, or break long-acting or coated tablets.
- Short-acting and long-acting tablets are not interchangeable.
- The shell of long-acting tablets may be seen in stool.
- Give a missed dose as soon as possible unless it is near the next dose. Do not give two doses at the same time.
- Store at room temperature in a dry place and avoid storing in a bathroom.
Possible side effects
- Dry mouth
- Constipation
- Nausea or vomiting
- Weight loss
- Sleep problems
- Headache
- Dizziness
- Blurry vision
- Abdominal pain
- Increased sweating
- Tremors (shaking of the body)
- Heart conditions such as a fast or abnormal heartbeat
- High blood pressure
- Sexual dysfunction
- Suicidal thoughts or behaviors
- Symptoms of an allergic reaction may include rash, hives, itching, chills, fever, headache, muscle ache, shortness of breath, coughing, tightness in the throat, or swelling of the face or neck.
- Not all patients who take bupropion will experience these side effects. Common side effects are in bold, but there may be others. Please report all suspected side effects to your doctor or pharmacist.
Tips for patients and families
- Discuss all questions and instructions with your health care provider or pharmacist.
- Watch for changes in mood or mental health such as worsening depression, anxiety, agitation, irritability, panic attacks, or trouble sleeping.
- Seek medical help right away for suicidal thoughts, actions, or signs of self-harm.
- It may take several weeks to see the full effects. Contact the care team if symptoms worsen or do not improve.
- Do not stop taking this medicine without talking to a health care provider.
- This medicine may cause dizziness or drowsiness. Avoid dangerous activities until the effects are known.
- Bupropion can affect fertility. Discuss concerns about getting pregnant or fathering a child with the care provider.
- Tell the care team if the patient is sexually active, pregnant, or breastfeeding.
