Bupropion is an antidepressant medication used in the treatment of major depressive disorder (MDD). It can also be used to help people quit smoking by reducing the urge to smoke and decreasing symptoms of nicotine withdrawal, such as anxiety, difficulty concentrating, insomnia, hunger, and irritability.

Bupropion is a prescription medication that can be found in most pharmacies and drug stores. It comes in 150 or 300 mg pills and is sold as the generic "bupropion" and under the brand names Wellbutrin (for depression) and Zyban (for smoking cessation).

Bupropion should be taken only as directed by a doctor or other healthcare provider.

Indications for use

Bupropion is used for the treatment of major depressive disorder (MDD) by helping to correct chemical imbalances in the brain, specifically related to norepinephrine and dopamine. This can help improve symptoms such as mental and physical fatigue, anxiety, and sadness.

Bupropion can also reduce the urge to smoke in people with nicotine dependency and is used as an aid for smoking cessation in people who want to quit smoking.

Dosing instructions

Bupropion comes in pill form and should be taken with a full glass of water at the times indicated by your doctor or prescribing provider. Do not break, crush, or chew the pill.

It may take between 1 week and several months of treatment to notice the full effects. Bupropion should only be taken under the supervision of a doctor or other healthcare provider.

Dosing for adults over 18 years old will vary based on indication for treatment. These include:

1. Major depressive disorder

The recommended dose for the majority of adults is 150 mg per day, however your provider may increase the dose to 300 mg a day if symptoms do not improve after several weeks. Doses should be taken at least 8 hours apart and should not be taken close to bedtime.

Read about what causes depression and as well as other treatment options.

2. Smoking cessation

Bupropion should be started before a person stops smoking and a "quit date" should be scheduled for sometime during the second week of treatment.

The recommended dosing for adults usually involves the following schedule:

Days 1-3: one 150 mg pill once per day;
Day 4 and beyond: one 150 mg pill taken twice a day at least 8 hours apart and not close to bedtime.

Your doctor may stop treatment if no improvement is noticed after 7 weeks of treatment.

Do not stop taking bupropion without consulting your doctor.

Side effects

The most common side effects of bupropion are insomnia, dry mouth, ringing in the ears, and gastrointestinal issues like nausea and vomiting.

Less common side effects include allergic reaction, loss of appetite, tremors, vertigo, changes in taste, difficulty concentrating, abdominal pain, constipation, skin rash, itchiness, vision changes, sweating, fever, and weakness.

In addition, bupropion can cause new or worsening symptoms of depression and anxiety, especially in adolescents and young adults. It is important to contact your doctor right way if you experience any changes in mood or behavior, panic attacks, difficulty sleeping, impulsivity, irritability, agitation, aggression, or thoughts of suicide.

Contraindications to use

Before taking bupropion, make sure to tell your doctor if you are pregnant or breastfeeding. Bupropion is contraindicated in people with seizure disorders, a current or past history of bulimia or anorexia nervosa, and in those undergoing an abrupt discontinuation of alcohol or sedatives (including benzodiazepines). Excessive use of alcohol should also be avoided as it increases the risk for seizures while taking bupropion.

Bupropion should not be used by people taking other medications containing bupropion, or by those with an allergy to bupropion or any of its components. People who are taking monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs) for use in the treatment of depression or Parkinson's disease should not take bupropion.