Bupropion hydrochloride

Pronunciation Byoo-PROH-pee-on HY-droh-KLOR-ide

What is bupropion hydrochloride?

It is a drug used to treat depression and certain other disorders.

It is also used to help people stop smoking.

Mechanism of action

Bupropion hydrochloride increases the levels of the chemicals dopamine, serotonin, and norepinephrine in the brain. This helps improve mood and can lessen cravings for nicotine. Bupropion is a weak blocker of the neuronal uptake of serotonin, dopamine and norepinephrine and is a central nicotinic acetylcholine receptor antagonist. Bupropion may also reduce circulating levels of tumor necrosis factor (TNF) and normalize hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis functioning, which is dysregulated in certain cases of cancer-related fatigue.

Clinical use

It is a type of antidepressant and a type of nicotine receptor antagonist.

Brand names

Also called Wellbutrin and Zyban.

Use as a smoking cessation aid

Bupropion is a non-nicotine aid to help you quit smoking by reducing withdrawal symptoms. It can be taken alone or with a nicotine replacement product (generally with a nicotine gum or lozenge). Bupropion is recommended along with a tobacco cessation program in order to provide you with additional support and educational materials.

Side effects

Common side effects include insomnia, dry mouth and constipation. Although uncommon, side effects such as rash, itching or hives should be reported to your provider. This medicine may cause dizziness. Make sure you know how you react to this medicine before you drive or use heavy machinery. Report and seek immediate attention if you experience a seizure. This medicine may cause some people to be agitated or display other abnormal behaviors. It may cause some people to become depressed or have suicidal thoughts/tendencies. Stop the medication and seek immediate attention if you notice worsening depression, suicidal ideation (suicidal thoughts or behavior), or unusual changes in behavior that are not typical of nicotine withdrawal. Contact your provider immediately if this occurs.

How is it taken?

Bupropion is available as a tablet, either extended release or regular taken 1-3 times a day. Take at a similar time each day, allowing approximately 8 hours in between doses. Don’t take bupropion past 5pm to avoid trouble sleeping. This medicine may be taken for 7-12 weeks and in some cases up to 6 months. Discuss with your provider if you need to be treated longer than 12 weeks. This medicine may be taken with or without food. If you miss a dose, skip the missed dose and take the next dose at the regular time. If you slip up and smoke while taking the medicine, don’t give up. Continue to take the medicine and try not to smoke.

Controlled release

A controlled-release tablet formulation containing the hydrochloride salt of the aminoketone bupropion, with antidepressant activity and for potential use in promoting smoking cessation, improving sexual desire, and improving cancer-related fatigue. The controlled-release formulation results in a higher concentration of the drug in the body over an extended period, thereby permitting a reduction in the frequency of dosing. Check for active clinical trials using this agent.

The following are antidepressant subclasses and drugs

MAO Inhibitors Isocarboxazid, Phenelzine, Tranylcypromine

SNRIs Duloxetine, Levomilnacipran, Venlafaxine

SSRIs Citalopram, Escitalopram, Fluoxetine, Fluvoxamine, Paroxetine, Sertraline, Vilazodone, Vortioxetine

Tricyclics Amitriptyline, Amoxapine, Clomipramine, Desipramine, Doxepin, Imipramine, Nortriptyline, Protriptyline, Trimipramine

Miscellaneous Bupropion, Flibanserin, Mirtazapine, Nefazodone, Trazodone

Bupropion hydrochloride Resources
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