Category- Allopathy
Medicine Highlights
| Uses | 1. To treat major depressive disorder 2. To treat seasonal affective disorder (depression based on season) 3. To quit smoking |
| Common Side Effects | 1. Anxiety 2. Body aches or pain 3. Chills 4. Cough 5. Dry mouth 6. Ear congestion 7. Fever 8. Hyperventilation 9. Irregular heartbeats 10. Irritability 11. Loss of voice 12. Restlessness 13. Shaking 14. Sneezing 15. Sore throat 16. Stuffy or runny nose 17. Trouble breathing 18. Trouble sleeping 19. Unusual tiredness or weakness |
| Additional Information | 1. Consume the medicine at bedtime to get maximum effect with fewer side effects. |
| Storage | 1. The medicine should be stored at room temperature. 2. Keep away from sunlight and moisture. 3. Keep away from the reach of children |
| How to Take This Medicine | Swallow this medicine with water. |
Bupropion Uses
Bupropion 150 mg (PR) is an oral medicine belonging to the category of antidepressants and is used for the following indications:
- Depression
- Seasonal affective disorder (depression based on season)
- Smoking
Bupropion side effects
More Common
- Anxiety
- Body aches or pain
- Chills
- Cough
- Dry mouth
- Ear congestion
- Fever
- Hyperventilation
- Irregular heartbeats
- Irritability
- Loss of voice
- Restlessness
- Shaking
- Sneezing
- Sore throat
- Stuffy or runny nose
- Trouble breathing
- Trouble sleeping
- Unusual tiredness or weakness
Less Common
- Bladder pain
- Bloody or cloudy urine
- Blurred vision
- Buzzing or ringing in the ears
- Difficult, burning, or painful urination
- Dizziness
- Frequent urge to urinate
- Headache (severe)
- Lower back or side pain
- Nervousness
- Pounding in the ears
- Skin rash, hives, or itching
- Slow or fast heartbeat
How Bupropion works
Bupropion boosts dopamine and norepinephrine to improve mood and reduce nicotine cravings. In conditions like depression or addiction, these chemicals are often low, leading to sadness, fatigue, or strong urges. By keeping their levels up, bupropion helps restore emotional balance and control. For patients, this means feeling more focused, uplifted, and better equipped to manage cravings or low moods.
Safety Measures and Warning
Pregnancy
Bupropion is not safe for use in pregnancy. It’s classified as a Category C drug, meaning animal studies show possible risks, but human data is limited. Always consult a doctor before using it.
Breastfeeding
Bupropion passes into breast milk. Inform your healthcare provider if you are breastfeeding or planning to breastfeed. They will advise you whether to stop breastfeeding or discontinue bupropion.
Heart Problems
Bupropion can affect the functioning of the heart and can reduce blood pressure. So, get a recommendation from the doctor before using it.
Past Mental Health Issues
Patients having past mental health problems can experience potential side effects and symptoms like confusion and hallucinations, so inform your doctor before using.
Bupropion Interaction with Food Product
Avoid consuming alcohol and smoking, as they increase or decrease drug action and can also cause severe drowsiness and sedation, as they act on the brain directly. Take the patient to the doctor in case of any side effects.
Bupropion Interaction with Other Medicines
Avoid taking Bupropion 150 mg (PR) with the following medicines, as it may increase or decrease the desired effect, or in worse cases, it could be fatal:
Bupropion Chemical Structure
IUPAC (International Union of Pure and Applied Chemistry)/ Chemical name
(RS)-2-(tert-Butylamino) -1-(3-chlorophenyl) propan-1-one
Intake routine/cycle
Daily dose
Take Bupropion exactly as your doctor recommends. The dose may change based on your condition and how well you respond. Do not take more than prescribed without consulting your doctor.
Missed Dose
If you forget to take your medicine, take the medication as soon as you remember. If it’s nearly time for your next dose, skip the missed one and continue with your regular schedule. Always consult the doctor before making any changes to your dosage.
Overdose
It is not recommended to take more than 600 mg of Bupropion per day, as it may cause severe overdosing effects like kidney and liver damage, dizziness, and severe low blood pressure. If you face any of the severe effects, meet the doctor.
Storage
- Store the medicine at room temperature
- Keep away from sunlight and moisture
- Keep out of reach of children
Directions for use
- Take Bupropion exactly as prescribed by your doctor, at the same time each day.
- Do not stop taking Bupropion without your doctor’s approval, even if you feel better.
- If you forget to take Bupropion, take it as soon as you remember. If it’s almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose.
Bupropion Summary
Bupropion is a prescription medicine used to treat depression and seasonal mood changes and to help people quit smoking. It belongs to the aminoketone class of antidepressants and works by increasing the level of dopamine and norepinephrine in the brain. Common side effects include trouble sleeping, dry mouth, headache, and anxiety. Drinking alcohol or consuming too much caffeine while taking it can raise the risk of seizures or worsen side effects. Store it at room temperature, away from heat and moisture, in a tightly closed container.
FAQ’s
What are the common side effects of bupropion?
Common side effects of bupropion use include nausea, dizziness, sleep issues, sweating, and seizures.
What is the use of bupropion 50 mg?
Bupropion is indicated for conditions like major depressive disorder, smoking cessation, and seasonal affective disorder. It belongs to the class of Serotonin norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors.
What is the maximum dose of bupropion recommended per day?
It is not recommended to take more than 600 mg of bupropion per day, as it may cause severe adverse effects like extreme drowsiness, confusion, low blood pressure, unconsciousness, difficulty breathing, irregular heartbeat, and seizures.
Which class of medicine does Bupropion belong to?
Bupropion belongs to the category of antidepressants, and its class includes Serotonin and norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors.
Reference
- National Center for Biotechnology Information. PubChem Compound Summary for CID 444, Bupropion. [Internet]. Bethesda (MD): National Library of Medicine (US); [cited 2025 Aug 23]. Available from.
- Mayo Clinic. Bupropion (oral route) [Internet]. Rochester (MN): Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research; c2025 [cited 2025 Aug 23]. Available from.
- Ng QX, Venkatanarayanan N, Ho CYX. Bupropion. In: StatPearls [Internet]. Treasure Island (FL): StatPearls Publishing; 2023 Jan– [cited 2025 Aug 23]. Available from.
- Puckey M. Bupropion: Uses, Dosage, Side Effects [Internet]. Drugs.com; 2024 Apr 23 [cited 2025 Aug 23]. Available from.
- Ishver A, Berger K. Bupropion (Wellbutrin, Zyban, and others): Uses, Side Effects, Interactions, Pictures, Warnings & Dosing [Internet]. WebMD; 2024 Nov 18 [cited 2025 Aug 23]. Available from.
Authors
Siva Krishna Adithya Bhumireddy completed a Bachelor of Pharmacy from GIET School of Pharmacy, affiliated with Andhra University, and from his 3rd year of graduation, he was working as a freelance medical and publication writer. Having expertise in systematic reviews and clinical research. With his keen interest and skills in research and documentation practices, he also reviewed more than 150 manuscripts from international journals like Elsevier, Springer Nature, and Sage Journals, and all the manuscripts were indexed and appeared in PubMed, Scopus, and Web of Science databases, and he received honorary recognition letters and certificates from all of them. Siva Krishna Adithya also published a few systematic, narrative reviews and a few chapters of international expertise.