Bupropion is used to treat different pathological conditions, especially depressive disorders.
In this article we are going to explain what its presentation is, what it is for, what its mechanism of cerebral action is, what side effects it can cause, what is the recommended dose and what precautions we must take when taking it.
- You may want to read: ” Monurol (2 g and 3 g): what is it for, side effects and price “
Bupropion: presentation, commercial name and price
Bupropion is an antidepressant drug used to elevate mood . It is a medication used mainly for the treatment of episodes of major depression, it serves to promote the recovery of a normal range of emotions in patients with depressive disorders.
Its generic name is bupropion hydrochloride and its presentation corresponds to Elontril 150mg 30 tabs modified release or Elontril 300mg 30 tabs modified release.
The price in Spain of this drug ranges between 30.99 and 49.58 euros, respectively. This drug bupropion is sold as an antidepressant under the name Elontril.
As a smoking cessation treatment, the drug is marketed under the brand name Zyban. Likewise, it is also marketed under other brands such as Odranal, Wellbutrin, Budeprion, Prexaton, Aplenzin…
What is this medicine for?
There are different commercial presentations of bupropion, each one for different conditions . The most notable brands are Aplenzin, Wellbutrin, Wellbutrin SR and Wellbutrin XL.
This drug is a selective inhibitor of the neuronal reuptake of catecholamines (norepinephrine and dopamine) with a minimal effect on the reuptake of indolamines (serotonin).
Bupropion (Zyban) is used to help people quit smoking. If taken regularly, bupropion doubles the chances of quitting smoking. The efficacy is due to the reduction of the desire and pleasure of smoking, but also to the reduction of the symptoms of addiction and the risks of gaining weight.
Likewise, it also has therapeutic uses in the treatment of panic disorder and Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD).
Mechanism of action: How does bupropion work in the brain?
Bupropion is a non-tricyclic antidepressant medication. Tricyclic antidepressants, which have a three-ring chemical structure, can cause troublesome side effects, including sedation, dizziness, fainting, and weight gain.
The exact way bupropion works in the brain is unknown . Its mechanism of action appears to be different from that of most other antidepressant drugs, although bupropion acts on some of the same neurotransmitters and neurotransmission pathways.
Bupropion can restore normal emotional feelings by counteracting neurotransmission abnormalities that occur in depressive disorders.
- You might want to read: ” Top 50 Branches of Medicine (and Their Fields of Study) “
Side effects
Bupropion is not a strong drug, but it can cause a number of side effects . Among them, the most common are insomnia, agitation, confusion, restlessness and anxiety. These effects may be more pronounced at the start of drug therapy and after a dose increase has occurred.
It can also cause headache, dizziness, tremors, sedation and excessive sweating. Weight loss from this medication is more common than weight gain, although both effects can occur.
Finally, it can also cause excessive sweating, dry mouth, sore throat, nausea, vomiting, decreased appetite or anorexia, constipation, blurred vision and rapid heart rate.
Recommended dose
The usual adult dose of bupropion (Wellbutrin) is 100 mg , taken three times a day, with at least six hours between doses. The extended-release form of the drug (Wellbutrin SR) is taken as 150 mg twice daily with at least eight hours between doses.
For smoking cessation, bupropion (Zyban) is taken as 150-mg extended-release tablets twice a day, with at least eight hours between doses. Bupropion treatment should be started at a lower dose, then gradually increased to a therapeutic dose, as directed by the doctor. In general, the total dose should not exceed 300 mg per day, except as directed by the doctor.
The therapeutic effects of bupropion, like other antidepressants, appear slowly. Maximum benefit is often not apparent for several weeks after starting the medication.
precautions
Bupropion is more likely to trigger epileptic seizures than other antidepressants . The drug should not be given to patients with a history of epilepsy, taking other medications to help control seizures, or have any other conditions associated with seizures, such as head injury or alcoholism.
Alcohol intake should be minimized while taking bupropion, as alcohol consumption increases the chance of seizures. Due to the possibility of overdose, potentially suicidal patients should receive only small amounts of the drug at one time.
Increases in blood pressure have occurred in patients taking bupropion along with nicotine treatment for smoking cessation. It is recommended to control blood pressure in such cases.
It has not been determined if bupropion is safe to take during pregnancy. Pregnant women should take bupropion only if needed. Although bupropion has been taken by children and adolescents under 18 years of age, it has not been systematically studied in these age groups.
Bibliographic references
- Dhillon , S. , Yang , LPH , & Curran , MP (2008). Bupropion. Drugs, 68(5), 653–689.
- Captain, R. (2003). Bupropion. In M. Harris & E. Thackerey (Eds.), The Gale encyclopedia of mental disorders (Vol. 1, pp. 161-162). Detroit: Gale.
- Pasternak M. (1998). Sustained-release bupropion for smoking cessation. N Engl J Med, 338 (9), 619-620.
To the classic question “what do you do?” I always answer “basically I am a psychologist”. In fact, my academic training has revolved around the psychology of development, education and community, a field of study influenced my volunteer activities, as well as my first work experiences in personal services.