About bupropion hcl
Aminoketone antidepressant
Used for
- Major depressive disorder
- Seasonal affective disorder
- Smoking cessation (other bupropion formulations)
Usual adult dose
Depression: usually 150 mg once daily initially; may increase to 300 mg daily. Seasonal affective disorder dosing varies by product.
Common side effects
- Insomnia
- Dry mouth
- Headache
- Nausea
Important warnings
- Can cause seizures; risk rises with higher doses and certain conditions.
- Avoid with seizure disorders, current or past eating disorders, or abrupt alcohol or sedative withdrawal.
- May raise blood pressure and worsen mania or suicidal thoughts.
- Swallow tablets whole; do not crush, split, or chew.
Pregnancy
Use only after weighing benefits and risks; untreated depression also carries risks.
Breastfeeding
Bupropion enters breast milk; rare infant seizures have been reported.
Interactions
- MAO inhibitors: dangerous interaction; allow at least 14 days between treatments.
- Other medicines that lower seizure threshold increase seizure risk.
- Can affect levels of medicines metabolized by CYP2D6.
- Alcohol may worsen side effects; avoid heavy use or abrupt withdrawal.
AI-generated from general medical knowledge, not from this product's official leaflet. It may be incomplete or out of date. Not medical advice — ask a pharmacist or doctor before making any decision.