Bupropion is a medication used to treat depression and seasonal affective disorders. It supports smoking cessation and is very effective in treating mental and addictive challenges. The drug improves mood regulation and curbs nicotine cravings.

Bupropion works by changing the levels of certain chemicals in the brain and helps balance the brain chemicals.

Dosage

The dosage for Bupropion is prescribed based on age, medical condition and response to treatment. So, take the medication as your doctor prescribes and follow the directions on the prescription label. 

Do not take it in smaller or larger amounts or for longer than prescribed because too much of this medication can lead to seizures.

Swallow the drug as a whole tablet; do not break, chew or crush it. Also, you should not stop the medication suddenly or change your dose without contacting your doctor. Stopping it suddenly may cause some withdrawal symptoms, so let your doctor guide you on how to stop it. 

If your doctor prescribed a nicotine replacement such as gum or patches, use it immediately after you quit smoking. 

Side Effects

Common side effects of Bupropion include; 

• Dry mouth. 
• Nausea. 
• Agitation. 
• Shakiness.
• Abnormal heart rhythms. 
• Constipation. 
• Blurred vision. 
• Headache.
• Confusion. 
• Vomiting. 
• Rash.
• Dizziness.
• Increased anger. 
• Sweating. 
• Trouble sleeping.
• Fast heartbeat.
• Changes in hearing (ringing in the ears). 

These mild side effects usually go away after a few days or weeks, but if they persist longer, talk to your doctor about them. 

Bupropion can also cause serious side effects that may be life-threatening; call your doctor immediately if you notice any of those listed below. 

• Eye problems with symptoms such as:
  • Swelling or redness of the eye. 
  • Eye pain. 
  • Vision changes. 

• Mental health problems with symptoms such as:
  • Suicidal thoughts. 
  • New or worsened depression. 
  • Feeling agitated or restless. 
  • Attempts to die by suicide. 
  • Trouble sleeping. 
  • New or heightened anxiety. 
  • Panic attacks. 
  • Unusual changes in behaviour. 
  • New or worsened irritability. 
  • Aggressive, angry or violent behaviour. 
  • Acting on dangerous impulses. 
• Seizures with symptoms like:
  • Staring spells. 
  • Confusion. 
  • Loss of consciousness.
  • Uncontrollable jerking movements of the arms and legs. 

Precaution

Before taking Bupropion, tell your healthcare provider if you have allergies because the product may contain an ingredient that can cause allergies. Also, tell your doctor about your medical history, especially of conditions that cause or increase seizures.

Older adults may be more sensitive to the side effects of this drug, especially memory loss and dizziness.

In addition, if you are planning to become pregnant or are already pregnant, talk to your doctor before taking this medication. If you are breastfeeding, this drug can be passed into breast milk and can cause undesirable results for infants, so talk to your doctor if you are a breastfeeding mom before taking Bupropion. 

Lastly, the drug can make you dizzy or sleepy; do not drive or operate any machine after taking it.