What is the most important information I should know about bupropion?
You should not take
bupropion if you have epilepsy or a
seizure disorder, an
eating
disorder such as
anorexia or
bulimia, if you are using a second form of bupropion, or if you have
suddenly stopped using alcohol or
sedatives. Do not take bupropion if you have taken a
monoamine oxidase inhibitor (MAOI) such as
isocarboxazid (Marplan),
phenelzine (Nardil),
rasagiline (Azilect),
selegiline (Eldepryl), or
tranylcypromine (Parnate) in the last 14 days.
You may have thoughts about suicide when you first start taking an antidepressant,
especially if you are younger than 24 years old. Your doctor will need to check you at regular
visits for at least the first 12 weeks of treatment.
Call your doctor at once if you have any new or worsening symptoms such as: mood
or behavior changes,
anxiety,
panic attacks,
trouble sleeping, or if you feel impulsive,
irritable,
agitated, hostile, aggressive,
restless, hyperactive (mentally or physically), more depressed, or
have thoughts about suicide or hurting yourself.
Avoid using bupropion to treat more than one condition at a time. If you take Wellbutrin
for depression, do not also take Zyban to quit smoking. Too much of this medicine can increase
your risk of a seizure.
Do not smoke at any time if you are using a nicotine product along with
Zyban. Too much nicotine can cause serious side effects.
Avoid drinking alcohol while taking bupropion. Alcohol may increase your risk of a
seizure while you are taking bupropion. If you drink alcohol regularly, talk with your doctor
before changing the amount you drink. Bupropion can cause seizures in people who drink a lot
of alcohol and then suddenly quit drinking when they start using the medication.
What is bupropion?
Bupropion is an antidepressant medication.
Bupropion is used to treat major depressive disorder and seasonal affective disorder. At
least one brand of bupropion (Zyban) is used to help people stop smoking by reducing cravings
and other withdrawal effects.
Bupropion may also be used for purposes other than those listed in this medication guide.
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