Bupron XL (Bupropion 300mg)

Bupron XL general information

What is Bupron XL used for?

Bupron XL tablets 300mg (also known as Wellbutrin) are used to treat major depressive disorder (MDD) to relieve symptoms including severely depressed mood, loss of interest or pleasure in usual activities, feelings of guilt or worthlessness amongst other mood disorders associated with major depression.  Bupron XL tablets 300mg are also used to treat and prevent Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD), which is a type of depression related to changes in season usually from autumn to winter, and symptoms manifest at the same time each year.  Bupron XL tablets 300mg are also used to treat nicotine dependence, as part of a smoking cessation programme that includes motivational support, to help people who are addicted to nicotine to stop smoking, by reducing cravings and the urge to smoke as well as counteracting withdrawal symptoms, like irritability, restlessness and anxiety.  Bupron XL tablets 300mg work by the same mechanism to treat these disorders.

How does Bupron XL work?

Bupron XL tablets 300mg contain bupropion, an antidepressant that is chemically unrelated to other known antidepressant agents, although it works at the level of the brain in a way similar to the class of antidepressants known as selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRI), which block the uptake by nerve cells of serotonin (a neurotransmitter or brain chemical that allows nerve cells to communicate).  Bupropion in Bupron XL tablets 300mg has minimal effect on the re-uptake of serotonin, although it is a selective inhibitor of the neuronal re-uptake of other neurotransmitters, in particular the catecholamines noradrenaline and dopamine.  Symptoms of depression are thought to be caused by an imbalance of certain neurotransmitters and Bupropion in Bupron XL tablets 300mg help restore the balance of noradrenaline and dopamine in the brain, by blocking the re-uptake of noradrenaline and dopamine, increasing their levels in the brain.  The anti-addictive and antidepressive properties of bupropion in Bupron XL tablets are thought to be due to the same mechanism, as lack of noradrenaline and dopamine may be involved in the addiction process and may contribute to withdrawal symptoms.  However, other mechanism may also be involved in helping with smoking cessation, including stimulation by bupropion of noradrenaline and dopamine receptors, increasing the effectiveness of these neurotransmitters, while at the same time blocking the action of nicotine on nicotinic acetylcholine receptor function, resulting in a reduction in the rewarding effects of nicotine, that contributes to nicotine addiction. 

What does Bupron XL contain?

Bupron XL tablets 300mg contain the active ingredient bupropion, an antidepressant and anti-addictive drug used to treat major depression and to treat nicotine dependence, as part of a smoking cessation programme. 

Treating depression with Bupron XL

Bupron XL tablets 300mg are used to treat depression or major depressive disorder (MDD) to relieve symptoms including severely depressed mood, loss of interest or pleasure in usual activities, feelings of guilt or worthlessness amongst other mood disorders associated with major depression.  Bupron XL tablets 300mg contain the antidepressant bupropion which is chemically unrelated to other known antidepressant agents, although it works at the level of the brain in a way similar to the class of antidepressants known as selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRI), which block the uptake by nerve cells of serotonin (a neurotransmitter or brain chemical that allows nerve cells to communicate).  Bupropion in Bupron XL tablets 300mg is a selective inhibitor of the reuptake by nerve cells, of the catecholamine neurotransmitters, noradrenaline and dopamine.  Symptoms of depression are thought to be caused by an imbalance of certain neurotransmitters and Bupron XL tablets 300mg help restore the balance of noradrenaline and dopamine in the brain, by blocking their re-uptake by nerve cells, therefore increasing levels in the brain. 

Bupron XL for smoking cessation

Bupron XL tablets 300mg are used to treat nicotine dependence, as part of a smoking cessation programme that includes motivational support, and helps people who are addicted to nicotine to stop smoking, by reducing cravings and the urge to smoke, as well as counteracting withdrawal symptoms, like irritability, restlessness and anxiety.  Bupron XL tablets 300mg contain bupropion, which is antidepressant agent with anti-addictive properties and works at the level of the brain, by inhibiting the reuptake by nerve cells, of noradrenaline and dopamine, which are neurotransmitters or brain chemicals that allows nerve cells to communicate.  A lack of noradrenaline and dopamine may be involved in the addiction process and may contribute to withdrawal symptoms.  Bupron XL tablets 300mg help restore the balance of noradrenaline and dopamine in the brain as well as blocking the action of nicotine on nicotinic acetylcholine receptor function, resulting in a reduction in the rewarding effects of nicotine, that contributes to nicotine addiction. 

What are the side effects of Bupron XL?

The most commonly reported side effects when taking Bupron XL tablets 300mg include, dry mouth, nausea, insomnia, dizziness, pharyngitis, abdominal pain, agitation, anxiety, tremor, palpitation, sweating, tinnitus, myalgia, anorexia, urinary frequency, and rash.  The most serious commonly reported side effects when taking Bupron XL is an increased risk of seizure particularly if you are already prone to seizures.  Taking Bupron tablets 150mg for depression may increase suicidal tendencies.  Many of the side effects reported with taking Bupron XL tablets 300mg for smoking cessation are associated with nicotine withdrawal symptoms.  The most commonly reported side effects when taking Bupron XL tablets 300mg include: restlessness, agitation, dizziness, dry mouth, difficulty sleeping, headache, nausea, vomiting, constipation, change in weight, tremor

When should Bupron XL not be used?

You should not use Bupron XL tablets 300mg if you:

• are allergic to bupropion or any ingredients in Bupron XL
• are pregnant or are breastfeeding
• have liver disease
• have seizures or a medical condition that makes you prone to seizures
• have an eating disorder like bulimia or anorexia nervosa, or an alcohol use problem
• have high blood pressure, without discussion with your doctor
• are taking monoamine oxidase (MAO) inhibitor such as the antidepressants phenelzine or tranylcypromine as these can cause serious reactions if taken with Bupron XLor within 14 days of taking Bupron tablets 150mg
• are taking medicines that interact with Bupron XL including cyclophosphamide, ifosfamide, orphenadrine, ticlopidine, clopidogrel carbamazepine, phenytoin ritonavir, antidepressants like desipramine, imipramine, paroxetine; antipsychotics like risperidone, thioridazine; beta-blockers like metoprolol; antiarrhythmics like propafanone, flecainide

What medications interact with Bupron XL?

Several medications interact with Bupron XL tablets 300mg and should either not be taken while you are taking Bupron XL or only after discussion and instruction from your doctor:

• Drugs that cause a serious reaction with Bupron XL: phenelzine or tranylcypromine
• Drugs that affect Bupron XL: cyclophosphamide, ifosfamide, orphenadrine, ticlopidine, clopidogrel carbamazepine, phenytoin ritonavir
• Drugs that are affected by Bupron XL: antidepressants like desipramine, imipramine, paroxetine; antipsychotics like risperidone, thioridazine; beta-blockers like metoprolol; antiarrhythmics like propafanone, flecainide

How should Bupron XL be taken?

You should take your Bupron XL tablets 300mg swallowed whole with a glass of water, with or without food, once a day at the same time each day, preferably in the morning.  The dose you take and for how long depends on what you are being treated for and the recommendation of your doctor.  It takes a week to reach maximum effect; therefore, if you are taking Bupron XL tablets 300mg for smoking cessation, it is recommended that you start at least one week before quitting.  You should continue to take your Bupron XL tablets 300mg for as long as recommended by your doctor, usually for 7-9 weeks for smoking cessation and longer for MDD and SAD up to several months beyond the acute phase.  You should not stop taking your Bupron XL tablets 300mg if you feel better without discussion with your healthcare professional.

How long should you take Bupron XL?

You should continue to take your Bupron XL tablets 300mg for as long as recommended by your doctor, usually for 7-9 weeks for smoking cessation and longer for MDD and SAD up to several months beyond the acute phase.  You should not stop taking your Bupron XL tablets 300mg if you feel better without discussion with your healthcare professional.

Missed dose of Bupron XL

If you miss a dose of Bupron XL tablets 300mg take it as soon as you remember, unless it is time to take the next dose, then skip the missed dose.  Do not take a double dose.

How should Bupron XL be stored?

You should store your Bupron XL tablets 300mg below 25°C in a cool dry place.