Bupron 150mg (Buproprion)

Bupron general information

What is Bupron used for?

Bupron tablets 150mg (a generic product for 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 tablets 150mg are also 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.

How does Bupron work?

Bupron tablets 150mg contain bupropion which is 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 tablets 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 Bupron tablets 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 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, which is what contributes to nicotine addiction.

What does Bupron contain?

Bupron tablets 150mg 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. Bupron tablets 150mg are a sustained release (SR) tablet which means that it is released slowly so that you only need take one tablet per day.

Treating depression with Bupron

Bupron tablets 150mg 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 tablets 150mg 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 tablets 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 tablets 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 for smoking cessation

Bupron tablets 150mg 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 tablets 150mg 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 tablets 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, which is what contributes to nicotine addiction.

What are the side effects of Bupron?

There is an increased risk of seizure when taking Bupron tablets 150mg, 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 tablets 150mg for smoking cessation are associated with nicotine withdrawal symptoms. The most commonly reported side effects when taking Bupron tablets 150mg include: restlessness, agitation, dizziness, dry mouth, difficulty sleeping, headache, nausea, vomiting, constipation, change in weight, tremor

When should Bupron not be used?

You should not use Bupron if you:

• are allergic to bupropion or any of the ingredients in Bupron tablets 150mg
• 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
• are pregnant or if you plan to become pregnant or are breastfeeding
• are taking monoamine oxidase (MAO) inhibitor such as the antidepressants phenelzine or tranylcypromine as these can cause serious reactions if taken with Bupron or within 14 days of taking Bupron tablets 150mg
• taking other medication that interacts with Bupron, including levodopa or amantadine, phenelzine or tranylcypromine, cyclophosphamide, carbamazepine, phenytoin, ritonavir

What medications interact with Bupron?

Several medications interact with Bupron and should either not be taken while you are taking Bupron tablets 150mg or only after discussion and instruction from your doctor:
Some drugs that increase side effects of Bupron:

• levodopa or amantadine
• monoamine oxidase inhibitor such as the antidepressants phenelzine or tranylcypromine

Some drugs that affect Bupron:

• cyclophosphamide, ifosfamide, orphenadrine, ticlopidine, clopidogrel carbamazepine, phenytoin ritonavir

Some drugs that are affected by Bupron:

• antidepressants like desipramine, imipramine, paroxetine; antipsychotics like risperidone, thioridazine; beta-blockers like metoprolol; antiarrhythmics like propafanone, flecainide

How should Bupron be taken?

You should take your Bupron tablets 150mg with a glass of water, with or without food, usually once a day but this dose may be increased to twice a day, as recommended by your doctor. It takes a week to reach maximum effect; therefore, if you are taking Bupron tablets 150mg for smoking cessation, it is recommended that you start at least one week before quitting. You should take Bupron tablets 150mg for as long as recommended by your doctor, usually for 7-9 weeks.

How long should you take Bupron?

You should take Bupron tablets 150mg regularly, for as long as recommended by your doctor, usually for 7-9 weeks.

Missed dose of Bupron

If you miss a dose of Bupron 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 be stored?

You should keep your Bupron tablets 150mg in their blister packs until use and store below 25°C in a cool dry place, away from direct sunlight.