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Drugs Dictionary: Bupropion

Bupropion

Trade Name

Wellbutrin (depression: IR, SR, XL); Zyban (smoking cessation); generic bupropion hydrochloride

Classification

Atypical antidepressant; norepinephrine-dopamine reuptake inhibitor (NDRI)

Dosage/Route

  • * Dosage:
    •      – Immediate-release (IR): 75 mg, 100 mg tablets
    •      – Sustained-release (SR): 100 mg, 150 mg, 200 mg tablets
    •      – Extended-release (XL): 150 mg, 300 mg, 450 mg tablets
  • * Route: Oral (PO)

Usual Dosage

  • * Depression:
    •      – IR: 100 mg PO BID-TID; max 450 mg/day (≤150 mg/dose)
    •      – SR: 150 mg PO daily, then BID; max 400 mg/day (≤200 mg/dose)
    •      – XL: 150 mg PO daily, increase to 300 mg/day; max 450 mg/day
  • * Smoking Cessation (Zyban): 150 mg PO daily for 3 days, then 150 mg BID; max 300 mg/day
  • * Start low, titrate over weeks; space doses ≥4 hr (IR) or ≥8 hr (SR)

Mechanism of Action

Inhibits reuptake of norepinephrine and dopamine in the CNS, increasing their availability. Lacks significant serotonin effects (unlike SSRIs). Boosts mood, energy, and motivation; reduces nicotine cravings via dopamine modulation

Side Effects & Adverse Effects

  • * Side Effects: Dry mouth, insomnia, headache, agitation, weight loss
  • * Adverse Effects:
    •      – Seizures (boxed warning; dose-dependent, esp. >450 mg/day or in bulimia/anorexia)
    •      – Hypertension (monitor BP, esp. with nicotine patches)
    •      – Psychosis/mania (rare; high doses or bipolar history)
    •      – Suicidality (early treatment, young adults)

Nursing Management (Implications & Teachings)

  • * Implications:
    •      – Monitor seizure risk (history, dose adherence); avoid in epilepsy/bulimia
    •      – Assess BP baseline/periodically; mood (suicide risk early on)
    •      – SR/XL: Don’t crush/chew (seizure risk from rapid release)
    •      – Avoid with MAOIs (within 14 days) or alcohol (lowers seizure threshold)
  • * Teachings:
    •      – Take early in day (avoid bedtime to prevent insomnia)
    •      – Report seizures, fast heartbeat, or mood swings
    •      – Avoid alcohol/caffeine (increases side effects)
    •      – Smoking cessation: Set quit date 1-2 weeks after starting

Indication for This Patient

  • * Major depressive disorder (MDD)
  • * Seasonal affective disorder (SAD) (XL form)
  • * Smoking cessation (Zyban; adjunct to counseling)

Time

  • * Timing: IR: BID-TID; SR: BID (morning/evening); XL: once daily (morning)
  • * Onset: Mood improvement in 1-4 weeks; smoking aid effect in 1-2 weeks
  • * Peak: IR: 2 hr; SR: 3 hr; XL: 5 hr
  • * Duration: IR: 6-12 hr; SR: 12-18 hr; XL: 24 hr

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