Bupropion Hydrochloride
Generic Details
Generic Name
Bupropion Hydrochloride
Other Names
- Wellbutrin
- Zyban
Drug Class
- Antidepressant
- Smoking cessation aid
Chemical Formula
C13H18ClNO.HCl
Molecular Weight
276.2 g/mol
Mechanism of Action
- Inhibitor of norepinephrine and dopamine reuptake
Indications
- Major Depressive Disorder
- Seasonal Affective Disorder
- Smoking Cessation
Common Dosage Forms
- Tablet
- Extended-release tablet
Typical Dosage
- 150-300 mg per day
Pediatric Dosage
Geriatric Dosage
Side Effects
- Insomnia
- Dry mouth
- Headache
- Nausea
- Agitation
Contraindications
- Seizure disorder
- Eating disorder
- Use of MAO Inhibitors within 14 days
Pregnancy Category
- Category C
Lactation Safety
- Limited data - caution advised
Drug Interactions
- MAO Inhibitors
- Antidepressants
- Antipsychotics
Overdose Symptoms
- Seizures
- Cardiac arrhythmias
- Hallucinations
Antidote for Overdose
- Activated charcoal
- Benzodiazepines
Storage Conditions
- Store at room temperature away from light and moisture
Pharmacokinetics
- Absorption: Rapidly absorbed from the gastrointestinal tract
- Distribution: Widely distributed in the body, crosses the blood-brain barrier
- Metabolism: Undergoes extensive first-pass metabolism to active metabolites
- Excretion: Excreted in urine (87%), mostly as metabolites
Precautions
- Monitor for suicidal ideation
- Monitor for behavioral changes
Warnings
- Increased risk of suicidal thinking and behavior in children, adolescents, and young adults
Others
- May cause weight loss as a side effect