bupropion hydrochloride at a glance
Medicine class
Noradrenaline and dopamine reuptake inhibitor
Licensed role
Aid to stopping smoking with motivational support
Contains nicotine
No
Formulation
Prolonged-release tablet that must be swallowed whole
Food
May be taken with or without food
What is bupropion hydrochloride used for?
The selected UK product has one licensed indication.
Aid to smoking cessation in nicotine-dependent patients, with motivational or behavioural support.
How does bupropion hydrochloride work?
Bupropion inhibits neuronal reuptake of noradrenaline and dopamine. Its precise smoking-cessation mechanism is not fully established, but these effects are thought to reduce nicotine cravings and withdrawal symptoms.
bupropion hydrochloride preparations and strengths
Modified-release tablet
Route: Oral
Strengths: 150 mg
How to take bupropion hydrochloride
Follow the prescription label.
Swallow prolonged-release tablets whole with water.
Do not cut, crush or chew them; rapid release increases adverse-effect and seizure risk.
They may be taken with or without food.
Avoid taking them near bedtime if they cause difficulty sleeping.
Do not stop treatment without discussing it with the prescriber.
bupropion hydrochloride side effects
Common or expected effects
- Difficulty sleeping
- Dry mouth
- Nausea, vomiting, abdominal discomfort or constipation
- Headache or dizziness
- Anxiety, agitation or depressed mood
- Tremor or difficulty concentrating
- Sweating, itching or rash
- Changes in taste
Get urgent medical advice
- Seizure
- Severe allergic reaction
- Suicidal thoughts or marked changes in mood, thinking or behaviour
- Serotonin syndrome, particularly with serotonergic medicines
- Severe or blistering skin reaction
- Severe increase in blood pressure
- Jaundice or other signs of liver injury
bupropion hydrochloride in pregnancy
Bupropion is not recommended for smoking cessation during pregnancy because preferred alternatives are available. Studies have not consistently shown an increased risk of birth defects, although some raised concern about particular heart defects. Discuss pregnancy exposure with the maternity or prescribing team.
bupropion hydrochloride while breastfeeding
Bupropion and its active metabolites pass into breast milk. A prescriber should weigh the benefits of breastfeeding and smoking-cessation treatment before deciding whether it is appropriate.
bupropion hydrochloride interactions
Check prescribed, pharmacy and recreational substances before treatment. Important examples include:
Monoamine oxidase inhibitors
Concurrent use is contraindicated because catecholaminergic adverse reactions may increase; an appropriate washout is required.
SSRIs, SNRIs and other serotonergic medicines
Combined use can cause serotonin syndrome and requires careful clinical observation.
Medicines that lower the seizure threshold
Antipsychotics, some antidepressants, tramadol, theophylline, systemic corticosteroids, quinolones and some sedating antihistamines can increase seizure risk.
Common questions about bupropion hydrochloride
Answers are fully visible for fast scanning and source review.
Does bupropion hydrochloride contain nicotine?
No. It is a nicotine-free treatment.
Can the tablets be split or crushed?
No. Swallow them whole because damaging prolonged-release tablets can release bupropion too quickly and increase seizure risk.
Can it cause a seizure?
Sources
These sources were used to prepare and review this medicine page.
Prepared and reviewed by the iatroX editorial team.