Generality
Bupropion is a drug that has proved very useful in smoking cessation therapy. In fact, this drug is able to reduce nicotine cravings in patients and to reduce the symptoms and discomfort induced by abstinence from smoking.
Bupropion - Chemical Structure
In fact, bupropion is also an antidepressant drug - used in the treatment of major depressive disorder - belonging to the dopamine and norepinephrine reuptake inhibitor class.
Action mechanism
Bupropion is able to inhibit dopamine reuptake and - although to a lesser extent - noradrenaline and serotonin. Furthermore, bupropion is also endowed with antagonistic activity against nicotinic receptors.
However, although it is believed that these activities performed by bupropion are involved in the smoking cessation process, the exact mechanism by which this occurs has not yet been fully clarified.
Side effects
Bupropion, like any other drug, can cause side effects, although not all patients experience them.
Among the main side effects that can occur, we recall:
- Sleep disorders;
- Feeling of depression, sometimes accompanied by suicidal ideation;
- Feeling of agitation and / or anxiety;
- Tremors and increased sweating;
- Headache;
- Dizziness;
- Feeling of instability;
- Cardiac rhythm disorders;
- Convulsions;
- Hypotension.
Furthermore, bupropion can trigger allergic reactions, even serious ones, in sensitive individuals.
dosage
Bupropion is administered orally and is usually available as tablets.
The initial dose of bupropion, usually given for smoking cessation, is 150 mg of drug per day. Later - and generally starting from the seventh day of therapy - the dose can be increased up to 300 mg of drug per day, to be taken in two divided doses.
In any case, it is always necessary to follow the instructions provided by the doctor, both as regards the amount of drug to be taken and the duration of the treatment.
Use during pregnancy and lactation
The use of bupropion by pregnant women is not recommended, due to the possible negative effects that could occur on the unborn child.
Furthermore, bupropion can be excreted in breast milk. Therefore, breastfeeding mothers must first seek medical advice before starting medication.
Contraindications
The use of bupropion is contraindicated in the following cases:
- In patients with hypersensitivity known to the same bupropion;
- In patients with epilepsy and in patients with a clinical history of convulsions;
- In patients who suffer - or who have suffered - from eating disorders;
- In patients suffering from bipolar disorder;
- In patients with brain tumors;
- In patients who drink large amounts of alcohol;
- In patients taking sedative or anxiolytic drugs;
- In patients who are taking - or who have recently taken - type B monoamine oxidase inhibitors (IMAO-B), used to treat Parkinson's disease.
In reality, bupropion can also interfere with other types of drugs; for this reason it is very important to tell your doctor if you are taking - or have recently taken - any type of medication, including prescription-free medicines and herbal products.
