Bupropion XL
What is Bupropion XL?
Bupropion XL is an extended-release antidepressant used to treat major depressive disorder and seasonal affective disorder. It aids in smoking cessation and may improve ADHD symptoms. Unlike many antidepressants, it generally does not cause sexual dysfunction or weight gain. Bupropion XL works by balancing dopamine and norepinephrine levels in the brain, offering sustained relief from depression symptoms with a once-daily dosage. It requires careful monitoring for side effects like nausea, headaches, and potential increases in suicidal thoughts.
Product Overview
Bupropion XL is a medication primarily prescribed to treat major depressive disorder (MDD) and seasonal affective disorder (SAD), functioning as an effective tool in managing depression and its associated symptoms. It’s particularly noted for its extended-release formula, which maintains steady medication levels throughout the day, allowing for once-daily dosing. This feature helps improve patient compliance and symptom management over time.
Bupropion XL is also used off-label to assist in smoking cessation, reducing cravings and the severity of withdrawal symptoms. One of its advantages over other antidepressants is its minimal impact on sexual function and its potential to result in weight loss or neutrality, which can be particularly appealing to patients concerned about the weight gain commonly associated with other antidepressants.
The medication enhances the brain’s dopamine and norepinephrine levels, which can not only alleviate depressive symptoms but also improve cognitive functions and reduce fatigue associated with depression. However, patients must be monitored for side effects such as dizziness, dry mouth, and more severe concerns like increased risk of seizures or suicidal thoughts, especially in younger adults and children. Bupropion XL requires a tailored dosage, typically adjusted by healthcare providers based on individual response and treatment goals.
What Are the Uses of Bupropion XL?
Bupropion XL is used in the treatment of:
- Seasonal affective disorder
- Depression
What Are the Benefits of Bupropion XL?
- Helps prevent seasonal affective disorder (SAD) episodes.
- Aids in smoking cessation, reducing cravings and withdrawal symptoms.
- Generally, it causes less sexual dysfunction compared to other antidepressants.
- It may lead to weight loss or weight neutrality, unlike some antidepressants that cause weight gain.
- It can improve symptoms of attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) in some patients.
- Potentially beneficial for treating bipolar depression in some cases.
- It may help reduce fatigue associated with depression.
- Helps regulate dopamine and norepinephrine levels in the brain.
- The extended-release formulation allows for consistent medication levels throughout the day.
- It may improve cognitive function in some patients with depression.
What Are the Side Effects of Bupropion XL?
Common Bupropion XL side effects may include:
- Restlessness
- Sore throat
- Nausea
- Dizziness
- Headache
- Constipation
- Trouble sleeping
- Dry mouth
[Note: This list is not exhaustive; if you notice any other symptoms that are not mentioned above, consult your doctor immediately.]
Bupropion XL Dosage
What Are the Forms & Strengths of Bupropion XL?
Bupropion XL comes in tablet forms and has the two following strengths:
- Bupropion XL 150 mg tablet
- Bupropion XL 300 mg tablet
What Are the Recommended Dosages of Bupropion XL?
For Depression
- Extended-release Tablets (Adults):
- Aplenzin: Start with 174 mg once daily in the morning. Dosage adjustments may be necessary but should not exceed 522 mg daily.
- Forfivo XL: 450 mg once daily.
- Wellbutrin XL: Begin with 150 mg once daily in the morning. Adjustments may be made but should not exceed 300 mg daily.
- Sustained-release Tablets (Adults):
- Start with 150 mg twice daily in the morning. Adjustments may be made, but typically do not exceed 200 mg twice daily, spaced at least eight hours apart.
- Immediate-release Tablets (Adults):
- Start with 100 mg twice daily. Adjustments may be necessary but do not exceed 100 mg three times daily, spaced at least six hours apart.
For Seasonal Affective Disorder (Adults)
- Aplenzin: Start with 174 mg once daily in the morning. Adjustments may be necessary but should not exceed 522 mg daily.
- Wellbutrin XL: Begin with 150 mg once daily in the morning. Adjustments may be made but should not exceed 300 mg daily.
To Quit Smoking (Adults)
- Start with 150 mg once daily for the first three days. Adjustments may be necessary but should not exceed 300 mg daily.
Dosages for Children
- For all forms of Bupropion (extended-release, sustained-release, and immediate-release), as well as for different treatments (depression, SAD, smoking cessation), the dosage and usage should be determined by a pediatrician.
How to Take Bupropion XL?
- General Guidelines:
- Take Bupropion precisely as prescribed. Do not alter the dose or frequency without consulting your doctor.
- If it upsets your stomach, take it with food.
- Swallow long-acting tablets whole without crushing or breaking them.
- Avoid taking the medication close to bedtime if it causes sleep disturbances.
- Consistency is key—take it simultaneously each day to maintain an even level of medication in your body.
- Stopping Bupropion: Do not stop taking BupropionBupropion suddenly without talking to your doctor. They will guide you on how to taper off to avoid withdrawal symptoms gradually.
What to Do When You Miss a Dose of Bupropion XL?
- If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you remember. If it’s close to the time of your next dose, skip the missed dose and resume your usual dosing schedule.
[Note: Do not take two doses of Bupropion XL simultaneously to compensate for a missed dose. This can increase your risk of experiencing side effects.]
What Happens When You Overdose on Bupropion XL?
- Exceeding the recommended dose of BupropionBupropion can cause severe side effects, including seizures, which occur in about one-third of overdose cases.
- If you suspect an overdose, seek immediate medical attention by calling your doctor, a poison control center, or emergency services.
[Note: If you notice you have taken too much medication, call your local emergency number immediately.]
How Does Bupropion XL Work?
Bupropion acts as an antidepressant by affecting neurotransmitters in the brain, particularly dopamine and norepinephrine. It helps to balance these chemicals, improving mood and cognitive functions, which are crucial for managing depression and other mood disorders.
Important Safety Precautions
- Suicidal Thoughts and Behaviors: Increased risk in children, teenagers, and young adults up to 24 years during initial treatment periods or when changing doses.
- Usage Guidance: Generally not recommended for children under 18. Assess the risks versus benefits of depression treatment.
- Regular Medical Check-Ups: Necessary during treatment initiation or dose adjustments. Consult the patient information leaflet and the FDA or manufacturer’s site for more details.
- Medication Precautions: Inform your doctor about allergies to Bupropion, history of seizures, eating disorders, heavy alcohol use, sedative use, and if you are pregnant or planning pregnancy.
- Health History: Disclose any history of brain tumor, liver, kidney, or heart disease, and high blood pressure.
- Drowsiness and Dizziness: Avoid driving or operating machinery if affected. Discuss alcohol use as it may worsen side effects.
- Blood Pressure and Eye Health: Monitor blood pressure regularly and consider an eye exam for angle-closure glaucoma risks.
- Behavioral Changes: Report any aggressive, erratic behavior or thoughts of self-harm to your doctor immediately.
How to Store Bupropion XL?
- Store Bupropion XL in its original container and ensure the lid is tightly closed.
- Keep the container at room temperature and place it in an area that is away from direct sunlight, excess heat, and moisture to preserve its efficacy and prevent degradation.
What Medications Interact with Bupropion XL?
- Linezolid
- Selegiline
- Methylene Blue
- Moclobemide
- Rasagiline
- Procarbazine
- Iproniazid
- Tipranavir
- Bromopride
- St John’s Wort
- Metoprolol
- Phenelzine
- Nirmatrelvir
- Furazolidone
- Lofexidine
- Aripiprazole Lauroxil
- Isocarboxazid
- Eliglustat
- Nialamide
- Tranylcypromine
- Isavuconazonium Sulfate
- Ozanimod
- Digoxin
[Note: This list of interactions isn’t complete. Talk to your doctor if you notice any interaction with food, over-the-counter drugs, prescriptions, or supplements.]
What Are the Bupropion XL Alternatives?
- Remeron (mirtazapine)
- Trintellix (vortioxetine)
- Viibryd (vilazodone)
- Fetzima (levomilnacipran)
- Paxil (paroxetine)
- Cymbalta (duloxetine)
- Celexa (citalopram)
- Zoloft (sertraline)
- Lexapro (escitalopram)
- Pristiq (desvenlafaxine)
- Effexor XR (venlafaxine)
- Prozac (fluoxetine)
[Note: Your healthcare provider will choose which Bupropion XL alternative is best for you. Taking or consuming them by yourself may cause serious side effects.]
Bupropion XL Cost & Coupons
Bupropion XL is a commonly prescribed medication for depression and seasonal affective disorder, but it can be expensive without insurance coverage. Many Americans find themselves paying high out-of-pocket fees. To combat these high costs, Arctic Meds offers the option to buy Bupropion XL online from Canada at significantly reduced prices. Make sure to use the Bupropion XL coupon code when ordering through our website to maximize your savings.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much weight do you lose on bupropion XL?
On average, patients taking Wellbutrin (Bupropion XL) for weight management may lose between 5 to 10 pounds. Some individuals, depending on their dosage and individual response to the medication, might lose up to 20 pounds.
How long did it take to start losing weight on bupropion XL?
Weight loss with Bupropion XL typically begins after about eight weeks of treatment. However, the time frame can vary widely among individuals, ranging from a few weeks to several months. It’s also possible that some may not experience any weight loss.
When is the best time to take Bupropion for weight loss?
To manage weight, start with one tablet in the morning during the first week. In the second week, the dosage usually increases to one tablet in the morning and one in the evening. By the third week, it may be two tablets in the morning and one in the evening, per your doctor’s instructions.
What happens when you take naltrexone and Bupropion?
Taking Naltrexone and Bupropion together without waiting two weeks between starting each can cause several side effects. These might include confusion, agitation, restlessness, gastrointestinal disturbances, a sudden increase in body temperature, dangerously high blood pressure, or severe seizures.
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