Precautions
Drug information provided by: Merative, Micromedex®
It is very important that your doctor check your progress at regular visits to make sure this medicine is working properly and to check for unwanted effects.
Do not take bupropion with a monoamine oxidase (MAO) inhibitor (eg, isocarboxazid [Marplan®], linezolid [Zyvox®], phenelzine [Nardil®], selegiline [Eldepryl®], tranylcypromine [Parnate®]). Do not start taking bupropion during the 2 weeks after you stop a MAO inhibitor. Wait for 2 weeks after stopping bupropion before you start taking a MAO inhibitor. If you take them together or do not wait 2 weeks, you may have confusion, agitation, restlessness, stomach or bowel symptoms, a sudden high body temperature, an extremely high blood pressure, or severe convulsions.
Check with your doctor before using this medicine with alcohol or other medicines that affect the central nervous system (CNS). The use of alcohol or other medicines that affect the CNS with bupropion may worsen the side effects of this medicine, such as dizziness, poor concentration, drowsiness, unusual dreams, and trouble with sleeping. Some examples of medicines that affect the CNS are antihistamines or medicine for allergies or colds, sedatives, tranquilizers, or sleeping medicines, medicine for depression, medicine for anxiety, prescription pain medicine or narcotics, medicine for attention deficit and hyperactivity disorder, medicine for seizures or barbiturates, muscle relaxants, or anesthetics, including some dental anesthetics.
Bupropion may cause some people to be agitated, irritable, or display other abnormal behaviors. It may also cause some people to have suicidal thoughts and tendencies, or to become more depressed. Make sure the doctor knows if you have trouble sleeping, get upset easily, have a big increase in energy, or start to act reckless. Also tell your doctor if you have sudden or strong feelings, such as feeling nervous, angry, restless, violent, or scared. If you or your caregiver notice any of these side effects, tell your doctor right away.
Your blood pressure might get too high while you are using this medicine. This may cause headaches, dizziness, or blurred vision. You might need to measure your blood pressure at home. If you think your blood pressure is too high, call your doctor right away.
This medicine may cause a serious type of allergic reaction called anaphylaxis. Anaphylaxis can be life-threatening and requires immediate medical attention. Call your doctor right away if you have a rash, itching, swelling of the face, tongue, or throat, trouble breathing, or chest pain.
Serious skin reactions can occur with this medicine. Check with your doctor right away if you have blistering, peeling, or loosening of the skin, red skin lesions, severe acne or a skin rash, sores or ulcers on the skin, or fever or chills with this medicine.
Drinking alcoholic beverages should be limited or avoided, if possible, with bupropion. This will help prevent seizures.
This medicine may cause some people to have a false sense of wellbeing, or to become drowsy, dizzy, or less alert than they are normally. Make sure you know how you react to this medicine before you drive, use machines, or do anything else that could be dangerous if you are drowsy, dizzy, or less alert.
Do not stop taking this medicine without checking first with your doctor. Your doctor may want you to gradually reduce the amount you are taking before stopping it completely. This is to decrease the chance of having certain side effects when you stop the medicine, such as agitation, anxiety, dizziness, a feeling of constant movement of self or surroundings, headaches, increased sweating, nausea, trembling or shaking, trouble with sleeping or walking, or unusual tiredness.
Check with your doctor right away if you have pain or tenderness in the upper stomach, pale stools, dark urine, loss of appetite, nausea, unusual tiredness or weakness, or yellow eyes or skin. These could be symptoms of a serious liver problem.
This medicine may cause a change in your appetite or weight. Your doctor may need to check your weight on a regular basis.
Before you have any medical tests, tell the medical doctor in charge that you are taking this medicine. The results of some tests may be affected by this medicine.
Do not take other medicines unless they have been discussed with your doctor. This includes prescription or nonprescription (over-the-counter [OTC]) medicines and herbal or vitamin supplements.
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Portions of this document last updated: Nov. 01, 2023
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As an enthusiast deeply immersed in the field of pharmaceuticals and medical information, my extensive knowledge allows me to delve into the intricacies of drug interactions and precautions. I have a profound understanding of the concepts involved, ensuring that individuals receive accurate and comprehensive information about their medications.
The article mentions the medication bupropion, and it emphasizes the importance of regular check-ups with a doctor to monitor the drug's efficacy and assess any potential side effects. I would like to shed light on several key concepts discussed in the provided information:
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Monoamine Oxidase (MAO) Inhibitors: The article warns against taking bupropion concurrently with MAO inhibitors or within two weeks of discontinuing them. This precaution is crucial to avoid adverse reactions such as confusion, agitation, restlessness, elevated body temperature, high blood pressure, or severe convulsions.
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Interaction with Alcohol and CNS-Affecting Medications: Caution is advised regarding the use of bupropion with alcohol or other medications affecting the central nervous system (CNS). This includes antihistamines, sedatives, tranquilizers, prescription pain medicine, and certain anesthetics. Combining these substances may worsen side effects like dizziness, poor concentration, drowsiness, unusual dreams, and difficulty sleeping.
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Psychiatric Effects: Bupropion is noted to potentially induce agitation, irritability, abnormal behaviors, suicidal thoughts, and increased depression in some individuals. It is essential to communicate any changes in mood or behavior to a doctor promptly.
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Blood Pressure Monitoring: The medication may elevate blood pressure, leading to symptoms such as headaches, dizziness, or blurred vision. Regular monitoring and prompt reporting of high blood pressure are recommended.
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Allergic Reactions and Skin Issues: Bupropion can cause severe allergic reactions like anaphylaxis, characterized by symptoms such as rash, itching, swelling, difficulty breathing, or chest pain. Serious skin reactions like blistering, peeling, or red lesions require immediate medical attention.
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Limiting Alcohol Intake: Drinking alcoholic beverages while on bupropion should be limited or avoided to reduce the risk of seizures.
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CNS Effects on Alertness: The medication may induce drowsiness, dizziness, or reduced alertness. Individuals are advised to assess their reaction to the drug before engaging in activities that require heightened alertness, such as driving or operating machinery.
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Gradual Withdrawal: Abruptly stopping bupropion is discouraged, and individuals are advised to consult their doctor to gradually reduce the dosage. This helps prevent potential withdrawal symptoms such as agitation, anxiety, dizziness, headaches, and trouble sleeping or walking.
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Liver Function Monitoring: Symptoms like upper stomach pain, pale stools, dark urine, loss of appetite, unusual tiredness, or yellowing of the eyes or skin may indicate a serious liver problem. Immediate medical attention is warranted in such cases.
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Appetite and Weight Changes: Bupropion may impact appetite and weight. Regular monitoring by a doctor is recommended.
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Impact on Medical Tests: Before undergoing medical tests, individuals should inform their healthcare providers about bupropion use, as the medication may influence test results.
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Caution with Other Medications: Individuals should not take other prescription or non-prescription medications, including herbal or vitamin supplements, without consulting their doctor.
This comprehensive overview ensures that individuals using or considering bupropion are well-informed about potential risks, interactions, and necessary precautions, facilitating responsible and safe medication management.
