Treat Depression and Quit Smoking With Bupropion (Wellbutrin)

Bupropion is a generic form of the brand name Wellbutrin. It is an Antidepressant. It is used in the treatment of Depression and other mental / mood disorders.  Zyban brand of bupropion is also helpful in smoking cessation. It is very helpful to quit smoking. It does not show much sexual side effects as compared to other antidepressants. It is also used in some other purposes which is not listed in the medication guide. It is available as oral tablets. Some other Brands of Bupropion are Zyban , Wellbutrin XL, Wellbutrin SR , etc.

9 Advantages of Bupropion

1. It is energizing due to some stimulant effects.
2. It helps to cover ADHD symptoms.
3. It is used by the people who want to quit smoking.
4. It is also used to suppress appetite.
5. It does not show sexual side effects eg depressed libido.
6. Using the above drug do not put weight gain in a patient.
7. Patient does not face somnolence [sleepiness].
8. It is as effective as other prescribed antidepressant with all above advantages.
9. No cardiac toxicity seen.

Working of Bupropion

Its working is not yet understood completely. It is a complex action. In smoking cessation, it binds the receptor at which nicotine normally binds. It is said to be antagonist at nicotinic receptors. Thus, reduces craving to smoking. By using for a prescribed period, patient quit the habit of smoking.

Common side effects:

• Anxiety (nervousness) or confusion.
• Irregular heartbeat.
• Sleeping restless and shaking.
• Dry mouth.
• Dizziness, headache
• Gastrointestinal upset.
• Seizure
• Weight loss, skin problems like, rashes, itching, sweating etc.
• Vision changes.

LIMITATIONS

• One should not take bupropion in following condition.
• Seizures disorder or epilepsy.
• Eating disorders.
• In combination with zyban to quit smoking.
• If MAO inhibitor is used in past 14 days.
• When using for first time, it can produce suicidal thought. So patient should be observed primarily.
• Should not use if one has a habit of drinking alcohol.

One should take precaution, as it may be not suitable in some people with certain condition like ,

1. A history of head injury, brain tumor.
2. Diabetes.
3. Kidney or liver disease.
4. In pregnancy as there is no study or evidence of harm in unborn baby.
5. Brest feeding mother, as it can pass into breast milk.

Take medicine as and when prescribed by doctor. Swallow it with water or other liquid without breaking or chewing it. Do not change the quantity without doctor’s permission. In case of smoking cessation, nicotine patches or gum can be used to overcome the eagerness of smoking. One should not take over dose of Bupropion as it can be fatal . One should avoid drinking alcohol as it increases risk to seizures.

So, we can come to a conclusion from the above information that Bupropion is really effective in case of Depression and to quit smoking. It also shows many advantages over other Antidepressants which are prescribed. But there are some adverse effects which has to be considered so that it does not cause any harm to a patient .