Bupropion Hcl ER (sr) Coupons & Savings Card – Discount Prices from $9.85

Bupropion hydrochloride extended-release (SR) is a medication prescribed for depression and smoking cessation. While effective, it carries certain risks that patients should be aware of.

Seizure Risk: Bupropion SR can increase the likelihood of seizures, especially at higher doses. To minimize this risk, the daily dose should not exceed 400 mg, and any dose increases should be gradual. Individuals with a history of seizures, eating disorders like anorexia or bulimia, or those undergoing abrupt withdrawal from alcohol or sedatives are at a higher risk and should avoid using bupropion SR. If a seizure occurs during treatment, the medication should be discontinued and not restarted.

Neuropsychiatric Events: Serious mental health events, including mood changes, hallucinations, paranoia, and suicidal thoughts, have been reported in patients using bupropion SR, particularly for smoking cessation. These events can occur in individuals with or without a history of psychiatric disorders. Patients and caregivers should monitor for unusual changes in behavior or mood and seek medical attention if such changes occur.

Hypertension: Treatment with bupropion SR can lead to elevated blood pressure. It's important to assess blood pressure before starting the medication and monitor it periodically during treatment. The risk of hypertension increases when bupropion SR is used alongside other drugs that enhance dopaminergic or noradrenergic activity.

Activation of Mania/Hypomania: In some cases, bupropion SR may trigger manic or hypomanic episodes, especially in individuals with bipolar disorder. Before initiating treatment, patients should be screened for a history of bipolar disorder or related risk factors.

Angle-Closure Glaucoma: Bupropion SR can cause pupil dilation, which may lead to an angle-closure attack in individuals with anatomically narrow angles who do not have a patent iridectomy. Patients with a history of glaucoma should use bupropion SR with caution.

Hypersensitivity Reactions: There have been reports of severe allergic reactions to bupropion SR, including anaphylaxis and skin reactions like Stevens-Johnson syndrome. If signs of an allergic reaction occur, such as rash, itching, swelling, or difficulty breathing, the medication should be discontinued, and medical attention should be sought immediately.

Patients should discuss these risks with their healthcare provider to determine if bupropion SR is appropriate for their treatment plan.

Bupropion hydrochloride sustained-release (SR) and extended-release (ER) formulations are commonly prescribed to treat major depressive disorder and to aid in smoking cessation. While many individuals tolerate these medications well, it's important to be aware of potential side effects. Common Side Effects:

• Dry Mouth: A frequent occurrence that may cause discomfort.
• Sore Throat: Some individuals report throat irritation.
• Nausea and Vomiting: Gastrointestinal disturbances can occur.
• Stomach/Abdominal Pain: Discomfort in the abdominal area is possible.
• Flushing: A sensation of warmth or redness in the skin.
• Headache: Mild to moderate headaches may develop.
• Changes in Appetite: This can lead to weight loss or gain.
• Constipation: Difficulty with bowel movements is reported.
• Trouble Sleeping (Insomnia): Difficulty falling or staying asleep.
• Increased Sweating: Excessive perspiration without exertion.
• Increased Urination: More frequent need to urinate.
• Strange Taste in Mouth: An unusual or metallic taste.
• Muscle Pain and Joint Aches: Discomfort in muscles and joints.
• Dizziness: A sensation of lightheadedness or unsteadiness.
• Itching and Skin Rash: Skin reactions may occur.
• Ringing in the Ears (Tinnitus): Perception of ringing sounds.
• Loss of Interest in Sex: Decreased libido.
• Shaking (Tremor): Involuntary trembling of parts of the body.
• Blurred Vision: Difficulty focusing or seeing clearly. Serious Side Effects: While less common, certain side effects require immediate medical attention:
• Mood or Behavior Changes: This includes anxiety, depression, panic attacks, agitation, hostility, aggression, restlessness, hyperactivity, or thoughts of suicide.
• Seizures: Convulsions or sudden, uncontrolled body movements.
• Confusion: Disorientation or difficulty understanding surroundings.
• Unusual Changes in Mood or Behavior: Significant alterations in emotional state.
• Visual Disturbances: Blurred vision, tunnel vision, eye pain or swelling, or seeing halos around lights.
• Cardiac Symptoms: Fast or irregular heartbeats, racing thoughts, reckless behavior, extreme happiness or irritability, excessive talking, or severe sleep problems. Important Considerations:
• Seizure Risk: The likelihood of seizures increases with higher doses. It's crucial to adhere to prescribed dosages and inform your healthcare provider of any history of seizures or conditions that may lower the seizure threshold.
• Blood Pressure Monitoring: Bupropion can elevate blood pressure. Regular monitoring is recommended, especially for individuals with pre-existing hypertension.
• Neuropsychiatric Reactions: Some individuals may experience mood changes, hallucinations, paranoia, or confusion. Promptly report any such symptoms to your healthcare provider.
• Allergic Reactions: Though rare, severe allergic reactions can occur. Symptoms may include rash, itching, swelling, severe dizziness, or difficulty breathing. Seek immediate medical attention if these occur. General Advice: Always inform your healthcare provider about any other medications you're taking, as bupropion can interact with various drugs. Avoid consuming alcohol during treatment, as it can increase the risk of side effects. If you experience any concerning symptoms or side effects, contact your healthcare provider promptly to discuss appropriate measures.

Bupropion hydrochloride extended-release (SR) is a medication used to treat depression and assist with smoking cessation. It's important to be aware of potential interactions between bupropion SR and other substances, as these can affect the medication's effectiveness and safety.

Interactions with Other Medications:

• CYP2D6 Substrates: Bupropion SR can inhibit the enzyme CYP2D6, leading to increased levels of medications metabolized by this enzyme. This includes certain antidepressants (like Venlafaxine and Fluoxetine), antipsychotics (such as Haloperidol and Risperidone), beta-blockers (like metoprolol), and Type 1C antiarrhythmics (such as Propafenone and Flecainide). If you're taking any of these medications alongside bupropion SR, your doctor may need to adjust their dosages to prevent side effects.

• Medications Lowering Seizure Threshold: Combining bupropion SR with drugs that lower the seizure threshold—such as other bupropion products, antipsychotics, antidepressants, Theophylline, or systemic corticosteroids—can increase the risk of seizures. It's crucial to inform your healthcare provider about all medications you're taking to assess this risk appropriately.

• Dopaminergic Drugs: Using bupropion SR with medications like Levodopa or Amantadine, which affect dopamine levels, may lead to central nervous system toxicity. Symptoms can include restlessness, agitation, tremor, and dizziness. Caution is advised when these drugs are used together.

• Monoamine Oxidase Inhibitors (MAOIs): Taking bupropion SR with MAOIs can result in severe hypertensive reactions. A gap of at least 14 days should be maintained between stopping an MAOI and starting bupropion SR, and vice versa.

Alcohol Interaction:

Consuming alcohol while on bupropion SR may lead to adverse neuropsychiatric events or reduced alcohol tolerance. It's advisable to minimize or avoid alcohol intake during treatment.

Drug-Laboratory Test Interactions:

Bupropion SR can cause false-positive results in urine tests for amphetamines. If you're undergoing drug testing, inform the testing personnel about your bupropion SR prescription to ensure accurate interpretation of results.

Always consult your healthcare provider before starting or stopping any medications or substances while on bupropion SR to ensure safe and effective treatment.