Med Review: Bupropion
The Good, The Bad & the Ugly
Today we will review bupropion & we will do so from the perspective of what is good, what is bad and what is ugly about this drug.
The Good:
Bupropion, commonly known by the brand name Wellbutrin, is an antidepressant medication that is also used to treat smoking cessation and seasonal affective disorder. Some potential benefits of bupropion include:
Different mechanism of action: Bupropion works by increasing the levels of dopamine and norepinephrine in the brain, rather than affecting serotonin levels like other antidepressants. This makes it a good option for patients who have not responded to other antidepressants or who experience sexual side effects with other medications.
Low incidence of sexual side effects: Unlike many other antidepressant medications, bupropion has a low incidence of sexual side effects.
Weight loss: Bupropion may cause weight loss in some patients, making it a good option for patients who are overweight or obese.
The Bad:
Despite its potential benefits, bupropion may also have some drawbacks, including:
Seizures: Bupropion may increase the risk of seizures, particularly in patients with a history of seizures or other factors that lower the seizure threshold, such as in pts with eating disorders or active etoh w/d.
Insomnia: Bupropion may cause insomnia or exacerbate existing sleep disturbances.
Agitation and anxiety: Bupropion may cause or exacerbate anxiety or agitation in some patients.
The Ugly:
In rare cases, bupropion can have more serious adverse effects, including:
Suicidal thoughts or behaviors: Like other antidepressant medications, bupropion can increase the risk of suicidal thoughts or behaviors, particularly in children, adolescents, and young adults.
Mania: Bupropion may cause or exacerbate symptoms of mania in patients with bipolar disorder.
Elevated blood pressure: Bupropion may cause or exacerbate high blood pressure, particularly at higher doses.
Overall, bupropion is a unique antidepressant medication that may be effective for patients who have not responded to other medications or who experience sexual side effects with other antidepressants. However, like all medications, it has potential benefits and drawbacks, and patients should carefully weigh the potential risks and benefits with the guidance of their healthcare provider.
DISCLAIMER
This is not Medical Advice and while the writer believes what he has shared, substack dot com does not equate to strong evidence. Please do not treat patients based on what is read in this post, these are opinions of an internet stranger. Instead use these posts as a starting point for furthering your own study & education.