Bupropion is an antidepressant medication. The exact way that bupropion works is unknown.

Bupropion is used to relieve symptoms of depression such as feelings of sadness, worthlessness or guilt, loss of interest in daily activities, changes in appetite, tiredness, sleeping too much, insomnia, and thoughts of death or suicide. Bupropion is also used to help people stop smoking by reducing withdrawal effects.

Bupropion may also be used for purposes other than those listed in this medication guide.

Special precautions

Do not take bupropion if you have taken a monoamine oxidase inhibitor (MAOI) such as isocarboxazid (Marplan), phenelzine (Nardil), or tranylcypromine (Parnate) in the last 14 days.

Do not take bupropion without first talk to your doctor if you

• have liver problems;

• have kidney problems;

• have heart problems, high blood pressure, or history of heart attack;

• have anorexia or bulimia;

• have epilepsy or a seizure disorder;

• have a head injury or brain or spinal column tumor;

• have diabetes; or

• drink alcohol, use street drugs, or take a prescription benzodiazepine such as alprazolam (Xanax), diazepam (Valium), temazepam (Restoril), and others

Bupropion is in the FDA pregnancy category B. This means that it is not expected to be harmful to an unborn baby. Do not take bupropion without first talking to your doctor if you are pregnant or could become pregnant during treatment.

It is not known whether bupropion will be harmful to a nursing baby. Do not take bupropion without first talking to your doctor if you are breast-feeding a baby.

Side effects

If you experience any of the following uncommon but serious side effects, stop taking bupropion and seek emergency medical attention or contact your doctor immediately:

• an allergic reaction (difficulty breathing; closing of the throat; swelling of the lips, tongue, or face; or hives);

• seizures; or

• fast or irregular heartbeats

Other, less serious side effects may be more likely to occur. Continue to take bupropion and talk to your doctor if you experience

• headache;

• insomnia;

• dry mouth;

• tremors, restlessness, agitation, or anxiety;

• dizziness or drowsiness;

• sweating;

• skin rash;

• ringing in the ears;

• flu like symptoms such as aching muscles, fatigue, and discomfort;

• frequent urination; or

• Weight loss or gain.

Side effects other than those listed here may also occur. Talk to your doctor about any side effect that seems unusual or that is especially bothersome.

Keep all appointment with your doctor.

Don’t let anyone else take your medicines.