Key facts about Bupropion Hydrobromide Extended-Release
What dosages is Bupropion Hydrobromide Extended-Release available in?
Bupropion Hydrobromide Extended-Release is available as a 174 mg, 348 mg, and 522 mg extended-release oral tablet.
What is Bupropion Hydrobromide Extended-Release used for?
Bupropion Hydrobromide Extended-Release is an atypical antidepressant and is used for the following:
- Depression
- Seasonal affective disorder (SAD)
How does Bupropion Hydrobromide Extended-Release work?
Bupropion Hydrobromide Extended-Release is an atypical antidepressant. It’s not fully known how the medication works but it’s thought to boost norepinephrine and dopamine levels in the brain, which can help to improve mood and depression.
How do I take Bupropion Hydrobromide Extended-Release?
Bupropion Hydrobromide Extended-Release is dosed as follows:
- Depression: The typical starting dose is 174 mg by mouth once daily. After 4 days, your provider might raise your dose to the target of 348 mg by mouth once daily
- Seasonal affective disorder (SAD): The typical starting dose is 174 mg by mouth once daily. After 1 week, your provider might raise your dose to the target of 348 mg by mouth once daily. Treatment is usually started in the autumn season, before your SAD symptoms begin and it’s continued through the winter season. Your provider will likely have you stop taking Bupropion Hydrobromide Extended-Release (bupropion hydrobromide) in the early spring
Your dose may differ if you have kidney or liver problems.
Is it safe for me to take Bupropion Hydrobromide Extended-Release?
Bupropion Hydrobromide Extended-Release is a safe and effective treatment when used for FDA licensed indications. However, like all medications, they may give you unwanted side effects. You should always discuss potential side effects with your physician to ensure the medication is suitable and right for you. You should not use this medication if you have any of the following:
- Seizure disorder or conditions that increase the risk of seizure (e.g., bulimia or anorexia nervosa, abrupt discontinuation of alcohol, benzodiazepines, antiepileptics, sedative/hypnotics, barbiturates
- MAO inhibitors: discontinue MAOI at least 2 weeks prior to bupropion use
- Known hypersensitivity to bupropion or other ingredients of Bupropion Hydrobromide Extended-Release
Bupropion Hydrobromide Extended-Release Common Side Effects
Common side effects of Bupropion Hydrobromide Extended-Release:
- Headache
- Dry mouth
- Nausea
- Trouble sleeping
- Dizziness
- Sore throat
- Constipation
- Restlessness (agitation)
Bupropion Hydrobromide Extended-Release Serious Side Effects
Serious side effects are rare with Bupropion Hydrobromide Extended-Release. Contact your healthcare provider immediately if you experience any of the following.
- Suicidal thoughts and changes in mood or behavior
- Serious allergic reactions: itchy skin, skin rash, hives, swelling, shortness of breath, chest pain
- Severe skin reactions: painful rash, fluid-filled blisters, fever, sore throat, peeling skin
- Seizures
- Manic episodes: very high or low energy, angry or very happy, problems with sleep
- Vision problems: eye pain, changes in vision, swelling or redness in or around the eye
Effects of other drugs, drug classes and over-the-counter products on Bupropion Hydrobromide Extended-Release
The following medications may interact with Bupropion Hydrobromide Extended-Release:
- CYP2B6 inhibitors and inducers: Bupropion Hydrobromide Extended-Release is primarily metabolized by CYP2B6. Dose adjustment may be necessary if coadministered with CYP2B6 inhibitors or inducers. Inhibitors (e.g. ticlopidine and clopidogrel)
- can increase levels of bupropion. Inducers (ritonavir, lopinavir, and efavirenz) can decrease levels of bupropion
- Carbamazepine, phenobarbital, phenytoin can induce metabolism of Bupropion Hydrobromide Extended-Release and decrease exposure. Dose increase may be necessary
- Drugs metabolized by CYP2D6: Bupropion inhibits CYP2D6 and can increase concentrations of: antidepressants (e.g., nortriptyline, imipramine
- desipramine, paroxetine, fluoxetine, sertraline), antipsychotics (e.g. haloperidol, risperidone, thioridazine), beta-blockers (e.g., metoprolol), and
- Type 1C antiarrhythmics (e.g., propafenone, flecainide). Consider dose reduction when using with bupropion.
- Drugs that lower seizure threshold: Cautious bupropion dosing
- Dopaminergic Drugs (levodopa and amantadine): CNS toxicity can occur when used concomitantly with Bupropion Hydrobromide Extended-Release
- Drug laboratory test interactions: Bupropion Hydrobromide Extended-Release can cause false-positive urine test results for amphetamines
Who makes Bupropion Hydrobromide Extended-Release?
Various FDA-approved generic manufacturers
Is Bupropion Hydrobromide Extended-Release safe in pregnancy?
It is not known if Bupropion Hydrobromide Extended-Release will harm your unborn baby. You and your healthcare provider will have to decide if you should take Bupropion Hydrobromide Extended-Release while you are pregnant. Bupropion Hydrobromide Extended-Release should be used during pregnancy only if the potential benefit justifies the potential risk to the fetus.













