Bupropion (say: bew-pro-pea-on)
What is bupropion used for?
• Bupropion (also called Zyban SR ) is mainly used
®
to help people stop smoking
• It can also sometimes be used to help treat the
symptoms of depression (by reducing the time it
takes to recover and to help stop the symptoms
coming back), seasonal affective disorder and
bipolar depression (if other antidepressants didn’t
help)
• It is available as sustained release (SR) tablets.
 For depression, about 2 in 3 (65%) people get better with
a first antidepressant
 If people switch to a second antidepressant (e.g. the first
one doesn’t work, or doesn’t suit them) about half of those
people get better (in total about 75%, or 3 in 4 will be
helped by the first or second antidepressant).
What is the usual dose of bupropion?
• The starting dose is 150mg once a day for three
days, increasing to 150mg twice a day
• The usual dose for depression is also up to
300mg a day.
How should I take bupropion?
• Swallow the tablets whole with at least half a
glass of water whilst sitting or standing.
When should I take bupropion?
• Try to take it at regular times each day e.g.
morning and evening, with or after food
• It can be taken with or after food, but is best not
with a high fat meal as this can increase levels.
What are the alternatives to bupropion?
• This will depend on what you are taking it for
• There are many other medicines (e.g. SSRIs),
therapies and treatments for depression.
 See our “Handy charts” for depression and bipolar
depression to help you compare the medicines available
 This will help you talk about your options to your doctor,
pharmacist or case manager.
How long will bupropion take to work?
• This will depend on what you are taking it for
• For depression, the effect will start in a week or
two, and build over the next few weeks
• If nothing has improved after 4 weeks it’s time to
look at a higher dose or switching to another.
Been depressed before? Antidepressants don’t seem to help
much? Been irritable, impulsive, and spent too much money?
Been overactive, with less need for sleep? Family history of
bipolar? If so, it’s worth asking: “Could it be bipolar?”
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How long will I need to keep taking it for?
• This will depend on what you are taking it for
• You should take it for at least 7 weeks for
smoking cessation.
For depression, if an antidepressant gets you better:
 First episode: Taking it for a further 6 months reduces the
chances of becoming depressed again
 Second episode: Taking it for 1-2 years reduces the chances
of becoming depressed again
 Three or more episodes: Taking for at least 3-5 years
reduces the chances of becoming depressed again.
Is bupropion addictive and can I stop taking it
suddenly?
• Bupropion is not addictive
• It is unwise to stop taking it suddenly, even if you
have stopped smoking as the craving can return if
treatment is stopped too early
• This may occur some weeks or even months after
bupropion has been stopped
• When the time comes, you should withdraw
bupropion by a gradual reduction in the dose over
several weeks
• You should discuss this fully with your doctor, case
manager or pharmacist.
See our handy fact sheets on ‘Coming off Medicines’
and 'Coming off antidepressants'
What should I do if I forget to take a dose of
bupropion at the right time?
• Take the missed dose as soon as you remember
unless it is within 8 hours of your next dose
• After this time, just take the next dose as normal
• Do not try to catch up by taking two doses at
once as you may get more side-effects
• Leave at least 8 hours between doses.
If you often have problems remembering your doses
(as many people do) see our Handy Fact Sheet
“Remembering to take your medicines”.
Will bupropion affect my other medication?
The main interactions with bupropion are:
• Bupropion must be taken with care with any
drugs that might increase your risk of having a fit
or seizure e.g. antipsychotics, antimalarials, some
antidepressants, tramadol, theophylline, steroids,
some antihistamines and some antibiotics
• It can increase the effects of some
antidepressants, some antipsychotics, beta-
 blockers and other heart drugs, and serotonin
syndrome is possible with SSRIs and SNRIs
• The effect of bupropion can be decreased by
ritonavir or Kaletra®.
You must see the Consumer Medicine Information (CMI)
for the full list. Some medicines can still be used together
but you must follow your doctor's instructions carefully.
Can I drink alcohol while I am taking it?
• Bupropion can increase the effects of alcohol,
make you sleepy, reduce your concentration and
slow your reactions
• This is important if you need to drive or operate
machines and you must seek advice on this
• Also, alcohol can increase your chances of getting
fits or seizures, as can bupropion.
Can I drive, cycle or operate a boat while I am
taking it?
• You may feel a bit sleepy at first when taking it
• Until this wears off, or you know how bupropion
affects you, do not drive or operate machines
• You should be careful as it may slow down your
reaction times.
Will I need any blood or other tests if I am
taking bupropion?
• You may need tests to check on your health e.g.
liver and kidney, and blood pressure.

What sort of side-effects might I get if I am taking bupropion?

This table shows some of the most common side effects and any you might need to take action on. You must also see
the Consumer Information Leaflet (CMI) for the full list of possible side effects but do not be worried by this. Some
people get no side effects at all. Others may get some that are not listed. Some side effects are the brain getting used to
a medicine and these usually wear off in a few days or weeks. Starting at a lower dose may help. If you think you might
have a side effect to this medicine, you should ask your doctor, pharmacist or case manager.
Side effect What happens What to do about it
VERY COMMON (more than about 1 in 10 people might get these)
Insomnia Not being able to fall asleep Discuss this with your doctor. Take your last dose no later than at
at night teatime.
COMMON (fewer than about 1 in 10 people might get these)
Urticaria Red blotchy skin, itches, rash You may need to stop bupropion if this happens, and even then it
might take a week or so to go. Some people manage OK with
antihistamines or steroids.
Gastro-intestinal Dry mouth, nausea, vomiting, • Eat enough fibre, cereal or fruit
upset constipation • Make sure you are drinking enough fluid
• Keep active and get some exercise e.g. walking.
If this does not help, ask your doctor or pharmacist for a mild laxative.
Sometimes taking the tablets with food helps.
Agitation and Feeling wound up and having You might need to stop bupropion if this happens.
anxiety lots of worries
UNCOMMON (fewer than about 1 in 100 people might get these)
Anorexia Not feeling hungry
Confusion Being mixed up or muddled Discuss with your doctor.
Visual disturbances Blurred vision, aura
RARE but important (can be serious if not dealt with quickly)
Cardiac effects Tachycardia (a faster heart beat) Tell your doctor about it as soon as you can in the next few days. Your dose
or hypertension might need to be changed.
Seizures Fits or convulsions Stop bupropion and see a doctor as soon as possible i.e. right away, don’t
delay. It is more common at doses above about 350mg a day.
Thoughts of harming Feeling anxious, restless, poor See your doctor in the next day, more so if you are under about 20 years old,
yourself sleep, wanting to harm yourself may have bipolar depression, or are paranoid and/or seeing things

 Lifeline provides 24hr telephone crisis support on 13 11 14 or visit www.lifeline.org.au for information & downloads

The small print: This leaflet is to help you understand more about bupropion. You must also read the manufacturer's Consumer Medicine
Information (CMI) Leaflet. You may find more on the internet but beware as internet-based information is not always accurate. Do not share
medicines with anyone else.
V10.01 L14 [SRB 12-2022; DMRR0822] ©2022 MisturaTM Enterprise Ltd (www.choiceandmedication.org). Choice and MedicationTM indemnity applies only to licensed
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