Bupropion: what is it for, how to take it and side effects


Bupropion is an antidepressant medication that is widely used to treat a number of conditions, including major depressive disorder (MDD) and seasonal affective disorder (SAD), also known as seasonal depression.

Unlike more common antidepressants, bupropion is considered an "atypical" drug because of its unique mechanism of action.

It is possible to purchase bupropion in pharmacies or drugstores, in the form of 150 mg or 300 mg tablets. It is marketed under brand names such as Zyban, Wellbutrin, Zetron or Bup, or as a generic called "bupropion hydrochloride".

The use of bupropion is strictly regulated and requires a doctor's prescription, requiring the prescription to be retained by the pharmacy.

Are you familiar with bupropion? See below what it is indicated for, how it should be administered and what its possible side effects are.

Bupropion is prescribed to treat major depressive disorder (MDD) as it helps balance chemicals in the brain related to depression, such as norepinephrine and dopamine, improving symptoms such as distress, sadness and fatigue.

In addition, this medicine is also used to reduce the desire to smoke, serving as an aid for people who want to stop smoking. It helps decrease nicotine withdrawal symptoms such as difficulty concentrating, insomnia, increased appetite, anxiety or irritability.