Bupropion Hydrochloride (9 brand names, 2 dosage forms, 1 route)
Available dosage forms: TABLET, EXTENDED RELEASE, TABLET.
Routes of administration: ORAL.
Brand Names
- AUVELITY
- BUPROPION HYDROCHLORIDE
- CONTRAVE
- FORFIVO XL
- NALTREXONE HYDROCHLORIDE; BUPROPION HYDROCHLORIDE
- WELLBUTRIN
- WELLBUTRIN SR
- WELLBUTRIN XL
- ZYBAN
Boxed Warning
SUICIDALITY AND ANTIDEPRESSANT DRUGS Antidepressants increased the risk of suicidal thoughts and behavior in children, adolescents, and young adults in short-term trials. These trials did not show an increase in the risk of suicidal thoughts and behavior with antidepressant use in subjects over age 24; there was a reduction in risk with antidepressant use in subjects aged 65 and older [see Warnings and Precautions (5.1)] . In patients of all ages who are started on antidepressant therapy, monitor closely for worsening, and for emergence of suicidal thoughts and behaviors. Advise families and caregivers of the need for close observation and communication with the prescriber [see Warnings and Precautions (5.1)].
Indications and Usage
Bupropion hydrochloride extended-release tablets (SR) are indicated for the treatment of major depressive disorder (MDD), as defined by the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual (DSM). The efficacy of bupropion in the treatment of a major depressive episode was established in two 4-week controlled inpatient trials and one 6-week controlled outpatient trial of adult subjects with MDD [see Clinical Studies (14)]. The efficacy of bupropion hydrochloride extended-release tablets (SR) in maintaining an antidepressant response for up to 44 weeks following 8 weeks of acute treatment was demonstrated in a placebo-controlled trial [see Clinical Studies (14)].
Contraindications
• Bupropion hydrochloride extended-release tablets (SR) are contraindicated in patients with a seizure disorder. • Bupropion hydrochloride extended-release tablets (SR) are contraindicated in patients with a current or prior diagnosis of bulimia or anorexia nervosa as a higher incidence of seizures was observed in such patients treated with the immediate-release formulation of bupropion [see Warnings and Precautions (5.3)]. • Bupropion hydrochloride extended-release tablets (SR) are contraindicated in patients undergoing abrupt discontinuation of alcohol, benzodiazepines, barbiturates, and antiepileptic drugs [see Warnings and Precautions (5.3), Drug Interactions (7.3)]. • The use of MAOIs (intended to treat psychiatric disorders) concomitantly with bupropion hydrochloride extended-release tablets (SR) or within 14 days of discontinuing treatment with bupropion hydrochloride extended-release tablets (SR) are contraindicated. There is an increased risk of hypertensive reactions when bupropion hydrochloride extended-release tablets (SR) are used concomitantly with MAOIs. The use of bupropion hydrochloride extended-release tablets (SR) within 14 days of discontinuing treatment with an MAOI is also contraindicated. Starting bupropion hydrochloride extended-release tablets (SR) in a patient treated with reversible MAOIs such as linezolid or intravenous methylene blue is contraindicated [see Dosage and Administration (2.4, 2.5), Warnings and Precautions (5.4), Drug Interactions (7.6)]. • Bupropion hydrochloride extended-release tablets (SR) are contraindicated in patients with known hypersensitivity to bupropion or other ingredients of bupropion hydrochloride extended-release tablets (SR) Anaphylactoid/anaphylactic reactions and Stevens-Johnson syndrome have been reported [see Warnings and Precautions (5.8)].
Adverse Reactions
The following adverse reactions are discussed in greater detail in other sections of the labeling: • Suicidal thoughts and behaviors in adolescents and young adults [see Boxed Warning, Warnings and Precautions (5.1)] • Neuropsychiatric symptoms and suicide risk in smoking cessation treatment [see Warnings and Precautions (5.2)] • Seizure [see Warnings and Precautions (5.3)] • Hypertension [see Warnings and Precautions (5.4)] • Activation of mania or hypomania [see Warnings and Precautions (5.5)] • Psychosis and other neuropsychiatric reactions [see Warnings and Precautions (5.6)] • Angle-closure glaucoma [see Warnings and Precautions (5.7)] • Hypersensitivity reactions [see Warnings and Precautions (5.8)]
Mechanism of Action
The exact mechanism of the antidepressant action of bupropion is not known but is presumed to be related to noradrenergic and/or dopaminergic mechanisms. Bupropion is a relatively weak inhibitor of the neuronal reuptake of norepinephrine and dopamine and does not inhibit the reuptake of serotonin. Bupropion does not inhibit monoamine oxidase.