Depnox SR

Bupropion Hydrochloride is indicated in the treatment of depression. Bupropion is also indicated in smoking cessation.

Bupropion is a selective inhibitor of the neuronal re-uptake of catecholamines (noradrenaline and dopamine) with minimal effect on the re-uptake of indolamines (serotonin) and does not inhibit monoamine oxidase. While the mechanism of action of bupropion, as with other antidepressants is unknown, it is presumed that this action is mediated by noradrenergic and/or dopaminergic mechanisms.

Bupropion should not be given concurrently with or within 14 days of stopping an MAOI. The use of alcohol should be minimised or avoided completely because it may alter the seizure threshold. Similarly, other drugs that lower the seizure threshold, such as other antidepressants, antimalarials, antipsychotics, sedating antihistamines, Quinolones, Tramadol, Theophylline, or systemic corticosteroids, should be used with extreme caution together with Bupropion. Carbamazepine, Phenobarbital, or Phenytoin may induce the metabolism of Bupropion while other drugs such as Cimetidine or Ritonavir may inhibit its metabolism. Interaction may occur between Bupropion and Orphenadrine, Cyclophosphamide, and Ifosfamide. Caution should be exercised when it is given with drugs such as some antidepressants, antipsychotics, β blockers, and type 1C antiarrhythmics.

Agitation, anxiety, and insomnia often occur during the initial stages of Bupropion therapy. Other relatively common side effects reported with Bupropion include fever, dry mouth, headache or migraine, dizziness, nausea and vomiting, constipation, tremor, sweating, and skin rashes. Hypersensitivity reactions, ranging from pruritus and urticaria, less commonly, angio-oedema, dyspnoea, and anaphylactoid reactions have been reported.

Pregnancy Category C. There are no adequate and well controlled studies in pregnant women. This drug should be used during pregnancy only if clearly needed. Bupropion and its metabolites are secreted in human milk. Because Bupropion is excreted in human milk, a decision should be made whether to discontinue breast feeding or to discontinue the drug.

It should be used with extreme caution, in patients with history of seizure disorders or in patients with other predisposing factors such as severe hepatic cirrhosis or a CNS tumour, and in those undergoing abrupt withdrawal from alcohol or Benzodiazepines. The use of Bupropion in patients with other risk factors for seizures (for example, alcohol abuse, a history of head trauma, diabetes, and drugs known to lower the seizure threshold) should only be undertaken when there are compelling clinical reasons. Bupropion should be used with caution in patients with bipolar depression or psychoses and in patients with a recent history of myocardial infarction or unstable heart disease and in hepatic or renal impairment.

Atypical anti-depressant drugs

Keep below 30°C temperature, away from light & moisture. Keep out of the reach of children.