What does it do?

Bupropion is used to help you stop smoking, and sometimes for other conditions.

How should you take it?

Take bupropion regularly as directed with a glass of water. Swallow the tablets whole.

What if you forget a dose?

Take the missed dose as soon as possible. If it is close to the time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and carry on as normal. Do not take two doses at the same time.

Can you take other medicines?

Some medicines available without a prescription may react with bupropion including:

• nicotine patches (e.g. Habitrol®)
• pain relief medicines containing codeine (e.g. Panadeine®)
• some antihistamines (may be in anti-allergy, anti-nausea and cough/cold medicines)
• cold and flu medicines containing dextromethorphan (e.g. Robitussin Dry Cough Forte®)
• anti-sickness medicines (e.g. Sea-legs®)

Tell your pharmacist or doctor about all medicines or treatments that you may be taking, including vitamins, herbal products (e.g. St John's wort) or recreational drugs (e.g. ecstasy).

What side effects might you notice?

Side Effects	Recommended action
Suicidal thoughts Seizures Fast or irregular heartbeat Muscle twitching or shaking you can’t control, confusion, heavy sweating, fever	Tell your doctor immediately
Anxiety, agitation	Tell your doctor
Headache, dizziness, forgetfulness, blurred vision, ringing in the ears, flushing, trouble sleeping, strange dreams Joint or muscle aches or pains, weakness Dry mouth, changes in taste, change of appetite or weight, nausea, constipation, stomach upset Changes in periods	Tell your doctor if troublesome

If you notice any other effects, discuss them with your doctor or pharmacist.

Other information:

• Tell your doctor if you have kidney, heart or liver problems, or bipolar disorder.
• Bupropion may increase the possibility of seizures. The possibility is higher if you have certain health problems (e.g. epilepsy, alcohol abuse) or if you take other medicines that can also cause seizures. Talk to your doctor.
• Tell your doctor if you are pregnant, planning to become pregnant, or breastfeeding.
• Bupropion can impair your ability to do tasks such as driving or using machines. Alcohol makes this worse. Discuss your risk with your health professional. (search NZTA - Are you safe to drive?)
• It may take a few weeks for bupropion to start working.
• Feelings of anxiety in the first few weeks of therapy are common, but should get better. Discuss with your doctor.
• Do not stop taking bupropion without talking to your doctor first.