Bupropion Side Effects

Bupropion is one of the many antidepressants that is effective to get rid of mental problem. This medicine is also useful to get rid of smoking habits. Heavy smokers taking more than 10-15 cigarettes a day are often advised to have this drug. So whether to stop smoking tobacco or reduce depression symptoms, bupropion is helpful in this regard.

Indigestion, headache and dizziness are some of the health issues associated with bupropion dose. These side effects might be bothersome but generally do not require any treatment. Other side effects are explained below:

Weight Gain
The incidence of weight gain due to bupropion has been observed in very less number of patients. The number of patients experiencing weight gain is negligible as compared to other side effects such as headache and dry mouth.

Weight Loss
In a study, a large group of depressant sufferers were given this medication on a regular basis and it was found 28% of them complained about weight loss. Although this side effect might be beneficial to overweight people, it is an unwelcome change for many. A person taking this medicine commonly experiences loss of appetite and nausea, which often manifests in the form of weight loss.

Hair Loss
Hair loss due to bupropion intake is a rarity. This uncommon side effect has been reported in less than 1 percent of patients, so honestly speaking one does not have to really worry if one says that hair fall can occur with bupropion. In other words, occurrence of side effects like receding hair lines as a result of bupropion consumption is lowest in patients.

Memory Loss
Studies show that bupropion induced memory loss is uncommon. Less than 1 percent patients have complained about memory problems with bupropion.

Insomnia
Although occurrence of weight change is a distant possibility, this is not the case with other side effects. In fact, insomnia is one of the most common side effects of bupropion. Sleeplessness is something that is commonly associated with bupropion. Difficulty sleeping is considered to be an adverse side effect of insomnia. Insomnia as a side effect of bupropion is highest in people who are taking this medicine in the morning as well as in the evening. However, it is observed that skipping the evening dose and taking it in the afternoon would help to improve the quality of sleep. There should also be a sufficient time gap of at least 7- 8 hours between two doses of bupropion. Approximately 19% of patients suffering from depression experienced insomnia.

Duration of Side Effects

In most cases, major health problems are unlikely to occur with bupropion. The minor side effects of this medicine are temporary and diminish within a week, once the body gets accustomed to this medicine. In case of severe side effects, one may be asked to discontinue the medicine to resolve these health problems.

Taking bupropion in the prescribed dosage is the best way to minimize the chances of getting its side effects. Also, immediately notifying the doctor about these side effects is equally important so that he may suggest an alternative medicine that is well tolerated.