Bupropion — practical guide for patients

If you're looking into bupropion, you probably want straight answers: what it treats, how to take it, and what to watch for. Bupropion is an antidepressant also used to help people stop smoking. It works differently from SSRIs, so some side effects like sexual problems are less common. Here's a clear, no-nonsense overview to help you talk with your doctor and stay safe.

How bupropion is used

Bupropion treats major depressive disorder and seasonal affective disorder, and it’s prescribed to help people quit smoking under the name Zyban. Common forms are immediate-release (IR), sustained-release (SR), and extended-release (XL). Typical dosing: IR often 75–100 mg two or three times daily; SR usually 150 mg twice daily; XL commonly 150–300 mg once daily. Doctors rarely exceed 450 mg per day because higher doses raise seizure risk.

Expect to wait at least 2–6 weeks to notice real mood improvements. For smoking cessation, treatment often starts a week or two before the quit date and continues for several months. Bupropion can be combined with therapy or other treatments — ask your clinician what fits your situation.

Safety, side effects, and buying tips

Common side effects include insomnia, dry mouth, headache, and sometimes anxiety or jitteriness. Unlike many antidepressants, bupropion is less likely to cause sexual side effects or weight gain; some people lose a bit of weight. The serious concern is seizures. Your risk goes up if you take more than the recommended dose or if you have a history of seizures, head injury, brain tumor, severe alcohol or sedative withdrawal, or an eating disorder like bulimia.

Drug interactions to watch for: avoid using bupropion with MAO inhibitors within the previous two weeks. Be cautious when combining it with medications that lower seizure threshold (certain antipsychotics, other antidepressants, tramadol) or strong CYP2B6 inhibitors — your doctor or pharmacist can check this for you. Also limit alcohol and don’t abruptly stop heavy drinking or benzodiazepines while starting bupropion without medical advice.

Practical tips: take bupropion in the morning to reduce insomnia. If you’re on the XL form, swallow tablets whole — don’t crush or chew. Keep regular follow-ups, especially during the first month, so your provider can adjust dose or catch side effects early.

If you plan to buy bupropion online, get a valid prescription first. Use licensed pharmacies with clear contact details, pharmacist access, and secure checkout. Avoid sites that sell prescription drugs without a prescription, offer unrealistically low prices, or have no verifiable licensing. When in doubt, call a local pharmacist or check official pharmacy verification services.

Questions to ask your prescriber: Is bupropion the best choice for me? Which form and dose should I start with? What signs mean I should call you right away? Keep these handy and keep your provider in the loop — that’s the safest way to use bupropion and get the benefit you want.