Bupropion: uses, appearance and warnings

Bupropion hydrochloride tablets are indicated for the treatment of major depressive disorder (MDD), as defined by the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual (DSM). The efficacy of bupropion hydrochloride tablets 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 )]. Bupropion hydrochloride tablets are an aminoketone antidepressant, indicated for the treatment of major depressive disorder (MDD). ( 1 )

75 mg – orange, round, unscored, film coated tablets, imprinted "APO" on one side and "BU" over "75" on the other side. 100 mg – purple, round, unscored, film coated tablets, imprinted "APO" on one side and "BUP" over "100" on the other side. Tablets: 75 mg and 100 mg. ( 3 )

Bupropion hydrochloride tablets, USP 75 mg are available for oral administration as orange, round, unscored, film coated tablets, imprinted "APO" on one side and "BU" over "75" on the other side. They are supplied as follows: Bottles of 30 (NDC 60505-0158-3) Bottles of 90 (NDC 60505-0158-9) Bottles of 100 (NDC 60505-0158-1) Bottles of 500 (NDC 60505-0158-5) Bottles of 1,000 (NDC 60505-0158-7) Bupropion hydrochloride tablets, USP 100 mg are available for oral administration as purple, round, unscored, film coated tablets, imprinted "APO" on one side and "BUP" over "100" on the other side. They are supplied as follows: Bottles of 30 (NDC 60505-0157-3) Bottles of 90 (NDC 60505-0157-9) Bottles of 100 (NDC 60505-0157-1) Bottles of 500 (NDC 60505-0157-5) Bottles of 1,000 (NDC 60505-0157-7) Store at 20ºC to 25ºC (68ºF to 77ºF); excursions permitted from 15ºC to 30ºC (59ºF to 86ºF) [see USP Controlled Room Temperature]. Protect from moisture. Store in a tight, light resistant container [see USP].

Bupropion hydrochloride tablets are contraindicated in patients with a seizure disorder. Bupropion hydrochloride tablets 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 bupropion hydrochloride tablets [ see Warnings and Precautions ( 5.3 ) ]. Bupropion hydrochloride tablets 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 tablets or within 14 days of discontinuing treatment with bupropion hydrochloride tablets are contraindicated. There is an increased risk of hypertensive reactions when bupropion hydrochloride tablets are used concomitantly with MAOIs. The use of bupropion hydrochloride tablets within 14 days of discontinuing treatment with an MAOI is also contraindicated. Starting bupropion hydrochloride tablets 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 tablets are contraindicated in patients with known hypersensitivity to bupropion or other ingredients of bupropion hydrochloride tablets. Anaphylactoid/anaphylactic reactions and Stevens-Johnson syndrome have been reported [ see Warnings and Precautions ( 5.8 ) ]. Seizure disorder. ( 4 , 5.3 ) Current or prior diagnosis of bulimia or anorexia nervosa. ( 4 , 5.3 ) Abrupt discontinuation of alcohol, benzodiazepines, barbiturates, antiepileptic drugs. …

Neuropsychiatric adverse events during smoking cessation: Postmarketing reports of serious or clinically significant neuropsychiatric adverse events have included changes in mood (including depression and mania), psychosis, hallucinations, paranoia, delusions, homicidal ideation, aggression, hostility, agitation, anxiety, and panic, as well as suicidal ideation, suicide attempt, and completed suicide. Observe patients attempting to quit smoking with bupropion for the occurrence of such symptoms and instruct them to discontinue bupropion and contact a healthcare provider if they experience such adverse events. ( 5.2 ) Seizure risk: The risk is dose-related. Can minimize risk by gradually increasing the dose and limiting daily dose to 450 mg. Discontinue if seizure occurs. ( 4 , 5.3, 7.3 ) Hypertension: Bupropion hydrochloride tablets can increase blood pressure. Monitor blood pressure before initiating treatment and periodically during treatment. ( 5.4 ) Activation of mania/hypomania: Screen patients for bipolar disorder and monitor for these symptoms. ( 5.5 ) Psychosis and other neuropsychiatric reactions: Instruct patients to contact a healthcare professional if such reactions occur. ( 5.6 ) Angle-closure glaucoma: Angle-closure glaucoma has occurred in patients with untreated anatomically narrow angles treated with antidepressants. ( 5.7 ) 5.1 Suicidal Thoughts and Behaviors in Children, Adolescents, and Young Adults Patients with MDD, both adult and pediatric, may experience worsening of their depression and/or the emergence of suicidal ideation and behavior (suicidality) or unusual changes in behavior, whether or not they are taking antidepressant medications, and this risk may persist until significant remission occurs. Suicide is a known risk of depression and certain other psychiatric disorders, and these disorders themselves are the strongest predictors of suicide. There has been a long-standing concern that antidepressants may have a role in inducing worsening of depression and the emergence of suicidality in certain patients during the early phases of treatment. Pooled analyses of short-term placebo-controlled trials of antidepressant drugs (selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors [SSRIs] and others) show that these drugs increase the risk of suicidal thinking and behavior (suicidality) in children, adolescents, and young adults (ages 18 to 24) with MDD and other psychiatric disorders. Short-term clinical trials did not show an increase in the risk of suicidality with antidepressants compared with placebo in adults beyond age 24; there was a reduction with antidepressants compared with placebo in adults aged 65 and older. The pooled analyses of placebo-controlled trials in children and adolescents with MDD, obsessive compulsive disorder (OCD), or other psychiatric disorders included a total of 24 short-term trials of 9 antidepressant drugs in over 4,400 subjects. The pooled analyses of placebo-controlled trials in adults with MDD or other psychiatric disorders included a total of 295 short-term trials (median duration of 2 months) of 11 antidepressant drugs in over 77,000 subjects. There was considerable variation in risk of suicidality among drugs, but a tendency toward an increase in the younger subjects for almost all drugs studied. There were differences in absolute risk of suicidality across the different indications, with the highest incidence in MDD. The risk differences (drug vs. placebo), however, were relatively stable within age strata and across indications. These risk differences (drug-placebo difference in the number of cases of suicidality per 1,000 subjects treated) are provided in Table 1. Table 1. Risk Differences in the Number of Suicidality Cases by Age Group in the Pooled Placebo-Controlled Trials of Antidepressants in Pediatric and Adult Subjects Age Range Drug-Placebo Difference in Number of Cases of Suicidality per 1,000 Subjects Treated Increases Compared with Placebo <18 14 additional cases 18-24 5 additional cases Decreases Compared with Placebo 25-64 1 fewer case ≥65 6 fewer cases No suicides occurred in any of the pediatric trials. There were suicides in the adult trials, but the number was not sufficient to reach any conclusion about drug effect on suicide. It is unknown whether the suicidality risk extends to longer-term use, i.e., beyond several months. However, there is substantial evidence from placebo-controlled maintenance trials in adults with depression that the use of antidepressants can delay the recurrence of depression. All patients being treated with antidepressants for any indication should be monitored appropriately and observed closely for clinical worsening, suicidality, and unusual changes in behavior, especially during the initial few months of a course of drug therapy, or at times of dose changes, either increases or decreases [ see Boxed Warning ] . The following symptoms, anxiety, agitation, panic attacks, insomnia, irritability, hostility, aggressiveness, impulsivity, akathisia (psychomotor restlessness), hypomania, and mania, have been reported in adult and pediatric patients being treated with antidepressants for major depressive disorder as well as for other indications, both psychiatric and nonpsychiatric. Although a causal link between the emergence of such symptoms and either the worsening of depression and/or the emergence of suicidal impulses has not been established, there is concern that such symptoms may represent precursors to emerging suicidality. Consideration should be given to changing the therapeutic regimen, including possibly discontinuing the medication, in patients whose depression is persistently worse, or who are experiencing emergent suicidality or symptoms that might be precursors to worsening depression or suicidality, especially if these symptoms are severe, abrupt in onset, or were not part of the patient’s presenting symptoms. …

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 )] Most common adverse reactions (incidence ≥5% and ≥1% more than placebo rate) are: agitation, dry mouth, constipation, headache/migraine, nausea/vomiting, dizziness, excessive sweating, …

CYP2B6 inducers: Dose increase may be necessary if coadministered with CYP2B6 inducers (e.g., ritonavir, lopinavir, efavirenz, carbamazepine, phenobarbital, and phenytoin) based on clinical response, but should not exceed the maximum recommended dose. ( 7.1 ) Drugs metabolized by CYP2D6: Bupropion inhibits CYP2D6 and can increase concentrations of: antidepressants (e.g., venlafaxine, nortriptyline, imipramine, desipramine, paroxetine, fluoxetine, sertraline), antipsychotics (e.g., haloperidol, risperidone, thioridazine), beta-blockers (e.g., metoprolol), and Type 1C antiarrhythmics (e.g., propafenone, flecainide). Consider dose reduction when using with bupropion. (7.2 ) Digoxin: May decrease plasma digoxin levels. Monitor digoxin levels. ( 7.2 ) Drugs that lower seizure threshold: Dose bupropion hydrochloride tablets with caution. …