Bupropion: Uses, Side Effects & Brands in Pakistan

Bupropion is an antidepressant and smoking-cessation aid. It is a prescription medicine used for depression and stopping smoking. In Pakistan it is available as tablets, made by 3 different manufacturers. On this page you can read how it works, its common side effects and precautions, and compare the brands and prices available at Medimart.

How Bupropion works

Bupropion increases the activity of two brain chemicals, dopamine and noradrenaline, by slowing their reabsorption into nerve cells. This can lift mood and energy in depression. It also appears to dampen the reward and withdrawal effects linked to nicotine, making it easier to stay off cigarettes.

What is Bupropion used for?

• Depression and stopping smoking

Bupropion is used to treat depression in adults and to help people stop smoking. When used for smoking, it reduces cravings and nicotine withdrawal symptoms and works best alongside counselling or a support programme. For depression, it often takes a few weeks before mood, energy and interest in daily life start to improve, so it is important to keep taking it as prescribed.

Side effects of Bupropion

Like all medicines, Bupropion can cause side effects, especially in the first few weeks. Common ones include:

• Difficulty sleeping
• Dry mouth
• Headache
• Nausea
• Feeling restless or anxious
• Loss of appetite

Get urgent medical help if you have a seizure (fit), a severe allergic reaction or rash, or any thoughts of harming yourself. Also tell your doctor quickly about unusual changes in mood or behaviour.

Precautions and warnings

• Bupropion can lower the seizure threshold, so tell your doctor if you have epilepsy, a past head injury, a brain tumour, or an eating disorder such as bulimia or anorexia.
• Let your doctor know if you have bipolar disorder, liver or kidney disease, or high blood pressure, and about all other medicines you take, including other antidepressants, MAOIs and tamoxifen.
• Keep alcohol to a minimum, and do not suddenly stop alcohol or sedative medicines while taking it, as this raises the risk of fits.
• Do not stop taking it suddenly without talking to your doctor, and do not drive until you know how it affects you.
• If you are pregnant or breastfeeding, discuss the risks and benefits with your doctor before using it.

Frequently asked questions about Bupropion

What is the price of Bupropion in Pakistan?

At Medimart, Bupropion products currently in stock range from Rs 486 to Rs 1,170 per pack, depending on the brand, strength and pack size. The lowest-priced option right now is Butrin 75mg Tablet at Rs 486. Prices are updated regularly, so the product list on this page always shows the latest price.

Which brands of Bupropion are available in Pakistan?

Bupropion is sold in Pakistan under brand names such as Butrin (Genetics Pharmaceuticals) and Zylexx (Arfa & Raj Pharmaceutcals).

Do I need a prescription for Bupropion?

Yes. Bupropion is a prescription medicine in Pakistan. Use it only when a doctor has prescribed it, at the dose and for the time they advise.

Can Bupropion be used during pregnancy?

If you are pregnant or breastfeeding, discuss the risks and benefits with your doctor before using it.

Are all Bupropion brands the same?

Brands that contain the same amount of Bupropion in the same form are expected to work in the same way, although inactive ingredients, pack sizes and prices differ. Ask your doctor or pharmacist before switching from one brand to another.

Bupropion brands and prices in Pakistan

Medimart lists 5 products containing Bupropion from different manufacturers. Compare strengths, pack sizes and prices below and order online with cash on delivery.

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