Bupropion – uses, health risks, and side effects at NaturalPedia.com

Bupropion is the generic term for antidepressant medications used for all major depressive disorders, including seasonal affective disorder (SAD). In particular, bupropion (Zyban) is used to ease people out of smoking by reducing their cravings and other effects brought about by withdrawal.

Certain considerations should be observed when taking bupropion. In particular, a patient who has used an MAO inhibitor (another type of antidepressant medication) in the last 14 days should not take bupropion; otherwise, a dangerous drug indication may occur.

In addition, the following are discouraged from taking bupropion:

• Those with a seizure disorder
• Individuals with anorexia or bulimia
• People who have suddenly stopped using alcohol, or those who have discontinued seizure medications or sedatives

If a person is taking bupropion to manage depression, he should not take it to quit smoking.

One cause of concern for bupropion use is the risk of developing seizures, especially if it is used in concert with certain medications.

Known health risks or side effects of bupropion

The use of bupropion can trigger suicidal thoughts in children, teenagers, and young adults. Based on clinical studies, patients who use antidepressants to treat depression and other mental conditions have a higher risk of becoming suicidal than those who do not take antidepressants to treat these conditions. Children under 18 years should not take bupropion.

More common side effects of bupropion include:

• Nausea and constipation
• A dry mouth and a stuffy nose
• Sleep problems such as insomnia
• A general feeling of anxiety
• Dizziness and joint pain

List of organs that might be affected by bupropion

Before taking bupropion, a patient should declare if he has:

• Experienced head trauma, seizures, and tumors in the brain and spinal cord
• Narrow-angle glaucoma
• Cardiovascular diseases, in particular, if he has experienced a heart attack
• Diabetes
• Problems in the kidney or liver (cirrhosis being one of them)
• A mental condition like bipolar disorder

Those who drink alcohol should also consult with a healthcare professional before taking bupropion.

For the most part, bupropion affects the central nervous system.

Food items or nutrients that have similar effects to bupropion

For patients suffering from depression, here are some food items available that have similar effects to that of bupropion:

• Dark leafy greens – A study has found that severe depression is linked with brain inflammation, something that leafy greens address, thanks to vitamins A, C, E, and K, as well as essential minerals and phytochemicals.
• Walnuts – It’s a rich plant source of omega-3 fatty acids, which support brain function and reduce depression.
• Avocado – The fruit is rich in healthy brain fat that the body needs to run smoothly.
• Beans – It stabilizes blood sugar levels and improves mood.
• Seeds –  Flaxseeds, hemp seeds, and chia seeds are great sources of omega-3 fatty acids.
• Apples – The fruits have antioxidant properties that keep inflammation at bay.

Treatment and management options for side effects of bupropion

Som natural treatment options for relieving side effects of bupropion include:

• Massage. It helps relieve joint pain and improves circulation. It can also improve stiffness and range of motion for the affected area.
• Hot and cold compresses. An alternating application of hot and cold compresses will not only relieve joint pain, but it can increase blood flow, and relax the body.

Where to learn more

• List of dangerous antidepressants that cause sudden death is rapidly expanding
• Horrors of Chantix and Zyban
• Psych meds shown to cause cancer according to research
• DangerousMedicine.com
• Medicine.news

Summary

Bupropion is an antidepressant medication used for major depressive disorders and seasonal affective disorder.

Bupropion is also used to ease people out of smoking by reducing their cravings and other effects brought about by withdrawal.

Bupropion can increase the risk of developing seizures, especially if it is used together with certain medications.

Bupropion can trigger suicidal thoughts in children, teenagers, and young adults.

Bupropion affects the central nervous system.

Sources include:

Drugs.com

MedLinePlus.gov

EverydayHealth.com

Top10HomeRemedies.com