Convulsive disorder
Do not exceed the recommended dose of bupropion. the risk of seizures as a result of taking bupropion is dose-dependent. In general, the incidence of seizures when taking long-acting bupropion tablets at a dose of 450 mg / day in clinical trials was approximately 0.1%.
The occurrence of seizures that occur with the use of bupropion is associated with the presence of risk factors. Consequently, bupropion should be administered with extreme caution to patients who have one or more conditions leading to a reduction in the threshold of convulsive readiness, including:
- craniocerebral traumas in the anamnesis;
- CNS tumors;
- convulsive disorders in the anamnesis;
- concomitant therapy with other drugs that reduce the threshold of convulsive readiness.
In addition, caution must be observed in clinical situations associated with an increased risk of seizures, including alcohol and sedation, the use of hypoglycemic drugs or insulin, and the use of stimulants or drugs to reduce appetite (sibutramine).
If there are seizures during treatment bupropion should be canceled, the resumption of therapy with bupropion is not recommended.
Hypersensitivity reactions
When developing hypersensitivity reactions bupropion should be canceled immediately. The physician should be aware that the symptoms may persist after the withdrawal of bupropion and appropriate medical intervention may be required.
Dysfunction of the liver
Bupropion is largely exposed to active metabolism in the liver with the formation of active metabolites, which are further metabolized. Bupropion should be used with caution in patients with impaired liver function, it is necessary to solve the problem of increasing the intervals between admission in patients with impaired liver function of mild to moderate degree.
Bupropion should be used with extreme caution in patients with severe cirrhosis. In such patients, a reduction in the frequency of receptions is required. the maximum concentrations of bupropion are greatly increased, and the incidence of cumulation in these patients is more frequent than usual.
All patients with impaired liver function should be closely monitored for the development of adverse reactions (eg, insomnia, dry mouth, seizures), which may be a sign of high concentrations of bupropion or its metabolites.
Patients with impaired renal function and elderly patients
Bupropion undergoes intensive metabolism in the liver with the formation of active metabolites, which are subsequently excreted by the kidneys.Therefore, treatment of patients with impaired renal function should be initiated with lower doses, since bupropion and its metabolites can be cumulated in such patients more often than usual. Such patients should be carefully monitored for the development of adverse reactions (eg, insomnia, dry mouth, seizures), which may be a sign of high concentrations of bupropion or its metabolites.
Clinical studies have not revealed differences in the tolerability of bupropion in elderly patients and younger patients. However, the possibility of hypersensitivity in some elderly patients can not be ruled out, so a dose or frequency reduction may be required.
Use in children and adolescents under the age of 18 years
Treatment with antidepressants is associated with an increased risk of suicidal thoughts and behavior in children and adolescents with major depressive disorder and other mental disorders.
Clinical deterioration and suicidal risk associated with mental disorders in adults
In patients with depression, exacerbation of the symptoms of the disease and / or the appearance of suicidal thoughts and suicidal behavior can be observed regardless of whether they receive antidepressants.Because the improvement may not occur within the first few weeks of treatment and for longer, patients should be closely monitored for clinical deterioration (including development of new symptoms) and suicidal behavior / thoughts, especially at the beginning of the course of treatment and during dose changes (increase or decrease ). This risk persists until a pronounced remission is achieved. Clinical experience with the use of all antidepressants shows that suicidal risk may increase in the early stages of recovery.
The greatest suicidal risk is experienced by patients with a history of suicidal behavior or suicidal ideation, young patients, and patients with suicidal thoughts prior to treatment. Such patients should be carefully monitored during treatment.
In addition, a meta-analysis of placebo-controlled clinical trials of the use of antidepressants in adult patients with major depression or other mental disorders demonstrated an increased risk of suicidal ideation and behavior associated with taking antidepressants compared with placebo in patients younger than 25 years of age.
Patients and caregivers should be warned about the need for close monitoring of the condition of patients (including the appearance of new symptoms), and in case of worsening of their condition and / or appearance of suicidal thoughts / behavior or autoaggression, and if they arise, for medical assistance.
These symptoms can be associated with both the underlying disease and the ongoing drug therapy.
In case of clinical deterioration (including when new symptoms appear) and / or suicidal thoughts / behavior, especially if the symptoms are severe, characterized by a sudden onset and not manifested before the start of treatment, it is necessary to decide on changing the treatment regimen, including possible cancellation of the drug.
Mental disorders, including mania and bipolar disorder
Psychotic disturbances and mania were observed, mainly in patients with mental illnesses in the anamnesis. In addition, a major depressive episode can be an initial manifestation of bipolar disorder. It is generally accepted (although it is not proven by controlled clinical trials),that treating such an episode with only antidepressants may increase the likelihood of an accelerated development of a mixed / manic episode in patients at risk of bipolar disorder.
Limited clinical data on the use of bupropion in combination with normotimics in patients with bipolar disorder in the anamnesis show a low frequency of transition to the manic phase.
Before starting treatment, a thorough screening should be performed to assess the risk of bipolar disorder (including suicide, bipolar disorder and family history of depression).
Cardiovascular diseases
There are limited clinical data on the use of bupropion for the treatment of depression in patients with cardiovascular disease. Care must be taken when using bupropion in such patients. But, bupropion, in general, was well tolerated in studies with smoking cessation in patients with ischemic heart disease.
In studies in patients who are not depressed (including both smokers and non-smokers) with untreated grade 1 hypertension, bupropion did not have a statistically significant effect on blood pressure. However, in the course of routine monitoring, cases of increased blood pressure (sometimes severe) have been reported. The concomitant use of bupropion and the transdermal nicotine system can cause an increase in blood pressure.
Before the appointment of a combination of bupropion and transdermal nicotine system for the treatment of nicotine dependence, information on the use of the appropriate transdermal system should be taken into account, blood pressure monitoring should be provided.
There have been reports of rare cases of neurological and mental disorders, as well as a decrease in alcohol tolerance in patients receiving bupropion therapy. During treatment, bupropion should minimize or avoid alcohol.