Amfebutamone: Drug Information

Generic name: Bupropion

Brand Names: Zyban, Smoquit-Sr, Wellbutrin, Bupron SR, Bupep

Uses of Amfebutamone:

Amfebutamone is an antidepressant that is used in the treatment of mental and chemical disorders as well as other problems. It belongs to a class of drugs known as smoking cessation aids and not only helps treat depression and chemical imbalances in the body but also enables the patients to overcome various drug dependent habits such as smoking and cocaine craving. It also helps in cases of back pain and treats chronic fatigue.

Amfebutamone acts as a stimulant and is administered for the treatment of major depression, Attention deficit hypersensitivity disorder (ADHD) and Bipolar depression. It is not recommended for those under 18 years.

Amfebutamone is a weak inhibitor of the neuronal uptake of various neurotransmitters such as norepinephrine, serotonin and dopamine. Its ability to enable individuals to quit smoking and drug dependency is still unknown, however, it is assumed that this action is the outcome of noradrenergic or dopamine mechanisms.

How to take the medicine?

You need to take Amfebutamone as directed by your physician in order to treat the specific condition it has been administered for. You can take it with food or after meals. DO NOT abruptly stop taking the medicine without your doctor’s approval as it may result in various side effects.

Warning and Precautions:

You need to notify your doctor if you are allergic to any medicines or foods prior to taking this medicine.

Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or lactating.

If you have a medical history of seizures, head trauma, urinary retention, liver disease, tumors or eating disorders such as bulimia or anorexia nervosa, you need to talk with your doctor.

In case of hypersensitivity, you must not take the medicine.

DO NOT consume alcohol if you are on Amfebutamone in order to avoid the risk of seizures.

Drug Interactions:

Amfebutamone should be avoided with neuroleptics, lithium, tricyclic antidepressants and benzodiazepines as it increases the risk of seizures. If you are taking levodopa, you need to avoid Amfebutamone as it heightens confusion, hallucinations, nausea and agitation. It should not be co-administered with Fluoxetine and with drugs that affect the hepatic drug metabolizing enzymes. Amfebutamone should not be given to patients on mono amine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs) as it increases the signs of acute toxicity like hyperventilation, agitation and restlessness which can be extremely fatal.

Side Effects:

Some of the most common side effects of the medicine include abdominal pain, nausea, chest pain, thirst, neck pain, diarrhea, anorexia, mouth ulcer, facial edema, myalgia, dizziness, dysphoria, insomnia, anxiety, headache, arthralgia, tremors and agitation.

Overdose:

In case of a drug overdose you must immediately notify your doctor or contact the local poison control center.