Bulimia nervosa Bupropion

Bupropion has also been used to treat the eating disorders anorexia nervosa and bulimia nervosa. Unfortunately, their electrolyte abnormalities leave patients with eating disorders especially vulnerable to seizures therefore, bupropion is no longer used to treat them. 

The occurrence of seizures with bupropion is dose related and may be increased by predisposing factors (e.g., history of head trauma or CNS tumor). At the ceiling dose (450 mg/day), the incidence of seizures is 0.4%. Other side effects include nausea, vomiting, tremor, insomnia, dry mouth, and skin reactions. It is contraindicated in patients with bulimia or anorexia nervosa. 

Bupropion sustained release (SR) is an effective smoking-cessation treatment. It is contraindicated in patients with a seizure disorder, a current or prior diagnosis of bulimia or anorexia nervosa, and use of a monoamine oxidase inhibitor within the previous 14 days. It can be used in combination with NRT. 

Hypersensitivity to the drug seizure disorder current or prior diagnosis of bulimia or anorexia nervosa concurrent administration of a monoamine oxidase inhibitor (MAOl) (at least 14 days should elapse between discontinuation of an MAOl and initiation of treatment with bupropion) in patients being treated with other bupropion products (eg, for smoking cessation) in patients undergoing abrupt discontinuation of alcohol or sedatives (including benzodiazepines). 

Anorexia nervosa/buiimia Do not give with current or prior diagnosis of bulimia or anorexia nervosa because of a higher incidence of seizures noted in patients treated for bulimia with the IR formulation of bupropion. 

Weilbutrin (Bupropino hydrochloride) A medication that has been successfully used to treat depression in adults. One type of this medication Zyban (bupropion hydrochloride) has been used for smoking cessation. Both of these medications contain bupropin and should not be used together. This medication is not recommended for eating disorders such as bulimia or anorexia nervosa because of the potential for the incidence of seizures. 

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