Two acute psychotic episodes after administration of bupropion: a case of involuntary rechallenge

Pharm World Sci. 2009 Apr;31(2):238-40. doi: 10.1007/s11096-008-9272-x. Epub 2008 Nov 28.

Abstract

Bupropion is an antidepressant drug also used as a smoking cessation aid, which inhibits norepinephrine and dopamine re-uptake. Given its pharmacological properties, it has been associated with reports on psychosis and acute delirious episodes. Case We report the case of a patient with schizoaffective disorder who developed two psychotic episodes respectively after a four and a two-day administration of sustained-release (SR) bupropion at a dose of 150 mg/day. To our knowledge, this is the first reported case of involuntary rechallenge with bupropion SR during a smoking cessation program. Conclusion There is a serious risk of incorrectly identifying bupropion as only a therapy for nicotine withdrawal without taking the precaution of exploring possible psychiatric co-morbidity with addiction. Our case illustrates the problem.

Publication types

  • Case Reports
  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Antidepressive Agents, Second-Generation / adverse effects*
  • Bupropion / adverse effects*
  • Bupropion / therapeutic use
  • Delirium / chemically induced*
  • Diagnosis, Dual (Psychiatry)
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Psychotic Disorders / complications*
  • Tobacco Use Disorder / complications
  • Tobacco Use Disorder / drug therapy*

Substances

  • Antidepressive Agents, Second-Generation
  • Bupropion