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Bupropion-induced somnambulism.

Yasser Khazaal1, Sonia Krenz, Daniele Fabio Zullino

  • 1Départment Universitaire de Psychiatrie Adulte, Prilly, Lausanne, Switzerland. Yasser.Khazaal@inst.hospvd.ch

Addiction Biology
|September 18, 2003
PubMed
Summary

Bupropion, a smoking cessation drug, has been linked to sleepwalking (somnambulism) during nicotine withdrawal. This sleepwalking was associated with eating behaviors and amnesia, suggesting a neurotransmitter interaction.

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Area of Science:

  • Neuroscience
  • Pharmacology
  • Sleep Medicine

Background:

  • Bupropion is a noradrenergic and dopaminergic medication used for smoking cessation.
  • Vivid dreaming and nightmares are known potential side effects of bupropion.
  • Somnambulism has not been previously reported as a side effect of bupropion.

Observation:

  • A case study documented a patient experiencing somnambulism while taking bupropion for smoking cessation.
  • The sleepwalking episodes occurred during nicotine withdrawal.
  • These episodes were characterized by associated eating behaviors and reported amnesia.

Findings:

  • This case report introduces somnambulism as a potential adverse effect of bupropion, particularly during nicotine withdrawal.
  • The findings suggest a possible link between bupropion's pharmacological action and the emergence of sleepwalking.
  • The co-occurrence of eating behavior and amnesia during sleepwalking episodes provides further clinical detail.

Implications:

  • The noradrenergic and dopaminergic activity of bupropion, combined with nicotine withdrawal-induced monoamine alterations, may underlie the observed somnambulism.
  • This case highlights the importance of considering bupropion and nicotine withdrawal in the differential diagnosis of sleepwalking disorders.
  • Further research into the neurobiological mechanisms connecting bupropion, nicotine withdrawal, and sleep disturbances is warranted.

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