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Bupropion precipitating acute psychosis: a case report
Ravindra Neelakanthappa Munoli1, Sreejayan Kongasseri, Samir Kumar Praharaj
1Department of Psychiatry, Kasturba Medical College, Manipal, Karnataka, India.
American Journal of Therapeutics
|May 24, 2013
Summary
Bupropion, a norepinephrine dopamine-reuptake inhibitor, effectively treats nicotine dependence. However, this case report highlights acute psychosis as a severe adverse effect in an elderly patient undergoing smoking cessation.
Area of Science:
- Pharmacology
- Psychiatry
- Gerontology
Background:
- Bupropion is a widely used medication for smoking cessation.
- It functions as a norepinephrine dopamine-reuptake inhibitor.
- While generally well-tolerated, serious adverse effects like seizures and psychosis are documented.
Observation:
- This report details a case of acute psychosis.
- The psychosis was precipitated by bupropion treatment.
- The patient was elderly and receiving bupropion for smoking cessation.
Findings:
- Bupropion can trigger acute psychosis, even when prescribed for smoking cessation.
- Elderly patients may be particularly susceptible to this severe adverse effect.
- This highlights the importance of careful patient monitoring.
Implications:
- Clinicians should be vigilant for psychiatric adverse effects of bupropion, especially in older adults.
- Risk-benefit assessment is crucial when prescribing bupropion for smoking cessation in the elderly.
- Further research may be warranted to understand bupropion's neuropsychiatric effects in vulnerable populations.
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