Eosinophilia associated with bupropion

A 48-year-old woman started treatment with bupropion 150 mg once daily for depressive symptoms. After 19 days she presented to her family physician complaining of myalgia and non-productive cough. The physical examination was normal and laboratory investigations showed an eosinophil count of 4.7 × 10(9)/L (0-0.5). The results of a basal test before to bupropion intake were within normal range including eosinophils (0.2 × 10(9)/L). After ruling out other causes of eosinophilia, the physician decided to gradually discontinue bupropion, and a marked decrease in absolute eosinophil count was subsequently observed.

To the best of our knowledge, this is the third published case of bupropion-related eosinophilia. Although, in light of the case presented, the prevalence of this adverse effect seems to be low, an awareness that bupropion can be a potential cause of eosinophilia may lead to the avoidance of unnecessary diagnostic tests or referral to other specialists.