General MedicinePrescription OnlyPregnancy Cat. Not classifiedFDA Yes
Aplenzin
BUPROPION HYDROBROMIDE
1 INDICATIONS AND USAGE APLENZIN is an aminoketone antidepressant, indicated for the treatment of major depressive disorder (MDD) and seasonal affective disorder (SAD). Periodically reevaluate long-term usefulness for the individual patient. ( 1 ) 1.1 Major Depressive Disorder APLENZIN ® (bupropion hydrobromide) extended-release tablets are indicated for the treatment of major depressive disorder (MDD), as defined by the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual (DSM). The efficacy of the immediate-rele...
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Brand names:Aplenzin
Quick Reference
Medicine ClassGeneral Medicine
FDA ApprovedYes
PregnancyCategory Not classified
Quick Facts
- Active ingredient
- BUPROPION HYDROBROMIDE
- Medicine class
- General Medicine
- Brand names
- Aplenzin
- Availability
- Prescription only (Rx)
- Pregnancy category
- Not classified
- Half-life
- half-life (±SD) of bupropion after a single dose is 21
- FDA approved
- Yes
What Is Aplenzin?
1 INDICATIONS AND USAGE APLENZIN is an aminoketone antidepressant, indicated for the treatment of major depressive disorder (MDD) and seasonal affective disorder (SAD). Periodically reevaluate long-term usefulness for the individual patient. ( 1 ) 1.1 Major Depressive Disorder APLENZIN ® (bupropion hydrobromide) extended-release tablets are indicated for the treatment of major depressive disorder (MDD), as defined by the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual (DSM). The efficacy of the immediate-rele...
Aplenzin (BUPROPION HYDROBROMIDE) belongs to the General Medicine class of medications. It was first approved by the FDA in Yes. This medication requires a prescription from a licensed healthcare provider.
Key Safety Information
- •Always follow the dose recommended by your healthcare professional. Taking more than prescribed increases the risk of side effects including serious complications.
- •Seek emergency care if you experience signs of an allergic reaction — hives, swelling, difficulty breathing, or rash. Stop the medication and call your doctor immediately.
- •Some medications can increase the risk of cardiovascular events. Tell your doctor if you have high blood pressure, a history of heart attack or stroke, or any pre-existing health condition.
- •Avoid or limit alcohol while taking Aplenzin. Do not drink alcohol without first discussing it with your healthcare provider as it may increase adverse effects.
- •Take Aplenzin with food or a full glass of water if stomach upset occurs. Stop use and talk to your doctor if you experience persistent stomach pain or GI symptoms.
- •Tell your doctor about all medications, supplements, and vitamins you take. Some combinations significantly increase the risk of harm.
This is a summary only. Always read the full prescribing information and consult your healthcare provider for personalized medical advice.
Uses & Indications
Aplenzin is prescribed for the following conditions. Some uses are FDA-approved indications; others may be evidence-based off-label uses. Consult your healthcare provider for personalized guidance.
1 INDICATIONS AND USAGE APLENZIN is an aminoketone antidepressant, indicated for the treatment of major depressive disorder (MDD) and seasonal affective disorder (SAD).
Periodically reevaluate long-term usefulness for the individual patient.
( 1 ) 1.1 Major Depressive Disorder APLENZIN ® (bupropion hydrobromide) extended-release tablets are indicated for the treatment of major depressive disorder (MDD), as defined by the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual (DSM).
The efficacy of the immediate-release formulation of bupropion was established in two 4-week controlled inpatient trials and one 6-week controlled outpatient trial of adult patients with MDD.
The efficacy of the sustained-release formulation of bupropion in the maintenance treatment of MDD was established in a long-term (up to 44 weeks), placebo-controlled trial in patients who had responded to bupropion in an 8-week study of acute treatment [see Clinical Studies (14.1) ].
1.2 Seasonal Affective Disorder APLENZIN is indicated for the prevention of seasonal major depressive episodes in patients with a diagnosis of seasonal affective disorder (SAD).
The efficacy of bupropion hydrochloride extended-release tablets in the prevention of seasonal major depressive episodes was established in 3 placebo-controlled trials in adult outpatients with a history of MDD with an autumn-winter seasonal pattern as defined in the DSM [see Clinical Studies (14.2) ].
Dosage Guide
The following are general dosing guidelines only. Your actual dose should be determined by your healthcare provider based on your condition, renal/hepatic function, and other medications.
AD
Adult Dosage
2 DOSAGE AND ADMINISTRATION General • Increase dose gradually to reduce seizure risk. ( 2.1 , 5.3 ) Major Depressive Disorder • Starting dose: 174 mg once daily (equivalent to 150 mg bupropion HCl). Usual target dose: 348 mg once daily (equivalent to 300 mg bupropion HCl). ( 2.3 ) • After 4 days, may increase the dose to 348 mg once daily. ( 2.3 ) Seasonal Affective Disorder • Initiate treatment in the autumn prior to onset of seasonal depressive symptoms. ( 2.4 ) • Starting dose: 174 mg once daily (equivalent to 150 mg bupropion HCl). Usual target dose: 348 mg once daily (equivalent to 300 mg bupropion HCl). ( 2.4 ) • After one week, may increase the dose to 348 mg once daily. ( 2.4 ) • Continue treatment through the winter season. ( 2.4 ) Hepatic Impairment • Moderate to severe hepatic impairment: Maximum dose 174 mg every other day ( 2.6 ) • Mild hepatic impairment: Consider reducing the dose and/or frequency of dosing. ( 2.2 , 2.6 , 8.7 ) Renal Impairment • Consider reducing the do
Available Forms
Available Strengths
Side Effects
Common
- 6 ADVERSE REACTIONS The following adverse reactions are discussed in greater detail in other sections of the labeling: • Suicidal thoughts and behaviors in children, adolescents, and young adults [see Warnings and Precautions (5.1) ] • Neuropsychiatric adverse events and suicide risk in smoking cessation treatment [see Warnings and Precautions (5.2) ] • Seizure [see Warnings and Precautions (5.3) ] • Hypertension [see Warnings and Precautions (5.4) ] • Activation of mania or hypomania [see Warnings and Precautions (5.5 )] • Psychosis and other neuropsychiatric events [see Warnings and Precautions (5.6) ] • Angle-closure glaucoma [see Warnings and Precautions (5.7) ] • Hypersensitivity reactions [see Warnings and Precautions (5.8) ] Most common adverse reactions are (incidence ≥5%;
- ≥2× placebo rate): dry mouth, nausea, insomnia, dizziness, pharyngitis, abdominal pain, agitation, anxiety, tremor, palpitation, sweating, tinnitus, myalgia, anorexia, urinary frequency, rash.
- ( 6.1 ) To report SUSPECTED ADVERSE REACTIONS, contact Bausch Health US, LLC at 1-800-321-4576 or FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088 or www.fda.gov/medwatch.
- 6.1 Clinical Trials Experience Because clinical trials are conducted under widely varying conditions, adverse reaction rates observed in the clinical trials of a drug cannot be directly compared to rates in the clinical trials of another drug and may not reflect the rates observed in practice.
- Commonly Observed Adverse Reactions in Controlled Clinical Trials of Sustained-Release Bupropion Hydrochloride Adverse reactions that occurred in at least 5% of patients treated with bupropion HCl sustained-release (300 mg and 400 mg per day) and at a rate at least twice the placebo rate are listed below.
- 300 mg/day of bupropion HCl sustained-release (equivalent to APLENZIN 348 mg/day): anorexia, dry mouth, rash, sweating, tinnitus, and tremor.
- 400 mg/day of bupropion HCl sustained-release (equivalent to APLENZIN 464 mg/day): abdominal pain, agitation, anxiety, dizziness, dry mouth, insomnia, myalgia, nausea, palpitation, pharyngitis, sweating, tinnitus, and urinary frequency.
Serious
- 5 WARNINGS AND PRECAUTIONS • Neuropsychiatric Adverse Events During Smoking Cessation: Postmarketing reports of serious or clinically significant neuropsychiatric adverse events have included changes in mood (including depression and mania), psychosis, hallucinations, paranoia, delusions, homicidal ideation, aggression, hostility, agitation, anxiety, and panic, as well as suicidal ideation, suicide attempt, and completed suicide.
- Observe patients attempting to quit smoking with APLENZIN for the occurrence of such symptoms and instruct them to discontinue APLENZIN and contact a healthcare provider if they experience such adverse events.
- ( 5.2 ) • Seizure Risk: The risk is dose-related.
- Can minimize risk by limiting daily dose to 522 mg and gradually increasing the dose.
- Discontinue if seizure occurs.
Rare
Medicine Interactions
Always inform your healthcare provider and pharmacist about ALL medications you take, including prescriptions, OTC medicines, vitamins, and supplements.
MajorModerateMinor
Warnings & Contraindications
5 WARNINGS AND PRECAUTIONS • Neuropsychiatric Adverse Events During Smoking Cessation: Postmarketing reports of serious or clinically significant neuropsychiatric adverse events have included changes in mood (including depression and mania), psychosis, hallucinations, paranoia, delusions, homicidal ideation, aggression, hostility, agitation, anxiety, and panic, as well as suicidal ideation, suicid
How Aplenzin Works
12.1 Mechanism of Action The mechanism of action of bupropion is unknown, as is the case with other antidepressants. However, it is presumed that this action is mediated by noradrenergic and/or dopaminergic mechanisms. Bupropion is a relatively weak inhibitor of the neuronal uptake of norepinephrine and dopamine and does not inhibit monoamine oxidase or the reuptake of serotonin.
Pharmacokinetics
Absorption
Absorption Following single oral administration of APLENZIN tablets to healthy volunteers, the median time to peak plasma concentrations for bupropion was approximately 5 hours
Half-Life
half-life (±SD) of bupropion after a single dose is 21
Metabolism
metabolites (hydroxybupropion, threohydrobupropion, and erythrohydrobupropion) were equivalent to bupropion HCl extended-release 300 mg, with the average being 8 to 14% lower
Excretion
excretion
Pregnancy & Breastfeeding Safety
Not classified
Breastfeeding
Many medications pass into breast milk in varying amounts. Before using Aplenzinwhile breastfeeding, discuss the benefits and risks with your healthcare provider or pharmacist — they can weigh your dose, your infant's age, and available lactation safety data to find the safest option for you and your baby.
Storage & Handling
Store at 25°C (77°F); excursions permitted to 15° to 30°C (59° to 86°F) [see USP Controlled Room Temperature].
Frequently Asked Questions
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Aplenzin side effects
Complete adverse effect profile including common, serious, and rare reactions
Sources & References
- • FDA Prescribing Information — Official labeling and package insert for Aplenzin
- • U.S. National Library of Medicine — MedlinePlus drug information
- • American Hospital Formulary Service (AHFS) — Clinical pharmacology monograph
- • PubMed / MEDLINE — View clinical studies
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Medical Disclaimer
The information on this page is for educational purposes only and is not intended as medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always consult your doctor, pharmacist, or qualified healthcare provider before starting, stopping, or changing any medication.