[Risk of convulsions due to the use of bupropion as an aid for smoking cessation].
Bupropion is a new aid in smoking cessation. Since marketing of this product in the Netherlands (from December 1999 on), 7 cases of (possible) convulsions have been reported. In 3 cases there was a contraindication in the form of a history of epilepsy. The four other cases concerned tonic-clonic epileptic seizures in patients with no history of epilepsy and no combination with other medication. In view of the seriousness of this, already known, side effect of bupropion, physicians ought to be sensitive to situations with increased risk of this side effect. In addition it is advised to explain to the patient the proper use of bupropion, which is not comparable to nicotine chewing gum and should be swallowed whole due to the slow release properties of the tablet.
Kwan
A L
AL
College ter beoordeling van geneesmiddelen, Postbus 16229, 2500 BE Den Haag. al.kwan@cbg-meb.nl
Meiners
A P
AP
van Grootheest
A C
AC
Lekkerkerker
J F
JF
D016907:Adverse Drug Reaction Reporting Systems / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D016642:Bupropion / Q000009:adverse effects*; D000075202:Contraindications; D018765:Dopamine Uptake Inhibitors / Q000009:adverse effects*; D004830:Epilepsy, Tonic-Clonic / Q000139:chemically induced*; D006801:Humans; D009426:Netherlands; D017410:Practice Guidelines as Topic; D012306:Risk; D016540:Smoking Cessation / Q000379:methods*; D014029:Tobacco Use Disorder / Q000188:drug therapy*
D018765:Dopamine Uptake Inhibitors; D016642:Bupropion