Aplenzin (bupropion hydrobromide) is a brand-name extended-release tablet that’s prescribed for certain types of depression. As with other drugs, Aplenzin can cause side effects, such as dry mouth and nausea.

Aplenzin has a boxed warning. A boxed warning is the most serious warning from the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). For details, see the “Side effect specifics” section.

Aplenzin can cause certain side effects, some of which are more common than others. These side effects may be temporary, lasting a few days to weeks. However, if the side effects last longer than that, bother you, or become severe, be sure to talk with your doctor or pharmacist.

These are just a few of the more common side effects reported by people who took Aplenzin in clinical trials:

  • nausea
  • difficulty sleeping
  • dizziness
  • sore throat
  • dry mouth (see “Side effect specifics” for details)

Mild side effects can occur with Aplenzin use. This list doesn’t include all possible mild side effects of the drug. For more information, you can refer to Aplenzin’s prescribing information.

Mild side effects that have been reported with Aplenzin include:

  • nausea
  • abdominal pain
  • sore throat
  • difficulty sleeping
  • dizziness
  • feeling anxious
  • tremors (shakiness)
  • sweating
  • lack of appetite
  • dry mouth (see “Side effect specifics” for details)

These side effects may be temporary, lasting a few days to weeks. However, if the side effects last longer than that, bother you, or become severe, be sure to talk with your doctor or pharmacist.

Note: After the FDA approves a drug, it tracks and reviews side effects of the medication. If you develop a side effect while taking Aplenzin and want to tell the FDA about it, visit MedWatch.

Aplenzin may cause serious side effects. The list below may not include all possible serious side effects of the drug. For more information, you can refer to Aplenzin’s prescribing information.

If you develop serious side effects while taking Aplenzin, call your doctor right away. If the side effects seem life threatening or you think you’re having a medical emergency, immediately call 911 or your local emergency number.

Serious side effects that have been reported and their symptoms include:

  • seizures, which may include symptoms such as:
    • difficulty talking
    • spasms (uncontrollable and jerky muscle movements)
    • unconsciousness
  • high blood pressure, which typically doesn’t cause symptoms, but in severe cases, you may experience:
    • headache
    • nausea and vomiting
    • sensations of skipped heartbeats
  • closed-angle glaucoma, which may include symptoms such as:
    • eye pain
    • vision changes
    • eye swelling or redness
  • unusual thoughts or behaviors, which may include symptoms such as:
  • suicidal thoughts and behaviors*

* For more information about this side effect, see “Side effect specifics.”

ALLERGIC REACTION

For some people, Aplenzin can cause an allergic reaction. It’s not clear how often this side effect occurred in the drug’s clinical trials.

In general, symptoms of allergic reaction can be mild or serious.

Ways to manage

For mild allergic reaction symptoms, such as a mild rash, call your doctor right away. They may recommend treatments to help manage your symptoms. They’ll also let you know whether you should keep taking the medication.

For severe allergic reaction symptoms, such as swelling or trouble breathing, call 911 or your local emergency number right away. These symptoms require immediate medical care because they can become life threatening. If you’ve had a serious allergic reaction to Aplenzin, your doctor may recommend taking a different medication instead.

Aplenzin may cause several side effects. Here are some frequently asked questions about the drug’s side effects and their answers.

How do side effects of Aplenzin compare with those of other bupropion-containing drugs?

The active ingredient in Aplenzin is bupropion hydrobromide. So, other drugs that contain bupropion are likely to share side effects with Aplenzin.

For example, bupropion hydrochloride extended-release oral tablet (Wellbutrin XL) is another drug that’s bioequivalent to Aplenzin. This means the two drugs are clinically similar and work the same way. Both medications are tablets that are taken once per day to treat depression.

Mild side effects reported with both drugs include dry mouth, nausea, and difficulty sleeping. More serious side effects for both medications include seizures and high blood pressure.

Talk with your doctor if you have more questions about which form of bupropion is right for you.

Does Aplenzin cause weight loss?

It’s possible. Clinical trials didn’t look at weight loss with Aplenzin. However, weight loss has been reported with other drugs that contain bupropion. This includes bupropion hydrochloride extended-release tablet (Wellbutrin XL).

If you’re experiencing any unwanted side effects from Aplenzin treatment, talk with your doctor.

Learn more about some of the side effects that Aplenzin may cause. To find out how often side effects occurred in clinical trials, see the prescribing information for Aplenzin.

Suicidal thoughts and behaviors

Aplenzin has a boxed warning for increased risk of suicidal thoughts and behaviors in children and young adults. A boxed warning is the most serious warning from the FDA.

This side effect was based on studies that included people ages 24 years and younger taking antidepressants, including bupropion (Aplenzin’s active ingredient).

Suicidal thoughts and behaviors may present with symptoms that include:

  • thoughts of harming yourself or dying
  • attempts at harming yourself
  • new or worsening depression or anxiety
  • sensations of restlessness, agitation, irritability, or anger
  • difficulty sleeping
  • mania
  • other unusual behavior or mood changes

This risk is highest during the first few months of treatment. Certain people may also have a higher risk of having suicidal thoughts or behaviors. These include people with a family history or personal history of serious mental health conditions, including depression or bipolar disorder.

What you can do

Your doctor can watch for these behaviors during your Aplenzin treatment. You and your close family members can also watch for symptoms of suicidal thoughts and behaviors. Talk with your healthcare professional right away if you or a family member notices these symptoms.

If your symptoms are life threatening, call 911 or your local emergency number immediately. You can also call or text the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline at 988.

Dry mouth

Dry mouth was a common side effect reported in clinical trials of Aplenzin. This is a condition where your mouth feels dry because there isn’t enough saliva to keep it wet.

Dry mouth may cause symptoms such as:

  • sensations of stickiness or dryness in the mouth
  • difficulty chewing or swallowing
  • rough or dry tongue
  • cracked lips
  • bad breath

What you can do

Drinking plenty of water and avoiding caffeinated beverages can help keep your mouth moist and ease dry mouth. Talk with your doctor if you’re still experiencing symptoms of dry mouth. Your doctor may provide other recommendations or switch you to another medication to manage your depression.

Help is out there

If you or someone you know is in crisis and considering suicide or self-harm, please seek support:

  • Call or text the 988 Lifeline at 988 or chat at 988lifeline.org. Caring counselors are available to listen and provide free and confidential support 24/7.
  • Text HOME to the Crisis Text Line at 741741 to connect with a volunteer crisis counselor for free and confidential support 24/7.
  • Not in the United States? Find a helpline in your country with Befrienders Worldwide.
  • Call 911 or your local emergency services number if you feel safe to do so.

If you’re calling on behalf of someone else, stay with them until help arrives. You may remove weapons or substances that can cause harm if you can do so safely.

If you’re not in the same household, stay on the phone with them until help arrives.

Below is important information to consider before taking Aplenzin.

Aplenzin has a boxed warning. A boxed warning is the most serious warning from the FDA. For details, see the “Side effect specifics” section.

Other precautions

Before taking Aplenzin, discuss your health history with your doctor. Aplenzin may not be right for you if you have certain medical conditions or other factors affecting your health. Be sure to talk with your doctor if any of the following apply to you:

Disclaimer: Medical News Today has made every effort to make certain that all information is factually correct, comprehensive, and up to date. However, this article should not be used as a substitute for the knowledge and expertise of a licensed healthcare professional. You should always consult your doctor or another healthcare professional before taking any medication. The drug information contained herein is subject to change and is not intended to cover all possible uses, directions, precautions, warnings, drug interactions, allergic reactions, or adverse effects. The absence of warnings or other information for a given drug does not indicate that the drug or drug combination is safe, effective, or appropriate for all patients or all specific uses.