From the FDA Drug Label
The elimination of the major metabolites of bupropion may be affected by reduced renal or hepatic function, because they are moderately polar compounds and are likely to undergo further metabolism or conjugation in the liver prior to urinary excretion Following oral administration of 200 mg of 14C-bupropion in humans, 87% and 10% of the radioactive dose were recovered in the urine and feces, respectively. Only 0. 5% of the oral dose was excreted as unchanged bupropion.
- Bupropion elimination: Bupropion is extensively metabolized in the liver to active metabolites, which are further metabolized and subsequently excreted by the kidneys.
- Factors affecting elimination: The elimination of the major metabolites of bupropion may be reduced by impaired renal function 1. To eliminate bupropion from your system, time is the primary factor, as the drug and its metabolites are slowly excreted by the kidneys. No specific method to accelerate the elimination of bupropion is recommended, as this may depend on various factors such as renal and hepatic function 1.
From the Research
To eliminate bupropion from your system, the most effective approach is to simply stop taking the medication and allow your body to naturally clear it over time, with the most recent and highest quality study 2 supporting this approach as the safest and most effective method.
Key Considerations
- Bupropion has a half-life of approximately 21 hours, meaning it takes about 5-6 days for the drug to be mostly eliminated from your body (about 5 half-lives) 3.
- Some metabolites may remain detectable for longer, and staying well-hydrated by drinking plenty of water can support your kidneys' natural elimination processes, though it won't dramatically speed up clearance.
- Maintaining healthy liver function through proper nutrition and avoiding alcohol while the drug is clearing can also help, as bupropion is primarily metabolized by the liver 4.
Important Warnings
- You should never abruptly stop taking bupropion without consulting your healthcare provider, as sudden discontinuation can cause withdrawal symptoms including irritability, anxiety, insomnia, and in some cases, seizures 5.
- Your doctor may recommend a gradual tapering schedule depending on your dosage and medical history.
- If you're concerned about drug testing, be aware that bupropion may trigger false positives for amphetamines on some screening tests, though confirmatory testing can distinguish between them 6.
Additional Factors to Consider
- The elderly are at risk for accumulation of bupropion and its metabolites, and specification of therapeutic drug monitoring parameters for bupropion treatment of the elderly is needed 6.
- Bupropion is generally well tolerated, with a minimal effect on sexual function, comparable or lower rates of somnolence than placebo, and is associated with lower rates of weight gain and sedation than some other commonly used antidepressants 2.