From the Guidelines
If a patient taking Wellbutrin (bupropion) is hospitalized, you generally should not restart or discontinue the medication without consulting the treating physician. Wellbutrin therapy should typically be continued during hospitalization to maintain therapeutic levels and prevent withdrawal symptoms or relapse of the condition being treated. However, the decision depends on several factors including the reason for hospitalization, potential drug interactions with new hospital medications, and the patient's ability to take oral medications. If the patient cannot take oral medications, the healthcare team may need to temporarily adjust or substitute treatment. The hospital physicians should review the patient's complete medication history and make appropriate decisions regarding continuation of Wellbutrin, as recommended by the American College of Physicians 1. Abrupt discontinuation can lead to withdrawal symptoms including headache, irritability, and mood disturbances. Always ensure clear communication between outpatient and inpatient providers regarding medication management during transitions of care. Some key considerations in managing patients on Wellbutrin during hospitalization include monitoring for potential interactions with other medications, such as those that may affect the cytochrome P450 system, and being aware of the patient's medical history, including any previous experiences with antidepressant therapy 1. It's also important to note that the American College of Physicians recommends continuing treatment for 4 to 9 months after a satisfactory response in patients with a first episode of major depressive disorder, and even longer for those with recurrent episodes 1. By prioritizing the continuation of Wellbutrin therapy during hospitalization and carefully managing potential interactions and side effects, healthcare providers can help minimize the risk of relapse and ensure the best possible outcomes for patients with depressive disorders.
From the FDA Drug Label
The FDA drug label does not answer the question.
From the Research
Hospitalization and Wellbutrin Treatment
- There is no direct evidence in the provided studies that addresses the need to restart Wellbutrin (bupropion) if a patient is hospitalized.
- However, it is essential to consider potential drug interactions when a patient is hospitalized, as they may be prescribed new medications that could interact with bupropion 2, 3.
- Bupropion is known to have inhibitory effects on cytochrome P450-2D6 (CYP2D6), which could lead to clinically relevant drug interactions 4.
- When managing a patient's medication regimen during hospitalization, it is crucial to review their current medications, including bupropion, to minimize the risk of adverse drug events 2, 3.
- The decision to restart or continue Wellbutrin treatment in a hospitalized patient should be made on a case-by-case basis, taking into account the patient's medical history, current condition, and potential drug interactions 2, 3.