Can I Take Zyban If I Have High Blood Pressure

Can I Take Zyban If I Have High Blood Pressure Depression Treatment Medication Print Can Zyban or Wellbutrin Cause High Blood Pressure? Hypertension Among Side Effects of Popular Drugs By Nancy Schimelpfening Nancy Schimelpfening, MS is the administrator for the non-profit depression support group Depression Sanctuary. Nancy has a lifetime of experience with depression, experiencing firsthand how devastating this illness can be. Learn about our editorial policy Nancy Schimelpfening Medically reviewed by Medically reviewed by Steven Gans, MD on August 05, 2016 Steven Gans, MD is board-certified in psychiatry and is an active supervisor, teacher, and mentor at Massachusetts General Hospital. Learn about our Medical Review Board Steven Gans, MD Updated on February 04, 2020 BSIP/UIG/Getty Images More in Depression Treatment Medication Causes Symptoms Diagnosis Types Childhood Depression Suicide Bupropion is a drug primarily used as an antidepressant or smoking cessation tool. It is marketed under the brand name Wellbutrin  when used in the treatment of major depressive disorder and seasonal affective disorder. When used as for smoking cessation, it is marketed under the brand name Zyban. Both drugs are made by the pharmaceutical giant GlaxoSmithKline. In either form, bupropion is associated with a number of common side effects (occurring in over 10% of users):?? DizzinessConstipationNausea and vomitingHeadacheDry mouthExcessive sweatingRapid heartbeatAgitationBlurred vision One of the less common side heart-related side effects is hypertension (high blood pressure). According to the FDA-registered prescribing information, hypertension was shown to occur in 4.6% of users or roughly one of every 22 people.?? This more than doubles the risk seen  in the general population. Understanding Hypertension Hypertension is a condition in which the force of the blood against the artery walls is too high. The elevated pressure with these vessels places a strain on the cardiovascular system as a whole and, over time, increases a persons risk of heart attack, aneurysm, kidney disease, and stroke. Normal blood pressure is defined as a systolic pressure below 120 mmHg and a diastolic value under 80 mmHg. Hypertension is blood pressure that is greater than 140/90 mmHg. For people over 60, high blood pressure is defined as 150/90 mmHg or greater.?? Depending on the systolic pressure (during a heartbeat) and diastolic pressure (between heartbeats), the severity of hypertension could be classified as: Prehypertension: between 120 and 139 systolic and 80 and 89 diastolicStage 1: between 140 and 159 systolic and 90 and 99 diastolicStage 2: 160 or higher systolic and 100 or higher diastolicHypertensive crisis: 180 or higher systolic or 110 or higher diastolic Bupropion and Hypertension Bupropion has the potential to increase blood pressure because it affects the levels of certain neurotransmitters produced by the brain, known as catecholamines, which regulate not only mood but blood pressure.?? The risk of hypertension is known to increase to 6.1% (or roughly one of every 16 people) if bupropion is taken in conjunction with a transdermal nicotine patch. This appears true whether a person has had a prior history of hypertension or not. If you must remain on Wellbutrin to control your depression, high blood pressure medication can be prescribed to counteract this side effect. Otherwise, you may need to speak with your doctor about switching to a different antidepressant. A Word From Verywell Bupropion can be an effective tool for treating depression or smoking addiction.?? Persons prescribed with Zyban or Wellbutrin should have their blood pressure tested before starting treatment and routinely monitored thereafter. If you experience any symptoms of hypertension, speak with your doctor. You can also get your blood pressure tested at most larger retail pharmacies. Call 911 or rush to your nearest emergency room if you or a loved one experience symptoms of a hypertensive crisis, including:?? Severe chest painA severe headache accompanied by confusion and blurred visionNausea and vomitingSevere anxietyShortness of breathSeizuresUnresponsiveness