PERFIL DOS EFEITOS COLATERAIS DO USO DA BUPROPIONA NA POPULAÇÃO PEDIATRICA

Abstract

Bupropion, although not recommended for individuals under 18 years old, has been used to treat conditions such as ADHD, depression, smoking cessation, and bipolar disorder in children and adolescents. This systematic review covers articles published between 2014 and 2024 to evaluate the safety of bupropion in the pediatric population, compiling technical and clinical data. Ten studies were included, highlighting side effects such as dry mouth, nausea, insomnia, headache, constipation, tremors, akathisia, dizziness, tachycardia, and skin rash. At high doses  there is a risk of seizures and exacerbation of tics. Among second-generation antidepressants, bupropion is associated with the highest rates of morbidity, mortality, and seizures, with irritability being a common side effect. Although cardiovascular adverse effects in children seem less severe, the limited sample size reduces the generalizability of the data. Studies indicate that postnatal exposure to bupropion may alter puberty onset and reproductive functions in female rats. In adolescents, bupropion use results in slight increases in periodic leg movements during sleep, with no significant differences compared to selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors. The findings suggest moderate efficacy and safety, but emphasize the importance of careful dose assessment to minimize seizure risk when prescribing this medication in pediatric populations.