A personal note from Vladimir Fanshil & Eleanor Lyons
Live at Yours began in the most unexpected way — in our own living room. In 2020, when the world fell silent, we refused to believe that music should exist only on screens. So we gathered a handful of people, pulled the chairs close, and performed for twenty guests at a time. Those evenings were small, fragile, unforgettable — and they reminded us why we became musicians: to share something real, something human, something that only exists when people come together.
A New Way to Experience Music
In the first years, we travelled across NSW and the ACT, giving more than 50 performances in lounge rooms, coffee roasteries, tin sheds in the outback, art galleries, churches, synagogues and regional theatres.
It was in those intimate settings that we connected deeply with locals, listened to their feedback, and discovered what Australians truly value in live music: informal yet refined, relaxed yet deeply sincere, intimate yet world-class.
Those conversations shaped everything — from our welcoming tone to having no intervals, allowing the emotional arc to flow without interruption. This is how we crafted the ultimate listening experience we offer today: personal, natural and genuinely shared.
From a lounge room to a national stage
Live at Yours has now grown far beyond our living room — into concert spaces across Sydney, Melbourne, Adelaide, Canberra, Orange, Castlemaine and beyond — yet the essence remains unchanged.
Every venue is chosen for its story and atmosphere. Every performance is lit and shaped to feel close, warm and immersive. And every artist who joins us shares our belief in vulnerability, honesty and connection.
World-class artists, up close
Extraordinary artists, shared in intimate spaces — where every detail comes alive.
Richard Tognetti
Yamen Saadi
Alexander Gavrylyuk
Emily Sun
Elena Kats-Chernin
Andrew Haveron
Kristian Winther
Rosanna Rolton
Vatche Jambazian
Elina Faskhi
Stefanie Farrands
Simon Tedeschi
Committed to the next generation
As Live at Yours grows, so does our responsibility to young musicians. Through masterclasses, mentoring, and partnerships with ANAM and the Sydney Conservatorium, we help the next generation experience the same intimacy and inspiration that shaped our early years.
Thank you for being part of this journey!
We can’t wait to welcome you — up close, and personal.
Bupropion in Australia: A Doctor’s Evidence-Based Review for Adults Over 30
Written from a prescribing doctor’s perspective.
Attention: Tired of Feeling Flat, Foggy, or Trapped by Cigarettes?
If you are over 30, you may feel that your energy has disappeared, your mood is low, and every attempt to quit smoking ends in failure. Maybe a previous antidepressant made you gain weight, lose sex drive, or feel emotionally numb. You are not alone — and there is a medication many Australians overlook that may help. Bupropion is not an SSRI. It treats depression differently, helps people stop smoking, supports weight management, and is increasingly used in adult ADHD.
Interest: What Is Bupropion and Why Is It Different?
Bupropion is a noradrenaline-dopamine reuptake inhibitor (NDRI). It increases two brain chemicals that drive motivation, alertness, pleasure and reward: dopamine and noradrenaline. That is why it can improve mood without the sexual numbing and weight gain commonly reported with SSRIs.
Bupropion vs typical SSRI antidepressants
| Feature | Bupropion | Typical SSRIs |
|---|
| Energy and motivation | Often improves | Variable; may cause emotional blunting |
| Weight effect | Weight neutral or mild weight loss | Often weight gain |
| Sexual side effects | Rare | Common |
| Smoking cessation | Yes, approved | Not approved |
| Initial anxiety | May increase | Usually helpful for anxiety |
In Australia, bupropion is a Schedule 4 prescription medicine, available as sustained-release tablets. A common dose for depression is 150 mg once daily, increasing to 150 mg twice daily if tolerated, with a maximum of 300 mg daily. Doses should be at least 8 hours apart, and the evening dose should not be taken too close to bedtime to reduce insomnia.
Desire: Real-World Benefits for Your Health
How long does bupropion take to work for depression?
Some people feel more energy within 1–2 weeks. The full antidepressant effect usually builds by 4–6 weeks. Do not stop early — an early energy lift is a good sign, but the complete mood response takes time.
Bupropion for smoking cessation and alternatives
For smoking, bupropion reduces cravings and withdrawal. It is started 1–2 weeks before your quit date, with the target quit date usually in the second week, and continued for 7–12 weeks. It is especially useful if you are worried about weight gain after quitting or have low mood.
Smoking cessation options in Australia
| Treatment | How it works | Pros | Cons |
|---|
| Bupropion | Reduces cravings via dopamine/noradrenaline | No nicotine; helps mood and weight; oral | Insomnia, dry mouth, small seizure risk |
| Varenicline | Blocks nicotine receptors | Highly effective | Nausea, vivid dreams, prescription required |
| Nicotine replacement therapy | Supplies controlled nicotine | No prescription; many forms | Still delivers nicotine; less mood benefit |
| Quitline counselling | Behavioural support | Free; improves success | No direct craving control alone |
Bupropion for adult ADHD
ADHD in adults over 30 often shows up as chronic disorganisation, procrastination, restlessness, and difficulty finishing tasks. Stimulants are first-line, but bupropion is a valuable off-label option — especially if you also have depression, smoke, or cannot tolerate stimulants. It has lower abuse potential than stimulants and may modestly improve focus and impulse control.
Can bupropion cause dizziness?
Yes, dizziness can occur, usually in the first few days or after a dose increase. It may be worse if you skip meals, are dehydrated, or stand too quickly. It is usually mild and settles. Tell your doctor if it persists, and avoid driving until you know how the medicine affects you.
Who should not take bupropion?
- People with epilepsy or any seizure disorder
- Current or past anorexia nervosa or bulimia
- Those abruptly stopping alcohol, benzodiazepines or sedatives
- Anyone taking monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs), or within 14 days of stopping them
- People with severe liver cirrhosis
- Anyone with a known allergy to bupropion
Pregnancy and breastfeeding require a careful risk-benefit discussion with your doctor.
Can bupropion be used in patients with liver disease?
Bupropion is metabolised by the liver, so liver disease increases drug levels in the body. In mild liver impairment, a lower dose such as 150 mg once daily may be used with monitoring. In moderate impairment, dose reduction is generally required. In severe cirrhosis, bupropion is usually avoided or contraindicated. Always tell your GP about fatty liver, hepatitis, alcohol-related liver disease, or abnormal liver tests.
What herbal interactions exist with bupropion?
Herbal medicines are not harmless. St John’s wort should be avoided — it may unpredictably change bupropion levels and increase the risk of side effects. Stimulant herbs such as ephedra (ma huang), yohimbe, bitter orange, and high-dose caffeine can raise blood pressure and lower the seizure threshold, which is especially dangerous with bupropion. Sedative herbs like valerian may worsen dizziness or drowsiness. Tell your doctor and pharmacist about every supplement.
Australian apps and programs that support bupropion treatment
Support tools available in Australia
| Tool | Best for | How it helps |
|---|
| Quitline 13 7848 | Smoking cessation | Free phone counselling, Aboriginal Quitline, follow-up calls |
| My QuitBuddy | Smoking cessation | Australian Government app; tracks cravings, money saved, motivations |
| Beyond Blue / Black Dog Institute | Depression support | Online programs, mood tracking, evidence-based resources |
| MindSpot | Depression and anxiety | Free online assessment and digital treatment courses |
| Medisafe or pharmacy app | Medication reminders | Helps you remember daily bupropion doses safely |
Action: Talk to Your Doctor About Bupropion This Week
If you are over 30 and want more energy, better mood, help to stop smoking, or a non-stimulant ADHD option, bupropion may be a smart conversation to have. Book a GP appointment, mention your symptoms and the topics above. With a valid prescription, you can have bupropion dispensed at any Australian pharmacy and combine it with free support tools like Quitline or MindSpot. Do not settle for feeling flat — ask your doctor if bupropion is right for you.
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