Bupropion

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Bupropion is an aminoketone antidepressant unrelated chemically to either the tricyclics or the selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs). Bupropion was developed by Burroughs Welcome (now part of GSK) and marketed as an antidepressant in the late 1980's. However, initial clinical use was limited by the appearance of seizure activity. This problem was largely overcome by the development of slow release formulations (Wellbutrin SR and Welbutrin XL) that can be taken once-a-day. Its main pharmacological activity and probable mode of antidepressant activity is through inhibition of dopamine and norepinephrine reuptake, although its clinical activity is probably mediated by an active metabolite (hydroxybupropion) that displays a similar pharmacological profile.

Numerous clinical studies suggest bupropion has efficacy similar to other antidepressants with the same, or better, side-effect profile. In particular, it seems to induce less weight gain and sexual dysfunction than do other members of this therapeutic class.

In addition to its antidepressant activity, bupropion is approved as an aid for smoking cessation.

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