Bupropion is used for the treatment of depression and as aid to smoking cessation.
A unicyclic, aminoketone antidepressant. The mechanism of its therapeutic actions is not well understood, but it does appear to block dopamine uptake. The hydrochloride is available as an aid to smoking cessation treatment.
Bupropion is an antidepressant medication used to treat major depressive disorder and seasonal affective disorder. The Zyban brand of bupropion is used to help people stop smoking by reducing cravings and other withdrawal effects.
Bupropion may also be used for purposes not listed in this medication guide.
Bupropion, an antidepressant of the aminoketone class and a non-nicotine aid to smoking cessation, is chemically unrelated to tricyclic, tetracyclic, selective serotonin re-uptake inhibitor, or other known antidepressant agents.
Compared to classical tricyclic antidepressants, Bupropion is a relatively weak inhibitor of the neuronal uptake of norepinephrine, serotonin, and dopamine. In addition, Bupropion does not inhibit monoamine oxidase.
Bupropion produces dose-related central nervous system (CNS) stimulant effects in animals, as evidenced by increased locomotor activity, increased rates of responding in various schedule-controlled operant behavior tasks, and, at high doses, induction of mild stereotyped behavior.
Bupropion selectively inhibits the neuronal reuptake of dopamine, norepinephrine, and serotonin; actions on dopaminergic systems are more significant than imipramine or amitriptyline whereas the blockade of norepinephrine and serotonin reuptake at the neuronal membrane is weaker for bupropion than for tricyclic antidepressants.
The increase in norepinephrine may attenuate nicotine withdrawal symptoms and the increase in dopamine at neuronal sites may reduce nicotine cravings and the urge to smoke. Bupropion exhibits moderate anticholinergic effects.
Metabolism: Reduction of the carbonyl groupand/or hydroxylation of the tert-butyl group of bupropion.
Absorption: For sustained release, peak plasma concentrations are achieved within 3 hours.
Route of elimination: Bupropion is extensively metabolized in humans. Oxidation of the bupropion side chain results in the formation of a glycine conjugate of metachlorobenzoic acid, which is then excreted as the major urinary metabolite. Following oral administration of 200 mg of 14C-bupropion in humans, 87% and 10% of the radioactive dose were recovered in the urine and feces, respectively. However, the fraction of the oral dose of bupropion excreted unchanged was only 0.5%, a finding consistent with the extensive metabolism of bupropion.
Half life: 24 hours
All medicines may cause side effects, but many people have no, or minor, side effects.Some medical conditions may interact with Bupropion.
Tell your doctor or pharmacist if you have any medical conditions.
Common bupropion side effects may include: dry mouth, stuffy nose, nausea, constipation, sleep problems (insomnia), feeling anxious, dizziness or joint pain.
Symptoms of overdose include seizures, hallucinations, loss of consciousness, tachycardia, and cardiac arrest.
This is not a complete list of all side effects that may occur. If you have questions about side effects, contact your health care provider.
