Bupropion – Mechanism of Action | Psychopharmacology | Clinical Application

Posted on:March 23, 2021
Last Updated: November 24, 2023
Time to read: 8 minutes

Bupropion [Zyban], [Wellbutrin] is classed as an atypical antidepressant due to its activity as a norepinephrine–dopamine reuptake inhibitor and a nicotinic receptor antagonist. Bupropion is an aminoketone antidepressant approved to treat depression, seasonal affective disorder, and smoking cessation.

Bupropion also has considerable off-label non-approved uses, including anti-depressant-induced sexual dysfunction [Gitlin et al. 2002], ADHD [Conners et al. 1996], bipolar depression [Sachs et al. 2000], and obesity. [Anderson et al. 2002]

However, bupropion’s manufacturers GlaxoSmithKline had been fined for the unapproved promotion of Bupropion for sexual dysfunction and weight loss. [Article]

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