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Bupropion (amfebutamone) is an antidepressant of the aminoketone class, chemically unrelated to tricyclics or SSRIs. It is similar in
structure to the stimulant cathinone, and to phenethylamines in general.
History
Bupropion was first synthesized by Burroughs Research in 1966, and patented by
Burroughs-Wellcome (later Glaxo-Wellcome) in 1974. It was approved by the FDA in 1985 and marketed under the name Wellbutrin as an antidepressant, but clinical trials
indicated that incidence of seizure was two to four times greater than other
antidepressants and the drug was quickly pulled from the market. Glaxo, realizing that
seizure risk was a function of dosage, then developed and marketed a sustained-release (SR) version of Wellbutrin which, when
ingested, releases bupropion hydrochloride at a constant, gradual rate into the body. Because of this altered mechanism of
delivery, incidence of seizure with Wellbutrin-SR is comparable to, and in some cases, lower than that of other
antidepressants.
In 1997, bupropion HCl was approved by the FDA for use as a smoking cessation aid.
Because the name Wellbutrin was still associated with high seizure risk, the drug was subsequently marketed by Glaxo under the
name Zyban to help people stop smoking tobacco by reducing the
severity of withdrawal symptoms. It can be used in combination with nicotine replacement therapies. Bupropion treatment
course lasts for seven to twelve weeks, the patient halting the use of tobacco around ten days into the course.
It is contraindicated in people taking medication for seizure disorders (phenytoin, phenobarbital), with bulimia or anorexia, with kidney or liver
dysfunctions, or people already taking any monoamine oxidase inhibitor. It can also cause problems with cold remedies, certain herbal
supplements, creatine, cimetidine, ephedrine, and benzodiazepines.
Mode of action
Bupropion is a selective catecholamine (norepinephrine and dopamine) reuptake inhibitor. It has
only a small effect on serotonin reuptake. It does not inhibit MAO. The actual mechanism behind bupropion's action is not known, but it
is thought to be due to the effects on dopaminergic and noradrenergic mechanisms.
Pharmacokinetics
Bupropion is metabolised in the liver. It has at least three active metabolites; hydroxybupropion, threohydrobupropion and
erythrohydrobupropion. These active metabolites are further metabolised to inactive metabolites and eliminated through excretion
into the urine. The half-life of bupropion is 20 hours as is hydroxybupropion's. Threohydrobupropion's half-life is 37 hours and
erythrohydrobupropion's 33 hours.
Pills
Wellbutrin pills are available in three forms: immediate release, sustained release (SR) and extended release (XL). Generic
forms of immediate and sustained release are available.
| Brand Name |
Dosage |
Color |
| Wellbutrin |
75 mg |
yellow-gold |
| Wellbutrin |
100 mg |
red |
| Wellbutrin SR |
100 mg |
blue |
| Wellbutrin SR |
150 mg |
purple |
| Wellbutrin SR |
200 mg |
pink |
| Wellbutrin XL |
150 mg |
white |
| Wellbutrin XL |
300 mg |
white |
| Zyban |
??? mg |
??? |
| Zyban SR |
150 mg |
purple |
Side effects
Common side effects include dry mouth, tremors, anxiety, loss of appetite,
agitation, dizziness, headache, excessive sweating, increased risk of seizure, and insomnia.
Bupropion causes less insomnia if it is taken just before going to bed.
Sexual side effects normally accompanying SSRI's do not accompany bupropion. Interestingly, patients commonly report increased libido, perhaps evidence of its dopaminergic properties.
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