Extended-release bupropion: an antidepressant with a broad spectrum of therapeutic activity?

Expert Opin Pharmacother. 2007 Mar;8(4):457-66. doi: 10.1517/14656566.8.4.457.

Abstract

Bupropion, a noradrenaline and dopamine re-uptake inhibitor, has long been indicated for the treatment of depression. Recent studies have demonstrated additional benefits in depression, including: prevention of the recurrence of seasonal affective disorder in depressive subtypes with decreased energy, pleasure and interest; in major depression with concomitant anxiety; in elderly depressed patients; for non-response to initial serotonin re-uptake inhibitor therapy or augmentation of partial efficacy with serotonin re-uptake inhibitors; and in bipolar depression. Efficacy in other conditions has also been shown in studies of attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, nicotine dependence, obesity and hypoactive sexual desire disorder. Thus, bupropion has proven effective across a broad spectrum of depressive conditions, subtypes and comorbidities.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Antidepressive Agents, Second-Generation / therapeutic use*
  • Bipolar Disorder / drug therapy*
  • Bupropion / adverse effects
  • Bupropion / therapeutic use*
  • Delayed-Action Preparations / therapeutic use
  • Dopamine Uptake Inhibitors / therapeutic use*
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Safety

Substances

  • Antidepressive Agents, Second-Generation
  • Delayed-Action Preparations
  • Dopamine Uptake Inhibitors
  • Bupropion