Bupropion (amfebutamone) (brand names Wellbutrin and Zyban) is an antidepressant of the aminoketone class, chemically unrelated to tricyclics or selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs). It is similar in structure to the stimulant cathinone, and to phenethylamines in general. It is a chemical derivative of diethylpropion, an amphetamine-like substance used as an anorectic. Bupropion is both a dopamine reuptake inhibitor and a norepinephrine reuptake inhibitor. It is often used as a smoking cessation aid.

History

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Bupropion was first synthesized by Burroughs Research in 1966, and patented by Burroughs-Wellcome (later Glaxo-Wellcome, and, as of 2000, GlaxoSmithKline) in 1974. It was approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) as an antidepressant in 1989 and marketed under the name Wellbutrin, 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. It was subsequently discovered that reducing the dose by about half greatly reduced the risk of seizures.

Glaxo then developed a sustained-release (SR) version of Wellbutrin which releases bupropion at a slower rate. The SR formulation is taken twice a day, in order to further decrease the possibility of adverse side effects and seizures. It is also available in generic form (Bupropion SR). Extended Release bupropion, Wellbutrin XL, is the most recent formulation of bupropion and is taken orally once a day. With this altered mechanism of delivery and reduced dosing, incidence of seizures is comparable to, and in some cases lower than, that of other antidepressants. Patients using Bupropion should still be checked for pre-disposing factors that might lead to a lower than normal seizure threshold. It is also important to check for other medications the patient might be using which might also work to lower the seizure threshold.

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In devel: "Obesity treatment drug" combining bupropion (Wellbutrin) and naltrexone. Weird to me on several levels. http://bit.ly/84TbvD
champignon (Kristina Spurgin) Sat, 19 Dec 2009 02:47:44 -0000
In devel: "Obesity treatment drug" combining bupropion (Wellbutrin) and naltrexone. Weird to me on several levels. http://bit.ly/84TbvD
effect of varenicline & bupropion on smoking lapse bhavior http://bit.ly/5ie9ZL
usclinicaltrial (US Clinical Trials) Fri, 18 Dec 2009 16:02:41 -0000
effect of varenicline & bupropion on smoking lapse bhavior http://bit.ly/5ie9ZL
do trtmts 4 smoking cessation affect alcohol drinking? stdy 2: do varenicline & bupropion change alcohol drinking? http://bit.ly/5k0vTp
localtrials (US Clinical Trials ) Fri, 18 Dec 2009 04:10:43 -0000
do trtmts 4 smoking cessation affect alcohol drinking? stdy 2: do varenicline & bupropion change alcohol drinking? http://bit.ly/5k0vTp
do trtmts 4 smoking cessation affect alcohol drinking? stdy 2: do varenicline & bupropion change alcohol drinking? http://bit.ly/5k0vTp
usclinicaltrial (US Clinical Trials) Fri, 18 Dec 2009 03:42:49 -0000
do trtmts 4 smoking cessation affect alcohol drinking? stdy 2: do varenicline & bupropion change alcohol drinking? http://bit.ly/5k0vTp
Latest Topics: bupropion, orange star, urology, OXYMETHOBOL, enzox, 30 mg morphine side effects, purple pills with a p, meth how long in sys
druginfo (Medicine Community) Thu, 17 Dec 2009 07:29:59 -0000
Latest Topics: bupropion, orange star, urology, OXYMETHOBOL, enzox, 30 mg morphine side effects, purple pills with a p, meth how long in sys
Zyban - Stop Smoking Pill: Drug Zyban- Quit Smoking Today!: This drug, which has a generic name of Bupropion hydroc... http://bit.ly/6C6IUd
halliwellni (Nivalon Halliwell) Wed, 16 Dec 2009 16:26:00 -0000
Zyban - Stop Smoking Pill: Drug Zyban- Quit Smoking Today!: This drug, which has a generic name of Bupropion hydroc... http://bit.ly/6C6IUd

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