Extended-release bupropion: an antidepressant with a broad spectrum of therapeutic activity?
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.
Clayton
Anita H
AH
Department of Psychiatry and Neurobehavioural Sciences, University of Virginia, 2955 Ivy Road, Northridge Suite 210, Charlottesville, VA 22903, USA. ahc8v@virginia.edu
D018687:Antidepressive Agents, Second-Generation / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D001714:Bipolar Disorder / Q000188:drug therapy*; D016642:Bupropion / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D003692:Delayed-Action Preparations / Q000627:therapeutic use; D018765:Dopamine Uptake Inhibitors / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D012449:Safety
D018687:Antidepressive Agents, Second-Generation; D003692:Delayed-Action Preparations; D018765:Dopamine Uptake Inhibitors; D016642:Bupropion