Bupropion and naltrexone: a review of their use individually and in combination for the treatment of obesity.
BACKGROUND
Bupropion and naltrexone are centrally active drugs that have shown potential efficacy - alone and in combination - for the treatment of obesity.


OBJECTIVE
To explore the efficacy and safety of naltrexone and bupropion alone and in a novel combination drug that utilizes sustained-release (SR) formulations of both drugs and to evaluate their efficacy in promoting weight loss. The mechanisms of action of these centrally acting drugs are discussed. Preclinical and clinical studies of bupropion and naltrexone alone and in combination are reviewed.


CONCLUSIONS
Both bupropion and naltrexone have been shown individually to induce weight loss. Bupropion has greater efficacy as monotherapy. Naltrexone SR potentiates the effects of bupropion SR; thus, this synergistic combination has the potential for additional weight loss compared to monotherapy. Current Phase III trials will yield further safety and efficacy information regarding these drugs in combination.
University of Nevada School of Medicine, Reno, NV 89502, USA. rplodkowski@medicine.nevada.edu
Raymond A
RA
Plodkowski
Quang
Q
Nguyen
Umasankari
U
Sundaram
Loida
L
Nguyen
Diane L
DL
Chau
Sachiko
S
St Jeor
D000818:Animals; D016642:Bupropion / Q000008:administration & dosage* / Q000737:chemistry / Q000493:pharmacokinetics; D002626:Chemistry, Pharmaceutical; D017326:Clinical Trials, Phase III as Topic / Q000379:methods; D004359:Drug Therapy, Combination; D006801:Humans; D009271:Naltrexone / Q000008:administration & dosage* / Q000737:chemistry / Q000493:pharmacokinetics; D009765:Obesity / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000378:metabolism; D015431:Weight Loss / Q000187:drug effects / Q000502:physiology
D016642:Bupropion; D009271:Naltrexone