Bupropion, an Atypical Antidepressant?

Last week, I added a slideshow to my blog, consisting of all the antidepressants, their generic names, and a photo example. Of all the antidepressants pictured, only one of them was described with a caption that I had not mentioned in my first post. While I classified sertraline with the SSRIs and phenelzine with the MAOIs, I found that bupropion (commonly known by the brand name Wellbutrin) was merely described as an atypical antidepressant. Apparently, it is unique.

What is different about Bupropion? The first major difference is the way it works. Bupropion is a NDRI, or norepinephrine and dopamine reputake inhibitor. It uses the same reuptake process I explained previously but works on different neurotransmitters.

Bupropion is the only medicine of it's kind approved for use. It is used to treat major depressive disorder (clinical depression), seasonal affective disorder, and also to help people quit smoking (under the brand name Zyban) in some cases. The mechanism behind it's use against smoking is unknown but it has been shown to reduce cravings, even in those that are not depressed, without any replacement nicotine. Nicotine replacement therapy is the common method of smoking cessation today.

But disregarding it's smoking cessation options, what sets this medication apart from the others in practice? One major factor is that it is less likely to develop sexual side effects while on Wellbutrin than it is with many other antidepressants. For many people, the risk of sexual dysfunction is an important part of their antidepressant prescription. Though even with Wellbutrin, sexual side effects remain a possibility. In fact, there are many side effects including "agitation, weight loss, dry mouth, constipation, headaches, nausea or vomiting, dizziness, increased sweating, tremors, insomnia, and appetite loss." Those beginning to take Wellbutrin are also advised to be aware that it is possible for suicidal thoughts to increase at the start of the prescription taking.  Burpropion has interactions with MAOIs that can be very serious. This medicine is not right for everyone, and those with a history of seizures, eating disorders, brain injuries, manic depressive disorder, heart disease, liver problems,  kidney disease, or suffer from certain allergies. It is also important to be weary of pregnancy, future pregnancy, breastfeeding, or regular alcohol consumption while taking Wellbutrin. After all this, I sound much like one of those slightly terrifying commericals about an antidepressant.

With all the things that could go wrong, why would someone take this drug? Could it really help him or her? Many patients that find success with Wellbutrin and other bupropion brand names praise the way the medicine did not dull their emotions like other antidepressants they had tried in the past had done. Some say they were affected by very few side effects and often those who were affected, said they were minor, went away over time, and were worth waiting out. With even a handful of people who claim their lives to be truly turned around by a drug like Wellbutrin, it seems difficult to claim that antidepressants do not function as they are meant to.


"Wellbutrin Success Stories." Depression Forums. Web. 22 Feb. 2012. <http://www.depressionforums.org/forums/topic/1881-positive-stories-about-wellbutrin/>.

"Bupropion Hydrochloride (Zyban) for Quitting Smoking." WebMD. WebMD, 22 July 2009. Web. 22 Feb. 2012. <http://www.webmd.com/smoking-cessation/bupropion-hydrochloride-zyban-for-quitting-smoking>.

 

"Once-Daily WELLBUTRIN XL®." Once-Daily WELLBUTRIN XL®. Web. 22 Feb. 2012. <http://www.wellbutrinxl.com/>.

 

"Wellbutrin." Depression Home Page. Web. 22 Feb. 2012. <http://depression.emedtv.com/wellbutrin/wellbutrin.html>.