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Bupropion: Wellbutrin XL®
Bupropion is a norepinephrine-dopamine reuptake inhibitor (NDRI) that increases levels of norepinephrine and dopamine in the brain by blocking their reuptake at the presynaptic neuron.
Bupropion is a norepinephrine-dopamine reuptake inhibitor (NDRI) that increases levels of norepinephrine and dopamine in the brain by blocking their reuptake at the presynaptic neuron. Used for Major depressive disorder, Seasonal affective disorder, Smoking cessation (as Zyban®).
At a glance
| Generic name | Bupropion: Wellbutrin XL® |
|---|---|
| Also known as | Arm: Experimental - Active Medication Combination (AMC) |
| Sponsor | University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center |
| Drug class | Norepinephrine-dopamine reuptake inhibitor (NDRI) |
| Target | Norepinephrine transporter (NET); Dopamine transporter (DAT) |
| Modality | Small molecule |
| Therapeutic area | Psychiatry / Neurology |
| Phase | Phase 3 |
Mechanism of action
By inhibiting the reuptake of norepinephrine and dopamine, bupropion increases the concentration of these neurotransmitters in the synaptic cleft, enhancing their availability for receptor binding. This mechanism differs from selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) and makes bupropion particularly useful for depression with anhedonia or fatigue. Wellbutrin XL is an extended-release formulation designed for once-daily dosing.
Approved indications
- Major depressive disorder
- Seasonal affective disorder
- Smoking cessation (as Zyban®)
Common side effects
- Insomnia
- Dry mouth
- Nausea
- Headache
- Seizures
- Agitation
- Constipation
Key clinical trials
- Trial of Naltrexone/Bupropion for the Treatment of Methamphetamine Use Disorder (PHASE3)
- Safety and PK Study of BICX104 With or Without Bupropion Compared to Vivitrol (PHASE1)
- Relapse Prevention in Stimulant Use Disorder (EARLY_PHASE1)
- Accelerated Development of Additive Pharmacotherapy Treatment (ADAPT-2) for Methamphetamine Use Disorder (PHASE3)
- Accelerated Development of Additive Pharmacotherapy Treatment for Methamphetamine Use Disorder (PHASE1, PHASE2)
- A 7-year Assessment on Subject Understanding of ZYBAN/ WELLBUTRIN Associated Risks
- Bupropion Hydrochloride 300 mg Extended Release Tablets Under Fasting Conditions (PHASE1)
- Interventional Study of Wellbutrin XL in Major Depressive Disorder With Atypical Features (PHASE4)
Primary sources
Every claim on this page is sourced from regulatory or scientific primary sources. See our editorial policy for full methodology.
| Source | Used for |
|---|---|
| ClinicalTrials.gov | Trial enrolment, design, endpoints, results |
Competitive intelligence
For the full competitive landscape — auto-detected comparators, recent regulatory actions across the set, upcoming PDUFA, patent timeline, sponsor landscape:
- Bupropion: Wellbutrin XL® CI brief — competitive landscape report
- Bupropion: Wellbutrin XL® updates RSS · CI watch RSS
- University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center portfolio CI