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Switch to bupropion
Switch to bupropion is a Norepinephrine-dopamine reuptake inhibitor (NDRI) Small molecule drug developed by Centre for Addiction and Mental Health. It is currently FDA-approved for Major depressive disorder, Seasonal affective disorder, Smoking cessation (as Zyban/Wellbutrin SR). Also known as: Wellbutrin.
Bupropion is an atypical antidepressant that inhibits the reuptake of norepinephrine and dopamine, increasing their availability in the brain.
Bupropion is a small molecule that inhibits the sodium-dependent dopamine transporter, a mechanism that is associated with its effects. It has been studied as a treatment for conditions including cigarette smoking-related carcinoma, major depressive disorder, and stress, among others.
At a glance
| Generic name | Switch to bupropion |
|---|---|
| Also known as | Wellbutrin |
| Sponsor | Centre for Addiction and Mental Health |
| Drug class | Norepinephrine-dopamine reuptake inhibitor (NDRI) |
| Target | Norepinephrine transporter (NET); Dopamine transporter (DAT) |
| Modality | Small molecule |
| Therapeutic area | Psychiatry / Mental Health |
| Phase | FDA-approved |
Mechanism of action
Bupropion blocks the reuptake transporters for norepinephrine and dopamine at the presynaptic neuron, leading to increased concentrations of these neurotransmitters in the synaptic cleft. Unlike selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs), bupropion has minimal effects on serotonin reuptake. This mechanism is thought to improve mood, motivation, and energy levels, and may also reduce appetite and support smoking cessation.
Approved indications
- Major depressive disorder
- Seasonal affective disorder
- Smoking cessation (as Zyban/Wellbutrin SR)
- ADHD (off-label use)
Common side effects
- Insomnia
- Dry mouth
- Nausea
- Headache
- Dizziness
- Seizures
- Increased blood pressure
- Tremor
Key clinical trials
- The Effects of Combination Zonisamide and Bupropion on Switching to an Electronic Cigarette (PHASE3)
- Intensified Pharmacological Treatment for Schizophrenia, Major Depressive Disorder and Bipolar Depression After a First-time Treatment Failure (PHASE3)
- A Smart Approach to Treating Tobacco Use Disorder in Persons Living With HIV (PHASE4)
- Nicotine Replacement Therapy, Counseling, Varenicline, and Bupropion for Smoking Cessation, the PISCES I Trial (PHASE4)
- The Effect of a Six Week Intensified Pharmacological Treatment for Bipolar Depression Compared to Treatment as Usual in Subjects Who Had a First-time Treatment Failure on Their First-line Treatment. (PHASE3)
- Predictors of Cognitive Outcomes in Geriatric Depression (PHASE4)
- RCT of Brain Longitudinal Biomarker Study (OPT-Neuro RCT) (PHASE4)
- Optimizing Outcomes of Treatment-Resistant Depression in Older Adults (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:
- Switch to bupropion CI brief — competitive landscape report
- Switch to bupropion updates RSS · CI watch RSS
- Centre for Addiction and Mental Health portfolio CI
Frequently asked questions about Switch to bupropion
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Related
- Drug class: All Norepinephrine-dopamine reuptake inhibitor (NDRI) drugs
- Target: All drugs targeting Norepinephrine transporter (NET); Dopamine transporter (DAT)
- Manufacturer: Centre for Addiction and Mental Health — full pipeline
- Therapeutic area: All drugs in Psychiatry / Mental Health
- Indication: Drugs for Major depressive disorder
- Indication: Drugs for Seasonal affective disorder
- Indication: Drugs for Smoking cessation (as Zyban/Wellbutrin SR)
- Also known as: Wellbutrin
Primary sources · FDA · ClinicalTrials.gov · EMA · SEC EDGAR · ChEMBL · Wikidata · full sourcing