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Wellbutrin

Wellbutrin is the brand name for the drug bupropion, which is normally prescribed for the treatment of depression ...

Wellbutrin is the brand name for the drug bupropion, which is normally prescribed for the treatment of depression and is marketed today by the pharmaceutical company GlaxoSmithKline. Bupropion is of the amino ketone class of chemicals, and acts as both a dopamine reuptake inhibitor and as a norepinephrine reuptake inhibitor. Chemically, it is a derivative of the stimulant diethlypropion, and is similar in structure to phenethylamines.  Wellbutrin is not related to other antidepressant medications such as selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs), or tricyclics. It is also sometime prescribed in the treatment of attention deficit disorder and as an aid to help people quit smoking.

Bupropion was first invented in 1966 by Burroughs Research, and was patented by Burroughs-Wellcome in 1974. Burroughs-Wellcome later became GlaxoSmithKline, and still owns the patent for the drug as of 2006. Bupropion, under the name Wellbutrin, was FDA approved in 1985, but was quickly pulled from the market after it became clear that the drug was upwards to four times more likely to cause seizures than other antidepressants. It was later discovered that if the dosage of Wellbutrin was reduced by half or more, the risk of seizure became minimal. It reappeared on the market in a time-released form, called Wellbutrin XL, with dramatically less incidents of seizure, and it is this version of the drug that is most commonly used today. It is available in generic form, called simply Bupropion SR.

GlaxoSmithKline released a form of bupropion under the brand name Zyban as a treatment to reduce cravings associated with nicotine withdrawal. Because nicotine cravings are believed to be associated with a lack of dopamine, a dopamine reuptake inhibitor like Zyban may be effective in helping someone quit smoking, and can be used in conjunction with nicotine replacement therapy. 

It is not entirely clear why Wellbutrin is helpful in treating depression. As with most antidepressant medications, some people find it very effective and others receive to relief in their symptoms whatsoever. If a patient has tried SSRI medications with no effect, Wellbutrin may be an effective alternative, and vice versa.

Side effects of both Wellbutrin and Zyban include dry mouth, tremor, dizziness, sweating, headache, insomnia, agitation and a slight increase in the risk of seizure. Unlike some SSRIs, Wellbutrin is not effective in the treatment of anxiety disorders, and may even make such conditions worse. Like other antidepressant medication, it should not be used in conjunction with MAO-inhibitors. Wellbutrin is not recommended for anyone suffering from liver damage, kidney disease, anxiety disorders, eating disorders, hypertension, of epilepsy. 

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