What is the mechanism of action of bupropion in treating depression?

What is the mechanism of action of bupropion in treating depression?

• A. Serotonin reuptake inhibition
• B. Norepinephrine and dopamine reuptake inhibition
• C. Monoamine oxidase inhibition
• D. Glutamate modulation

Answer: (B)

Bupropion acts primarily as a norepinephrine and dopamine reuptake inhibitor. This mechanism is distinct from many other antidepressants, notably selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs), which primarily target serotonin levels. By preventing the reuptake of norepinephrine and dopamine in the synaptic cleft, bupropion enhances the availability of these neurotransmitters in the brain, which is thought to contribute to its antidepressant and stimulant effects. This action can lead to an improvement in mood and a reduction in depressive symptoms, making bupropion effective for treating major depressive disorder (MDD) and also beneficial for patients who may not tolerate traditional SSRIs due to side effects. Additionally, bupropion is distinct in that it typically does not lead to weight gain and can even support weight loss, which is a common concern for many individuals with depression. Other options like serotonin reuptake inhibition or monoamine oxidase inhibition do not apply to bupropion’s pharmacological profile, as its effects are specifically related to norepinephrine and dopamine, while glutamate modulation is not a primary action attributed to this medication.

Bupropion acts primarily as a norepinephrine and dopamine reuptake inhibitor. This mechanism is distinct from many other antidepressants, notably selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs), which primarily target serotonin levels. By preventing the reuptake of norepinephrine and dopamine in the synaptic cleft, bupropion enhances the availability of these neurotransmitters in the brain, which is thought to contribute to its antidepressant and stimulant effects.

This action can lead to an improvement in mood and a reduction in depressive symptoms, making bupropion effective for treating major depressive disorder (MDD) and also beneficial for patients who may not tolerate traditional SSRIs due to side effects. Additionally, bupropion is distinct in that it typically does not lead to weight gain and can even support weight loss, which is a common concern for many individuals with depression.

Other options like serotonin reuptake inhibition or monoamine oxidase inhibition do not apply to bupropion’s pharmacological profile, as its effects are specifically related to norepinephrine and dopamine, while glutamate modulation is not a primary action attributed to this medication.