Bupropion for depression

Article Abstract:

The medication bupropion was recently marketed in the United States for treating depression. The mechanism of its antidepressive action is not known, although the drug prevents the uptake of dopamine into cells. Bupropion is rapidly absorbed from the gastrointestinal tract, broken down in the liver, and eliminated mainly in the urine. The breakdown products of bupropion have been associated with ineffectiveness and toxicity. One study indicated that depression improved in 27 of 34 depressed patients given bupropion, compared with improvement in 2 of 13 depressed patients who received no treatment. Other studies have demonstrated that bupropion is as effective as amitriptyline and doxepin, other antidepressant agents, and was effective in patients who had not previously responded to antidepressant therapy. Bupropion is generally well tolerated, but may cause some adverse effects, such as agitation, and may worsen psychoses in depressed schizophrenic patients. Bupropion has been associated with the risk of seizures, which led the manufacturer to withdraw the drug from the market in 1986. A more recent study reported that among 3,000 depressed outpatients given bupropion, 13 patients had seizures, resulting in a low incidence of 0.4 percent. There is an increase in the incidence of adverse effects when bupropion is taken with certain drugs, including levodopa and agents which affect metabolism in the liver, such as cimetidine. The appropriate dose of bupropion is discussed. (Consumer Summary produced by Reliance Medical Information, Inc.)

Health aspects, Complications and side effects, Antidepressants

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Paroxetine for treatment of depression

Article Abstract:

Paroxetine (Paxil) may be an effective treatment for depression. Paroxetine is a serotonin reuptake inhibitor that is now available in the US for therapeutic use. It is absorbed from the gastrointestinal tract and is almost completely metabolized during its first pass through the liver. A study examined the effectiveness of paroxetine in 645 outpatients suffering from major depression. Paroxetine was more effective than some antidepressants and less effective than others. Side effects include nausea, drowsiness, sweating, tremor, insomnia, weakness and ejaculatory disturbances. A dosage of 20 milligrams per day is recommended for patients beginning treatment with paroxetine.

Paxil (Medication)

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Bupropion (Zyban) for smoking cessation

Article Abstract:

The antidepressant drug bupropion is now available under the trade name Zyban for use in smoking cessation programs. The drug affects the metabolism of the neurotransmitter dopamine, which is thought to play a role in addiction. Only two controlled trials have been done, but both showed that smokers using Zyban had higher rates of quitting. The most common side effects are dry mouth and insomnia but tremor, rash, and allergic reactions have been reported. Zyban may not be any more effective than nicotine patches and gums. The drug may interact with other drugs such as Prozac and Tegretol.

Smoking cessation programs, Smoking cessation, Zyban (Medication)

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