MRP-180/-
BUPACURE-150
Bupropion 150mg tablet
1. Introduction
• Drug Class: Atypical antidepressant
• Unique Feature:
• Unlike SSRIs, it works mainly on dopamine
and norepinephrine.
• Effective in both depression and smoking
cessation therapy.
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2. Mechanism of Action
• Acts as a Norepinephrine-Dopamine
Reuptake Inhibitor (NDRI).
• Increases dopamine and norepinephrine
levels in the brain.
• Has no significant direct effect on
serotonin (unlike SSRIs).
• Benefits:
• Improves mood and energy.
• Enhances focus and motivation.
• Reduces nicotine craving and
withdrawal symptoms.
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3. Pharmacokinetics
• Absorption: Well absorbed orally.
• Metabolism: Primarily by the liver (CYP2B6
enzyme).
• Half-life: ~21 hours (supports once or twice
daily dosing).
• Excretion: Mainly through urine.
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4. Indications
1. Major Depressive Disorder (MDD)
2. Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD) –
depression during winter months.
3. Smoking cessation therapy – reduces
craving and withdrawal.
4. Off-label uses:
• Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder
(ADHD)
• Obesity (as it does not cause weight gain)
• Sexual dysfunction (especially SSRI-induced
sexual dysfunction)
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5. Dosage
• For depression:
• Start with 150 mg once daily (SR/XL
formulation).
• Gradually increase to 300–450 mg/day
(divided doses).
• For smoking cessation:
• 150 mg once daily for 3 days, then 150 mg
twice daily.
• Quit date should be set 1–2 weeks after
starting therapy.
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6. Adverse Effects
• Common:
• Insomnia
• Headache
• Dry mouth
• Anxiety, restlessness
• Serious (rare but important):
• Seizures (dose-dependent risk, especially
>450 mg/day)
• Hypertension
• Agitation, mood changes
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7. Drug Interactions
• Alcohol: Increases seizure risk.
• MAO inhibitors: Contraindicated (at least 14-
day washout needed).
• Drugs affecting CYP2B6 metabolism
(inhibitors or inducers) may require dose
adjustments.
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8. Contraindications
• History of seizure disorder or predisposition to
seizures.
• Eating disorders (Anorexia nervosa, Bulimia
nervosa).
• Patients undergoing abrupt alcohol or
benzodiazepine withdrawal.
• Severe hepatic impairment.
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9. Advantages
• Does not cause weight gain (unlike many
antidepressants).
• Less sexual dysfunction compared to SSRIs.
• Improves energy and alertness (not sedating).
• Effective in smoking cessation – dual benefit.
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10. Limitations
• Seizure risk limits maximum daily dose to 450
mg.
• Can worsen anxiety or insomnia in some
patients.
• Not suitable for patients with eating disorders
or seizure history.
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11. Clinical Evidence
• Comparable efficacy to SSRIs in depression
treatment.
• FDA-approved for smoking cessation and
highly effective in reducing relapse.
• Patients report better energy, motivation,
and sexual functioning compared to SSRIs.
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✅ Conclusion:
BUPACURE is a unique and versatile antidepressant that improves mood, helps patients quit smoking, and has advantages like less weight gain, less sedation, and fewer sexual side effects. However, it must be used with caution due to the risk of seizures and contraindications in certain populations.
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