Drug updated on 4/17/2024
| Dosage Form | Tablet (oral: 150 mg, 300 mg) |
| Drug Class | Aminoketone antidepressants |
| Ongoing and Completed Studies | ClinicalTrials.gov |
Indication
- Indicated for the treatment of major depressive disorder (MDD).
- Indicated for the prevention of seasonal affective disorder (SAD).
Summary
- Bupropion hydrochloride (Wellbutrin XL) is indicated for the treatment of major depressive disorder and the prevention of seasonal affective disorder. It has also been evaluated for its use in methamphetamine use disorder and amphetamine-type stimulant use disorder, with varying outcomes.
- Five systematic reviews/meta-analyses provided insights on this drug's efficacy and safety profile across different applications.
- The combination of bupropion with cognitive behavioral therapy did not demonstrate a significant difference in reducing the risk of relapse compared to placebo in individuals with methamphetamine use disorder. However, it showed a modest reduction in amphetamine-type stimulant usage and craving, with particularly more pronounced effects observed among male-only samples during longer trial durations.
- In treating Major Depressive Disorder (MDD), bupropion was effective at reducing symptoms by 50% or more compared to placebo. However, no single antidepressant, including bupropion, was found to be superior to others, indicating a need for individualized treatment approaches based on patient preferences and characteristics.
- For Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD), there was insufficient direct evidence from new randomized controlled trials (RCTs) comparing second-generation antidepressants like bupropion directly against placebos or other treatments specifically designed for SAD. This limitation restricts conclusions regarding its effectiveness in this area.
- Regarding cardiovascular safety, a meta-analysis reported no association between the use of Bupropion alone or combined with naltrexone, either as a weight loss aid or smoking cessation tool, suggesting a potentially favorable cardiovascular safety profile.
Product Monograph / Prescribing Information
| Document Title | Year | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Wellbutrin XL (bupropion hydrochloride) Prescribing Information | 2022 | Bausch Health US, LLC., Bridgewater, NJ |
Systematic Reviews / Meta-Analyses
| Document Title | Year | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Efficacy of bupropion and cognitive behavioral therapy in the treatment of methamphetamine use disorder: a systematic review and meta-analysis. | 2023 | Brazilian Journal of Psychiatry |
| Bupropion for treatment of amphetamine-type stimulant use disorder: A systematic review and meta-analysis of placebo-controlled randomized clinical trials. | 2023 | Drug Alcohol Depend |
| Individualized antidepressant therapy in patients with major depressive disorder: Novel evidence-informed decision support tool. | 2022 | Canadian Family Physician |
| Second-generation antidepressants for treatment of seasonal affective disorder. | 2021 | The Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews |
| Cardiovascular safety of naltrexone and bupropion therapy: systematic review and meta-analyses. | 2021 | Obesity Reviews |
Clinical Practice Guidelines
| Document Title | Year | Source |
|---|---|---|
| AGA clinical practice guideline on pharmacological interventions for adults with obesity. | 2022 | Gastroenterology |
| Consensus statements on the clinical understanding and use of bupropion in Hong Kong. | 2021 | CNS Neuroscience and Therapeutics |