Pharmacology / Mechanism of Action
The exact mechanism of action of bupropion has not been fully elucidated. In rats, chronic stress leads to increased levels of tyrosine hydroxylase (a key enzyme in norepinephrine synthesis) in the locus coeruleus (LC). Chronic use of bupropion, as well as many antidepressants, shows decreased expression of tyrosine hydroxylase in the LC. The true significance of these findings is not yet clear, but other known mechanisms of action of bupropion are that it is a relatively weak inhibitor of neuronal norepinephrine, serotonin and dopamine uptake. It does not inhibit monoamine oxidase.
Bupropion selectively inhibits dopamine reuptake, much like cocaine, but, arguably, without the reinforcing effects. It has been used to treat children with ADHD, but there is a high incidence of severe skin rashes when used in this manner. It has also been effective in the treatment of smoking cessation (under the trade name Zyban). Unlike many antidepressants, Bupropion is not used to treat panic attacks, however, patients who have suffered sexual dysfunction as a result of serotonin-specific reuptake inhibitors may show some improvement if switched to bupropion. Its ability to treat cocaine addiction appears promising, though controversial.
History
First developed in the late 1970's it was first approved for sale in the United States in 1985 but quickly removed from the market in 1986 due to problems with seizures in patients. In 1989, Bupropion was placed back on the market in the United States at a lower recommended dose.
Slang / Brands
Amfebutemone; Bupropion; Wellbutrin (as anti-depressant); Zyban (as nicotine addiction treatment)
call me naive but can someone please explane to me what this means, ive read all the threads and done as much research as my mind will take, and still i am left with no conclusive evidence to indicate that its not harmful to take mdma whilst taking Zyban, there seems to be alote of opinion and not a great deal of fact, i do understand that there is not a great deal of evidance to prove how Zyban works either, it seems that the medical industry just accepts the fact that it works on a small percentage of people and they cant find and real proof as to how it work!!!! but i do wish to thank you all for your time and effort and i must admit i have learnt a thing or two!!! if anyone has some hard evidance to prove that mixing mdma and zyban is dangerious or harmless could u please post it....
kind regards
