Bupropion (Wellbutrin) increases which neurotransmitters?

Prepare for the Certified Addictions Registered Nurse (CARN) Advanced Practice Test. Utilize flashcards and multiple-choice questions, complete with hints and explanations. Boost your readiness for the exam!

Multiple Choice

Bupropion (Wellbutrin) increases which neurotransmitters?

Explanation:
Bupropion works by blocking the reuptake of dopamine and norepinephrine, which increases their availability in the synaptic cleft. This makes it a dopamine and norepinephrine reuptake inhibitor (NDRI). Because of this mechanism, the drug primarily boosts those two neurotransmitters, rather than serotonin or other systems. It also has some nicotinic receptor antagonism, which helps with smoking cessation, but the key effect relevant to its antidepressant action and stimulant-like activation is the increased dopamine and norepinephrine. So, the neurotransmitters most clearly increased by bupropion are dopamine and norepinephrine.

Bupropion works by blocking the reuptake of dopamine and norepinephrine, which increases their availability in the synaptic cleft. This makes it a dopamine and norepinephrine reuptake inhibitor (NDRI). Because of this mechanism, the drug primarily boosts those two neurotransmitters, rather than serotonin or other systems. It also has some nicotinic receptor antagonism, which helps with smoking cessation, but the key effect relevant to its antidepressant action and stimulant-like activation is the increased dopamine and norepinephrine. So, the neurotransmitters most clearly increased by bupropion are dopamine and norepinephrine.

Subscribe

Get the latest from Passetra

You can unsubscribe at any time. Read our privacy policy