Daily Medication Pearl: Bupropion (Aplenzin)

Medication Pearl of the Day: Bupropion (Aplenzin)

Indication: Bupropion (Aplenzin) is an aminoketone antidepressant, indicated for the treatment of major depressive disorder (MDD) and seasonal affective disorder (SAD). Periodically reevaluate long-term usefulness for the individual patient.

Insight:

• Dosing: Starting dose 174 mg once daily (equivalent to 150 mg bupropion HCl). Usual target dose 348 mg once daily (equivalent to 300 mg bupropion HCl).
• Dosage forms: Extended-release tablets 174 mg, 348 mg, and 522 mg.
• Adverse events: Most common adverse reactions are (incidence ≥5%; ≥2× placebo rate) dry mouth, nausea, insomnia, dizziness, pharyngitis, abdominal pain, agitation, anxiety, tremor, palpitation, sweating, tinnitus, myalgia, anorexia, urinary frequency, and rash.
• Mechanism of action: The mechanism of action of bupropion is unknown, as is the case with other antidepressants; however, it is presumed that this action is mediated by noradrenergic and/or dopaminergic mechanisms.
• Manufacturer: Valeant Pharma

Sources:

• Aplenzin Label S-007 (fda.gov)
• aplenzin - Google Search