Bupropion HCL and sleep in patients with depression
Objectives: Depressed patients often have insomnia, daytime sleepiness, and/or changes in sleep architecture. These sleep/wake changes are associated with diminished quality of life, impaired function, diminished treatment response and greater risk of relapse. Antidepressants may cause, exacerbate, or ameliorate these sleep/wake alterations. The sleep/wake effects of bupropion, a norepinephrine/ dopamine re-uptake inhibitor (NDRI), are relatively less well established. We carried out this literature review in order to characterize the sleep/wake effects of bupropion, provide an understanding of the antidepressant mechanisms involved and discuss implications for clinical practice. Methods: Manuscripts were identified using PubMed. In addition, reports were selected from references in the original search and reports concerning bupropion extended-release were provided by the manufacturer. Results: Bupropion was not associated with daytime sedation. Sleep disturbance occurs at a low rate, comparable to other modern reuptake inhibitors. Unlike other antidepressants, bupropion does not suppress REM sleep nor increase the risk of periodic leg movement disorder. Conclusion: Bupropion has a unique sleep/wake profile, which may be particularly well-suited for treatment of individuals suffering from depression accompanied by significant fatigue/sleepiness. A lack of REM suppression, which likely reflects bupropion's NDRI mechanism of action, is also distinctive and does not affect antidepressant efficacy. © 2007 Bentham Science Publishers Ltd.
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Related Subject Headings
- Psychiatry
- 5203 Clinical and health psychology
- 3202 Clinical sciences
- 1702 Cognitive Sciences
- 1103 Clinical Sciences
Citation
Published In
DOI
ISSN
Publication Date
Volume
Issue
Start / End Page
Related Subject Headings
- Psychiatry
- 5203 Clinical and health psychology
- 3202 Clinical sciences
- 1702 Cognitive Sciences
- 1103 Clinical Sciences