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Bupropion HCL and sleep in patients with depression

Publication ,  Journal Article
Krystal, AD; Thase, ME; Tucker, VL; Goodale, EP
Published in: Current Psychiatry Reviews
May 1, 2007

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.

Duke Scholars

Published In

Current Psychiatry Reviews

DOI

ISSN

1573-4005

Publication Date

May 1, 2007

Volume

3

Issue

2

Start / End Page

123 / 128

Related Subject Headings

  • Psychiatry
  • 5203 Clinical and health psychology
  • 3202 Clinical sciences
  • 1702 Cognitive Sciences
  • 1103 Clinical Sciences
 

Citation

APA
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MLA
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Krystal, A. D., Thase, M. E., Tucker, V. L., & Goodale, E. P. (2007). Bupropion HCL and sleep in patients with depression. Current Psychiatry Reviews, 3(2), 123–128. https://doi.org/10.2174/157340007780599096
Journal cover image

Published In

Current Psychiatry Reviews

DOI

ISSN

1573-4005

Publication Date

May 1, 2007

Volume

3

Issue

2

Start / End Page

123 / 128

Related Subject Headings

  • Psychiatry
  • 5203 Clinical and health psychology
  • 3202 Clinical sciences
  • 1702 Cognitive Sciences
  • 1103 Clinical Sciences