What Is Buproban Used For?

How Buproban Works

Buproban was first developed as an antidepressant. In fact, bupropion, its active ingredient, is available in several products approved for the treatment of depression (Wellbutrin^®, Wellbutrin SR^®, and Wellbutrin XR^®). Buproban is part of a class of drugs known as norepinephrine and dopamine reuptake inhibitors, or NDRIs for short. NDRIs, such as Buproban, act on specific chemicals within the brain known as norepinephrine and dopamine. These are two of several chemicals used to send messages from one nerve cell to another.

 

As a message travels down a nerve, it causes the end of the cell to release norepinephrine (or dopamine). The norepinephrine (or dopamine) enters the gap between the first nerve cell and the one next to it. When enough norepinephrine or dopamine reaches the second nerve cell, it activates receptors on the cell, and the message continues on its way. The first cell then quickly absorbs any norepinephrine or dopamine that remains in the gap between cells. This is called "reuptake."

 

Buproban helps to block the reuptake of norepinephrine and dopamine so that more of each chemical remains in the space between the brain's nerve cells. This gives the norepinephrine and dopamine a better chance of activating the receptors on the next nerve cell. It is thought that this action helps people to be more successful at quitting smoking.

 

Is Buproban Used for Children?

Buproban is not approved for helping children or adolescents stop smoking, as it has not been studied in people under the age of 18. Talk with your healthcare provider about the risks and benefits of using Buproban in children or teens.

 

Is Buproban Used for Off-Label Reasons?

On occasion, your healthcare provider may recommend Buproban for something other than quitting smoking. This is called an "off-label" use. At this time, there are several off-label Buproban uses, including: