Posted by Caleb462 on May 2, 2003, at 0:03:55
In reply to 900 mg of Wellbutrin!?! » SLS, posted by Jack Smith on May 1, 2003, at 16:23:02
It has been discovered how Wellbutrin works, actually, though it isn't well known. Some researcher did a study on it - I can't remember the link though.
Anyway... bupropion's (wellbutrin) strongest pharmacological action is that of a dopamine reuptake inhibitor. It also inhibits serotonin and norepinephrine reuptake, to a lesser degree. However, even it's dopamine action is very weak - even weaker than that of Zoloft. However - bupropion has several active metabolites that are also dopamine (and I guess norepinephrine/serotonin) reuptake inhibitors. Initially, the amounts of these metabolites in the body are very small - and thus have little effect. However, the blood levels of these metabolites continue to rise over a period of a few weeks, and in time, the blood levels of bupropion and it's metabolites are high enough that a strong inhibitory effect on the dopamine reuptake site is achieved. This is why Wellbutrin has a typical anti-depressant waiting period until full AD effects are felt.
poster:Caleb462
thread:223623
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