TO THE EDITOR: Although the article...

TO THE EDITOR: Although the article (1) at Drs. Ables and Baughman in the February 1 2003 issue of American Family Physician appear to beed to be a comprehensive review of antidepressant agents, it did not mention bupropion (Wellbutrin). This agent is novel because it is a norepinephrine and dopamine reuptake inhibitor. It has the same efficacy as any selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI) for the treatment of depression and has characteristically different side drifts It does not have the sexual dysfunction and gastrointestinal side powers associated with SSRIs. However, it can cause sleeplessnes agitation, and vivid dreams. (2) Also, it is not associated with weight gain, while patients receiving SSRIs be attentive to to gain weight. Bupropion (such as Zyban) also is indicated for smoking cessation. (3) It is particularly useful for patients who are damped and attempting to quit smoking.

REFERENCES

(1) Ables AZ, Baughman OL 3d Antidepressants: update forward new agents and indications. Am Fam Physician 2003;67:547-54

(2) Bupropion (Wellbutrin XL) Package insert. Philadelphia: GlaxoSmith-Kline 2003 Accessed March 11 2004 at: http://us.gsk.com/products/assets/us_ wellbutrinxl.pdf.

(3) Bupropion (Zyban). Package insert. Philadelphia: GlaxoSmith-Kline 2003 Accessed March 11 2004 at: http://us.gsk.com/products/assets/us_zyban.pdf.

CRAIG M WAX, DO

info@HealthIsNumberOne.com

53 southward Main St.

Mullica Hill, NJ 08062

IN REPLY: I would like to thank Dr Wax for his make notess Our article (1) was not meant to be a comprehensive review. We were asked to provide an update forward new agents and/or indications. Bupropion has been in succession the market since 1985 and, hopefully physicians are aware of its advantages in the treatment of depression.

REFERENCE

(1) Ables AZ, Baughman OL 3d Antidepressants: update in succession new agents and indications. Am Fam Physician 2003;67:547-54

ADRIENNE Z ABLES, PHARM.D.

Spartanburg Family Medicine Residency Program

835 N temple St., Suite 510

Spartanburg, SC 29303

COPYRIGHT 2004 American Academy of Family Physicians

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