Definition

A controlled-release tablet formulation containing the hydrochloride salt of the aminoketone bupropion, with antidepressant activity and for potential use in promoting smoking cessation, improving sexual desire, and improving cancer-related fatigue. Bupropion is a weak blocker of the neuronal uptake of serotonin, dopamine and norepinephrine and is a central nicotinic acetylcholine receptor antagonist. Bupropion may also reduce circulating levels of tumor necrosis factor (TNF) and normalize hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis functioning, which is dysregulated in certain cases of cancer-related fatigue. The controlled-release formulation results in a higher concentration of the drug in the body over an extended period, thereby permitting a reduction in the frequency of dosing.