BUPROPION

What is bupropion?

Bupropion is a medication that is commonly used to treat depression, seasonal affective disorder (SAD), and smoking cessation. It is an atypical antidepressant in that it is not in the selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI) or serotonin-norepinephrine reuptake inhibitor (SNRI) class. Bupropion works by inhibiting the reuptake of norepinephrine and dopamine in the brain. These chemicals are used in reward- and emotion-related behavior [1]. In depression, there is an imbalance of these chemicals in the brain. By inhibiting the reuptake of norepinephrine and dopamine, bupropion makes them more available for the brain to use, thus restoring the chemical balance. 

How can bupropion help with long-COVID?

In those diagnosed with long-COVID, many suffer from “brain fog” memory problems, difficulty concentrating, and forgetfulness. The proposed reason for “brain fog” is that during a COVID-19 infection, the body’s immune response becomes activated, causing heavy amounts of inflammation, including in the central nervous system (CNS). Additionally, those with long-COVID can often exhibit symptoms of depression, as it may take months or years for long-COVID to resolve, if at all. To combat this, researchers have turned to already existing medication therapies in the hopes they may be able to help decrease “brain fog” and resolve depression in patients. To date, researchers have found some evidence that bupropion may help mitigate symptoms.

              A small case series found that dosing patients with bupropion increases mood, energy, and focus [2]. Although the exact mechanism of how bupropion works in “brain fog” is still unclear, it is proposed to block the loss of brain cells and decrease part of the inflammation response in the brain [2]. More research needs to be explicitly conducted for “brain fog” patients. However, bupropion does play a role in decreasing depressive symptoms that some long-COVID patients may exhibit due to the loss of their baseline activity.

References:

¹https://pubs.acs.org/doi/pdf/10.1021/acschemneuro.7b00056#:~:text=These%20brain%20regions%20process%20stress,of%20mood%20and%20anxiety%20disorders

²https://www.medtextpublications.com/open-access/long-covid-is-there-a-role-for-antidepressants-1249.pdf