Final answer:
Bupropion is employed for treating major depressive disorder and as an aid in smoking cessation, known for having fewer sexual side effects compared to SSRIs. SSRIs work by increasing serotonin levels, but can cause sexual dysfunction among other side effects, making bupropion a preferable alternative for some individuals.
Step-by-step explanation:
Bupropion is used primarily for the treatment of major depressive disorder and smoking cessation. It works by variably inhibiting the reuptake of neurotransmitters, namely serotonin and norepinephrine, which helps in alleviating depressive symptoms. One notable characteristic of bupropion is that it is among the few antidepressants that typically do not have sexual side-effects, which are often associated with selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs). Common side effects of bupropion may include insomnia, headaches, dry mouth, and gastrointestinal issues.
SSRIs like fluoxetine (Prozac), sertraline, and paroxetine primarily block the reuptake of serotonin, increasing serotonin levels in the central nervous system. While SSRIs are effective for many, they come with their own set of side effects including sexual dysfunction, weight gain, and potential drug interaction issues, which is why bupropion can be considered a good substitute. Furthermore, bupropion inhibits both serotonin and norepinephrine reuptake and may have a modest increase in efficacy compared to SSRIs, with slightly milder side effects overall.