Bupropion primarily affects the levels of dopamine and norepinephrine in the brain, although it can also have some effects on serotonin levels.
Bupropion is classified as an atypical antidepressant or dopamine and norepinephrine reuptake inhibitor (DNRI), as it works by blocking the reuptake of dopamine and norepinephrine in the brain, which increases their availability and can improve symptoms of depression and anxiety.
While bupropion does not directly affect serotonin levels in the brain, it may still have some effects on serotonin through its interactions with other neurotransmitters. For example, blocking the reuptake of dopamine and norepinephrine can indirectly increase the activity of serotonin in certain regions of the brain.
It is important to note that while bupropion may have some effects on serotonin levels, it is not typically considered a first-line treatment for anxiety or mood disorders that primarily involve serotonin dysregulation, such as obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) or major depressive disorder (MDD) with prominent symptoms of anxiety. In these cases, medications that primarily affect serotonin levels, such as selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs), may be more effective.