Bupropion for weight reduction.

Bupropion is a norepinephrine and dopamine uptake inhibitor that has been available for several years for the treatment of depression and aiding smokers to quit. Although bupropion is not approved for treating obesity, three randomized clinical trials have shown some degree of efficacy for this drug in promoting weight loss in obese patients. The present drug profile provides a review of the pharmacology of bupropion, clinical evidence of efficacy with regard to weight reduction, tolerability and risks, and the current and future role of this drug in the management of obesity.