Which medication is an NDRI prescribed to treat depression and smoking cessation?

Which medication is an NDRI prescribed to treat depression and smoking cessation?

• A. Bupropion
• B. Fluoxetine
• C. Venlafaxine
• D. Amitriptyline

Answer: (A)

NDRIs work by blocking the reuptake of norepinephrine and dopamine, which helps lift mood and can reduce nicotine craving and withdrawal symptoms. The medication that best fits this dual role is bupropion. It is classified as an NDRI because its primary action is to increase norepinephrine and dopamine levels in brain synapses, rather than affecting serotonin. This sets it apart from the other options: fluoxetine is an SSRI (boosts serotonin), venlafaxine is an SNRI (boosts norepinephrine and serotonin), and amitriptyline is a tricyclic antidepressant with broader multiple neurotransmitter effects. Because of its dopaminergic and noradrenergic effects and its approval for smoking cessation, bupropion is used to treat depression and aid in quitting smoking. Keep in mind some practical notes: it can cause insomnia, anxiety, and dry mouth, and there is a seizure risk at higher doses or in people with a history of seizures or eating disorders, so it isn’t suitable for everyone.

NDRIs work by blocking the reuptake of norepinephrine and dopamine, which helps lift mood and can reduce nicotine craving and withdrawal symptoms. The medication that best fits this dual role is bupropion. It is classified as an NDRI because its primary action is to increase norepinephrine and dopamine levels in brain synapses, rather than affecting serotonin.

This sets it apart from the other options: fluoxetine is an SSRI (boosts serotonin), venlafaxine is an SNRI (boosts norepinephrine and serotonin), and amitriptyline is a tricyclic antidepressant with broader multiple neurotransmitter effects. Because of its dopaminergic and noradrenergic effects and its approval for smoking cessation, bupropion is used to treat depression and aid in quitting smoking.

Keep in mind some practical notes: it can cause insomnia, anxiety, and dry mouth, and there is a seizure risk at higher doses or in people with a history of seizures or eating disorders, so it isn’t suitable for everyone.