What is a primary use for bupropion in treating depression?

Bupropion is primarily recognized for its role in treating depression, but one of its significant applications is as a smoking cessation aid. It is often prescribed to help reduce nicotine cravings in individuals trying to quit smoking. The mechanism by which bupropion helps to reduce these cravings is linked to its action as a norepinephrine-dopamine reuptake inhibitor, which can alleviate the withdrawal symptoms associated with nicotine cessation.

Although improving sleep quality and managing weight gain are aspects of treatment that might be observed or desired in some patients, they are not the primary uses of bupropion. In fact, bupropion is associated with weight loss rather than weight gain, making it a preferable choice for patients concerned about weight gain associated with other antidepressants. Therefore, the emphasis on bupropion's effectiveness in reducing nicotine cravings highlights its role beyond just mood improvement, establishing it as an important therapeutic option for both depression and smoking cessation.