What is the Difference Between Bupropion and Buprenorphine

The key difference between Bupropion and Buprenorphine is that Bupropion is a norepinephrine–dopamine reuptake inhibitor (NDRI) commonly used to manage major depressive disorder and seasonal affective disorder or as a smoking cessation aid, while Buprenorphine is a partial opioid agonist that is prescribed to manage severe pain and for the maintenance treatment of opioid addiction.

Bupropion and Buprenorphine are two different types of medications that are prescribed to treat various diseased conditions. Both these drugs are associated with milder side effects. The most common side effects of Bupropion include dry mouth, headache, insomnia, and anxiety, while nausea, vomiting, constipation, and dizziness are the most common side effects of Buprenorphine. It is essential to consult a healthcare provider before deciding on proper medications since they may be associated with the risk of misuse, abuse, and diversion.

CONTENTS

1. Overview and Key Difference
2. What is Bupropion  
3. What is Buprenorphine
4. Similarities – Bupropion and Buprenorphine
5. Bupropion vs Buprenorphine in Tabular Form
6. Summary – Bupropion vs Buprenorphine

What is Bupropion?

Bupropion is a norepinephrine/ dopamine reuptake inhibitor (DNRI) commonly used to manage major depressive disorder and seasonal affective disorder and as a smoking cessation aid. Bupropion exerts its pharmacological effect by weakly inhibiting the enzyme involved in the uptake of norepinephrine and dopamine in the synaptic cleft. It selectively targets the norepinephrine and dopamine transporters, preventing their reuptake and leading to prolonging the duration of action of norepinephrine and dopamine. Bupropion-mediated dopamine reuptake is also associated with anti-craving and anti-withdrawal effects that can be used as a smoking cessation aid. Furthermore, Bupropion can blunt the effect of nicotine by antagonizing the effect of nicotinic acetylcholinergic receptors.

Bupropion is currently available in immediate-release, sustained-release, and extended-release formulations. In-vitro studies revealed that most orally administered drugs remained bound with plasma proteins. The drug is extensively metabolized in the liver to hydroxybupropion, threohydrobupropion, and erythrohydrobupropion. After being metabolized, Bupropion is then primarily eliminated with urine. Overdose symptoms of Bupropion include seizures, hallucinations, loss of consciousness, tachycardia, and cardiac arrest.

What is Buprenorphine?

Buprenorphine is a partial opioid agonist that is prescribed to manage severe pain and for the maintenance treatment of opioid addiction. Buprenorphine is available in different formulations, such as sublingual tablets, buccal films, transdermal films, and injections. Most of the Buprenorphine related treatments are associated with counseling and psychosocial support. Buprenorphine predominantly interacts with the opioid mu-receptors that are mainly distributed through central nervous systems. It is important to note that chronic administration of Buprenorphine results in physical dependence on the opioid type and, therefore, should be considered for the risk of misuse, abuse, and diversion.

The highest bioavailability of Buprenorphine is associated with intravenous injections, while the lowest bioavailability is associated with the oral route. Buprenorphine is highly lipophilic with rapid penetration of the blood-brain barrier and, therefore, extensively distributed in the central nervous system. It can also be incorporated into the placenta and breast milk. Most absorbed Buprenorphine remains protein bound, specifically to α and β-globulin. Then Buprenorphine is extensively metabolized in the liver and excreted with the hepatic biliary system by being incorporated into the feces. The overdose symptoms of Buprenorphine include pinpoint pupils, sedation, hypotension, respiratory depression, and death.

What are the Similarities Between Bupropion and Buprenorphine?

• Bupropion and Buprenorphine are prescription medications.
• Both drugs have effects on the central nervous system
• They are both well-tolerated, with mild side effects.
• Bupropion and Buprenorphine are synthetic compounds with a complex chemical structure.

What is the Difference Between Bupropion and Buprenorphine?

Bupropion and Buprenorphine are two different medications used to treat different medical conditions in the body. Although they share a few common features, there is a distinct difference between Bupropion and Buprenorphine. Bupropion is an antidepressant and a smoking cessation aid. It is used primarily to treat major depressive disorder and seasonal affective disorder. In contrast, Buprenorphine is an opioid medication that acts as a partial agonist at the opioid receptors. It is used for opioid addiction treatment and pain management. In opioid addiction treatment, Buprenorphine helps reduce withdrawal symptoms and cravings, allowing individuals to overcome their addiction gradually.

Bupropion is not an opioid and has a low potential for abuse; therefore, Bupropion is available with a doctor’s prescription. In contrast, Buprenorphine has the potential for abuse and dependence, and therefore, Buprenorphine is a Schedule III controlled substance that requires special permission from the Drug Enforcement Administration.

Below is a summary of the difference between Bupropion and Buprenorphine in tabular form for side-by-side comparison.

Summary – Bupropion vs Buprenorphine

Bupropion and Buprenorphine are two different medications prescribed to treat different medical conditions. Bupropion is an antidepressant and smoking cessation aid, while Buprenorphine is an opioid medication used to treat opioid addiction and pain management. Bupropion has a low risk of dependence or addiction, while Buprenorphine has a moderate risk of dependence or addiction. Moreover, Bupropion is available by doctor’s prescription, while Buprenorphine is a Schedule III controlled substance that requires special permission from the Drug Enforcement Administration. Bupropion does not cause physical dependence or withdrawal symptoms upon discontinuation, while Buprenorphine can lead to physical dependence. Thus, this is the summary of the difference between Bupropion and Buprenorphine. It is essential to understand that Bupropion and Buprenorphine are distinct medications that need a consultation from a qualified healthcare professional.

Reference:

1. Wilkes, S. “Bupropion.” Drugs of Today.
2. Johnson, Rolley E., et al. “Buprenorphine: Considerations for Pain Management.” Journal of Pain and Symptom Management.

Image Courtesy:

1. “Bupropion” By David-i98 created and uploaded this image – Own work (Public Domain) via Commons Wikimedia
2. “Buprenorphine” By Harbin – Own work (Public Domain) via Commons Wikimedia