What is bupropion commonly used for?

Bupropion is primarily prescribed for two major indications: as an antidepressant for the treatment of major depressive disorder and as a smoking cessation aid to help individuals quit smoking. As a medication belonging to the class of norepinephrine-dopamine reuptake inhibitors (NDRIs), bupropion works by increasing the levels of neurotransmitters in the brain that affect mood and encourage a reduction in cravings associated with nicotine dependence.

This dual functionality makes it a valuable option in managing depression and assisting patients who are trying to quit smoking, as it can alleviate withdrawal symptoms and support mood stability during the cessation process. The other choices, while they do pertain to various medications, do not accurately represent the primary uses of bupropion. For instance, anxiety and insomnia are often managed with different classes of medications, pain relief typically requires analgesics or anti-inflammatory drugs, and while weight loss and ADHD treatment may involve various pharmaceutical interventions, they are not the primary uses for bupropion.