Is Bupropion an MAO Inhibitor?

Antidepressant pills spill from bottle

Buproprion is not an MAO inhibitor. According to the Mayo Clinic, it is not safe to take bupropion within 14 days of an MAO inhibitor. Doing so may cause seizure. Inform your doctor of any MAO inhibitors you may be taking if you want to begin bupropion treatment.

Bupropion Definition

Bupropion is prescribed for treatment of depression, seasonal affective disorder, and as a smoking cessation aid. Bupropion belongs to the medicinal class of antidepressants. It works by inhibiting the reuptake of dopamine and norepinephrine. These neurotransmitters are associated with mood stabilization.

Bupropion Medications

Bupropion is available under the brand names Wellbutrin, Buproban, Budeprion, and Zyban.

MAO Inhibitors

MAO inhibitors are a class of medication that can treat depression. MAO inhibitors block the enzyme monamine oxidase, preventing it from metabolizing the neurotransmitters dopamine, neuropinephrine, and serotonin.

MAO Inhibitor Medications

Brand names of MAO inhibitor medications include Nardil, Marplan, Parnate, and Emsam. Emsam is a transdermal patch while the others are oral pills.

Conclusion

Bupropion does not belong to the class of MAO inhibitors. It is important not to confuse this distinction as it is unsafe to take the two types of pills together.

References

• Mayo Clinic: Bupropion
• A Review of the Neuropharmacology of Bupropion, a Dual Norepinephrine and Dopamine Reuptake Inhibitor
• Mayo Clinic: Monoamine oxidase inhibitors