Rosh Psychiatry Board Practice Exam

What mechanism does bupropion use to assist patients in smoking cessation?

1. Binding of nicotine to α-4 β-2 nicotinic receptor

2. Dopamine and norepinephrine reuptake

3. Norepinephrine and serotonin reuptake

4. Presynaptic serotonin reuptake

The correct answer is: Dopamine and norepinephrine reuptake

Bupropion assists patients in smoking cessation primarily through the reuptake inhibition of dopamine and norepinephrine. This mechanism enhances the levels of these neurotransmitters in the brain, which can help alleviate symptoms of withdrawal and reduce cravings associated with nicotine addiction. Dopamine plays a crucial role in the reward pathway, and by increasing its availability, bupropion helps to improve mood and energy levels, two common challenges faced during smoking cessation. Similarly, the elevation of norepinephrine contributes to improved concentration and reduced fatigue, assisting in the overall process of quitting smoking. The other options involve different mechanisms that do not directly explain how bupropion functions in this context. For instance, the binding of nicotine to nicotinic receptors and mechanisms related to serotonin do not pertain to bupropion's pharmacological action, making them less relevant when considering its role in smoking cessation.