Forfivo™ XL (
bupropion XL) is a prescription medication approved for the treatment of
depression. It is a long-acting medication and is the only high-dose (450 mg), once-a-day bupropion product available.
Who Makes This Medication?
Forfivo XL is made by Pillar5 Pharma, Inc., for IntelGenx Corp.
How Does Forfivo XL Work?
Forfivo XL is a norepinephrine and dopamine reuptake inhibitor, or NDRI for short.
NDRIs act on specific chemicals within the brain known as norepinephrine and dopamine. These are two of several chemicals used to send messages from one nerve cell to another.
As a message travels down a nerve, it causes the end of the cell to release a neurotransmitter chemical such as norepinephrine or dopamine. The neurotransmitter enters the gap between the first nerve cell and the one next to it. When enough of the neurotransmitter reaches the second nerve cell, it activates receptors on the cell and the message continues on its way. The first cell then quickly absorbs any excess neurotransmitter that remains in the gap between cells. This is called "reuptake."
Normally, this process works without any problems. But when the levels of dopamine and norepinephrine become unbalanced, it can cause a variety of conditions, including depression. Forfivo XL helps to block the reuptake of norepinephrine and dopamine so more remains in the space between the brain's nerve cells. This gives the norepinephrine and dopamine a better chance of activating the receptors on the next nerve cell.
Currently, the only NDRI
antidepressants approved for use are medications containing bupropion. Forfivo XL is a once-daily, long-acting version of bupropion. Bupropion also comes in several other forms. For more information on the other forms of bupropion, see:
HealthSavvy Sign In
|
