Wellbutrin (bupropion) nearly identical in structure to Tenuate (diethylpropion)

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Tuesday, June 01, 2004 3:20 pm Email this article
Wellbutrin and Zyban (bupropion), the antidepressant and antismoking drug that has also been shown to cause weight loss, is "almost identical in [chemical] structure to [the diet pill Tenuate] diethylpropion" according a letter to the editor in the British Medical Journal.

It is also interesting to note that the author of the letter points out that “The recommended dose of bupropion is much greater than that of diethylpropion.”

The recommended dose of Wellbutrin SR (burpropion extended-release) is “150 milligrams (mg) once a day in the morning. Your doctor may increase your dose as needed. However, the dose usually is not more than 200 mg two times a day,” according to Medline Plus.

Whereas the maximum recommended dose of Tenuate Dospan (diethylpropion sustained-release) is 75 mg per day.

REFERENCE

Kinnell H. Bupropion for smokers. drug is almost identical in structure to diethylpropion, a controlled drug. BMJ. 2001 Feb 17, 322(7283):431-2; author reply 432-3.

Articles on the same subject can be found here:

• Diethylpropion (Tenuate)

• Wellbutrin (bupropion)