Bupropion and naltrexone association on obesity treatment

Introduction: The obesity, a global challenge, many times demands multiple approaches, besides the change of the lifestyle, as the pharmacotherapy. The bupropion (BUP) and naltrexone (NAL) association stands out on weight loss, exploring its psychoneuroendocrine effects. The objective of this revision was to verify the psychoneuroendocrine role of the association of BUP and NAL on weight loss in obesity. Materials and methods: The study used electronic databases, covering works published in the period of 2008 to 2023, directly related with the use of BUP and NAL in the obesity treatment. Discussion and results: The BUP, used on depression treatment through inhibition of the dopamine and noradrenaline reuptake, activates the POMC in hypothalamus, reducing the appetite. The NAL, used on opiates addiction as MOP-R antagonist, associated with BUP, effectively reduces the subjective pleasantness of food, especially the palatable ones, through interaction with the mesolimbic reward system. Studies indicate the efficiency of BUP-NAL in the reduction of corporal weight. However, due to cardiovascular uncertainty, this combination isn't the first choice for weight control. Conclusion: So it's possible to conclude that the BUP-NAL combination is efficient for weight loss, when it's associated with the conservative treatment. However, the cardiovascular safety and the collateral effects deserves attention, as these challenges the search for more personalized approaches.