Which of the following is a characteristic of bupropion (Wellbutrin)?

Bupropion (Wellbutrin) is classified as an atypical antidepressant and is primarily used for the treatment of major depressive disorder and for smoking cessation. One important characteristic of bupropion is its potential to worsen seizure disorders. Bupropion can lower the seizure threshold, particularly at higher doses, which is a significant concern when prescribing this medication to individuals who have a history of seizures or are predisposed to seizure activity.

This potential side effect stems from bupropion's mechanism of action, which influences neurotransmitter levels, particularly dopamine and norepinephrine, but does not provide the same level of GABAergic activity that might inhibit seizure activity. As such, caution is necessary when prescribing bupropion to patients with seizure disorders.

The other options misrepresent key characteristics of bupropion. It is not a first-line treatment for anxiety disorders; instead, it might not be ideal due to its stimulating effects. Additionally, unlike many other antidepressants, bupropion is generally considered activating rather than sedating, which makes it less likely to cause sedation. Lastly, while gastrointestinal side effects can occur with any medication, bupropion is less commonly associated with these types of side effects compared to other