Do trazodone or bupropion contain fish-derived ingredients?

Trazodone and Bupropion Do Not Contain Fish-Derived Ingredients

Neither trazodone nor bupropion contain fish-derived ingredients based on their FDA-approved formulations.

Chemical Composition of Bupropion

Bupropion (Wellbutrin) is a synthetic antidepressant with the following characteristics:

• Chemical structure: (±)-1-(3-chorophenyl)-2-[(1-dimethylethyl)amino]-1-propanone hydrochloride 1
• Molecular formula: C₁₃H₁₈ClNO•HCl 1
• Molecular weight: 276.2 1
• Physical properties: White, crystalline powder that is highly soluble in water 1

Inactive Ingredients in Bupropion:

• Ethyl alcohol
• Ethylcellulose
• Glyceryl dibehenate
• Isopropyl alcohol
• Methacrylic acid and ethyl acrylate copolymer dispersion
• Polyethylene glycol
• Polyvinyl alcohol
• Povidone
• Silicon dioxide
• Triethyl citrate 1

The tablet coating contains black ink which includes:

• Ferrosoferric oxide
• Hypromellose
• Isopropyl alcohol
• Propylene glycol 1

Chemical Composition of Trazodone

Trazodone is also a synthetic antidepressant with the following characteristics:

• Chemical structure: 2-[3-[4-(3-chlorophenyl)-1-piperazinyl]propyl]-1,2,4-triazolo [4,3-a]pyridin-3(2H)-one hydrochloride 2
• Molecular formula: C₁₉H₂₂ClN₅O • HCl 2
• Molecular weight: 408.33 2
• Physical properties: White odorless crystalline powder that is freely soluble in water 2

Inactive Ingredients in Trazodone:

• Colloidal silicon dioxide
• Magnesium stearate
• Microcrystalline cellulose
• Pregelatinized starch (physically modified corn starch)
• Sodium lauryl sulfate
• Sodium starch glycolate 2

Synthesis and Manufacturing

Both medications are chemically synthesized compounds:

• Bupropion is an aminoketone class antidepressant that is chemically unrelated to tricyclic, tetracyclic, or selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors 1
• Trazodone is a triazolopyridine derivative classified as a selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor and 5HT2 receptor antagonist 2

Important Considerations for Patients Avoiding Fish Products

1. Pharmaceutical Grade Ingredients: Both medications use pharmaceutical-grade synthetic or plant-derived inactive ingredients, not animal or fish-derived components 1, 2

2. Manufacturing Process: The manufacturing processes for both medications involve chemical synthesis rather than extraction from animal sources 3

3. Metabolic Pathways:

   • Bupropion is extensively metabolized in humans into three active metabolites: hydroxybupropion, threohydrobupropion, and erythrohydrobuproprion 1
   • Trazodone's most active metabolite is m-chlorophenylpiperazine, produced by the CYP3A4 enzyme 3

Potential Confusion Points

Some patients may confuse these medications with omega-3 fatty acid supplements that are derived from fish oils, which are sometimes used as adjunctive treatments for depression 4. However, bupropion and trazodone are entirely different classes of medications with no fish-derived components.

Conclusion

Based on the FDA-approved drug labels and chemical compositions, both trazodone and bupropion are synthetic compounds that do not contain any fish-derived ingredients in either their active pharmaceutical ingredients or inactive ingredients. Patients with fish allergies or those avoiding fish products for religious, ethical, or dietary reasons can take these medications without concern about fish-derived ingredients.