In spite of an increasing number of available antidepressant agents, pharmacological treatment of depression has frequently remained insufficient and consequently requires complex treatment regimens. The substance bupropion was released into the American market in 1989 for the treatment of depression, and has meanwhile gained widespread use as an antidepressant in North-America. A large number of placebo-controlled trials has supported the antidepressant efficacy of bupropion. In terms of tolerability, clinical experience indicates a unique profile, as - unlike to most other antidepressants - the prevalence of sexual dysfunction and weight gain is comparable to placebo. In 2007 the European regulatory agency EMEA has approved the use of bupropion as an antidepressant. Since April of the same year the agent is now available on the German market.