Gap junction modulators: Prospects in bupropion cardiotoxicity

Bupropion, a multifaceted antidepressant, is associated with serious cardiotoxicity when misused. Recently, there has been a noticeable increase in cases of intentional poisoning and current therapeutic interventions for bupropion overdose remain insufficient. The cardiotoxic effects of the drug are primarily linked to its influence on cardiac gap junctions. Small-molecule drugs enhancing gap junction conductance, such as rotigaptide and danegaptide, present potential as antidotal agents. Testing these molecules under conditions of bupropion overdose could address the urgent need for innovative approaches to mitigate bupropion-induced cardiotoxicity.