Bupropion (Wellbutrin)

Bupropion, sold under the brand name Wellbutrin among others, is a medication primarily used as an antidepressant. This drug has also been used for smoking cessation, seasonal affective disorder (SAD), and to help patients with Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) concentrate better. Bupropion restores the chemical balance of dopamine and norepinephrine in your brain.

Bupropion works by affecting levels of dopamine and norepinephrine in your brain. These neurotransmitters are chemicals that help relay messages between nerve cells in your brain. Bupropion helps prevent them from being absorbed back into nerve cells after they have sent messages to other cells, improving your mood and sense of well-being.

The most common side effects are loss of appetite, headaches, insomnia, and nausea. Other side effects include dry mouth, constipation and dizziness. More serious side effects include confusion, muscle or joint pain, rashes, and irregular heartbeat. If you experience more serious side effects, call your doctor immediately or get emergency medical treatment.

Bupropion comes as a regular tablet and as a sustained-release or extended-release tablet to take by mouth. Take bupropion as directed, and follow the directions on your prescription label carefully. Do not take more or less of bupropion than prescribed by your provider. Your provider may start you on a low dose of bupropion and increase your dose gradually.

There are many drugs that can interact with bupropion, so talk to your provider if you are taking any medications. If you have a history of seizures, it’s especially important to consult with your doctor before taking antidepressants. Examples of medications that should not be taken in combination with bupropion include some beta blockers, MAO inhibitors, and other antidepressants.

Because of its potential for abuse, bupropion should only be taken as directed and should not be prescribed for patients with a history of drug or alcohol dependence. As with all antidepressant drugs, bupropion should be used cautiously when treating patients with seizure disorders because it may lower the seizure threshold. Bupropion may also cause an increase in your blood pressure. Bupropion should not be used if you have a history of an eating disorder. Tell your doctor if you are pregnant, plan to become pregnant, or are breastfeeding. Because bupropion may make you drowsy, do not drive a car or operate machinery until you know how this medication affects you.

You’ll likely notice a difference in mood and energy within a few hours of taking it. It could take 4 weeks or longer before you feel the full benefit of bupropion. If you don’t feel any improvements after 4 weeks, talk with your provider about switching to another medication or increasing your dose.

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