Wellbutrin: Uses, Side Effects, Dosages, Precautions

Key Points

• Wellbutrin (bupropion) is a medication used to treat various conditions, including depression, seasonal affective disorder, attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, bipolar disorder, and smoking cessation.
• Common side effects include headaches, dry mouth, nausea, dizziness, insomnia, constipation, sore throat, and a fast heartbeat.
• Severe side effects include allergic reaction, aggressiveness, agitation, changes in menstrual cycle, sexual desire or function, vision, chest pain, confusion, dark urine, delusions or hallucinations, difficulty breathing, exaggerated feelings of well-being, fainting, fever, chills, sore throat, hearing problems, hostility, impulsiveness, inability to sit still, pale-colored stools, panic attacks, rapid or irregular heartbeat, seizures, severe headache, severe or lingering joint or muscle pain, severe or lingering nausea, vomiting, or stomach pain, severe or lingering nervousness, restlessness, or insomnia, swollen, blistered, or peeling skin, trouble concentrating, unusual swelling, worsening depression and/or suicidal thoughts, yellow skin or eyes.
• Before taking Wellbutrin, inform your healthcare provider about your medical history, including any current health conditions, allergies, and current medications.
• The dosage of Wellbutrin will vary depending on the formulation and the condition being treated.
• Take Wellbutrin as directed by your healthcare provider and store it at room temperature, protected from light and moisture.
• Be aware of potential warnings and interactions associated with Wellbutrin, including the risk of seizures and suicidal thoughts, and the potential for interactions with other medications.

What Is Wellbutrin? Wellbutrin (bupropion) is a medication used to treat a variety of conditions, including depression, seasonal affective disorder (SAD), attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), bipolar disorder, and smoking cessation. It works by increasing the levels of certain neurotransmitters in the brain, such as dopamine and norepinephrine, which are involved in mood, attention, and behavior.

Wellbutrin Uses - Wellbutrin is approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to treat: - Major depressive disorder (MDD) - Seasonal affective disorder (SAD) - It is also used off-label to help with symptoms of various other conditions, including: - Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) - Bipolar disorder - Depression associated with bipolar disorder - Nicotine dependence - Obesity - Obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) - Pain - Postpartum depression - Schizophrenia - Seasonal affective disorder (SAD) - Smoking cessation - Weight loss

Side Effects of Wellbutrin Wellbutrin can cause a variety of side effects, some of which are common and others that are more severe.

Common Side Effects - During the first week or two of taking Wellbutrin, you may experience: - Headaches - Dry mouth - Nausea - Dizziness - Insomnia - Constipation - Sore throat - A fast heartbeat

Severe Side Effects Some Wellbutrin side effects can be severe or even potentially life-threatening. Get medical help right away if you experience any of the following while taking any version of Wellbutrin: - Allergic reaction - Aggressiveness - Agitation - Changes in your menstrual cycle - Changes in sexual desire or function - Changes in vision - Chest pain - Confusion - Dark urine - Delusions or hallucinations - Difficulty breathing - Exaggerated feelings of well-being - Fainting - Fever, chills, or a sore throat - Hearing problems - Hostility - Impulsiveness - Inability to sit still - Pale-colored stools - Panic attacks - Rapid or irregular heartbeat - Seizures - Severe headache - Severe or lingering joint or muscle pain - Severe or lingering nausea, vomiting, or stomach pain - Severe or lingering nervousness, restlessness, or insomnia - Swollen, blistered, or peeling skin - Trouble concentrating - Unusual swelling - Worsening depression and/or suicidal thoughts - Yellow skin or eyes

How Long Do Wellbutrin Side Effects Last? If Wellbutrin side effects do occur, they will usually go away within a week or two of starting the medication, as your body begins to adjust. If your side effects last longer, are severe, or worsen, contact your healthcare provider right away.

Before Taking Wellbutrin Wellbutrin is often used as a first-line antidepressant in the treatment of MDD and SAD. Your healthcare provider will evaluate your symptoms and current health status to determine if it is right for you. You may not be prescribed Wellbutrin if you have certain health conditions, such as: - An eating disorder - Seizure disorder - Angle-closure glaucoma - Allergy to bupropion

Wellbutrin Dosage Wellbutrin is offered in three different formulations, and dosing varies for each version: - Immediate-release: - A starting dose of Wellbutrin is usually 100 milligrams (mg) taken twice a day, potentially increased to 100mg taken three times a day. - The maximum dose is 150mg per single dose taken three times daily. - Sustained-release: - This formulation is typically started at 150mg once a day and potentially increased to 150mg twice a day. - It can be increased to a maximum of 200mg taken twice a day. - Extended-release: - It is typically started at a dose of 150mg once a day and can be increased to 300mg or even 450mg maximum, both taken once a day.

How to Take and Store Wellbutrin - Always take your medications as directed. - Immediate-release Wellbutrin tablets can be broken if necessary, but they are small enough that doing so is not usually needed. - The drug can be taken on an empty stomach