Wellbutrin (Bupropion) Side Effects: Rare, Common, & Severe

What Is Wellbutrin (Bupropion)?

Wellbutrin, the brand name for the generic version of Bupropion, is an FDA-approved medication for treating symptoms of depression, seasonal affective disorder, and smoking cessation. ¹ Wellbutrin belongs to the norepinephrine and dopamine reuptake inhibitor (NDRI) class of drugs that works by increasing the levels of norepinephrine and dopamine in the brain improving mood and a sense of well-being. Common brand names for this antidepressant include Wellbutrin SR, Wellbutrin XL, Zyban, Forfivo XL, and Aplenzin.

Bupropion is used to treat types of depression, specifically major depressive disorder, by blocking the reuptake of norepinephrine and dopamine in the brain. Since people with depression have low norepinephrine and dopamine levels, Wellbutrin alters the brain chemistry to increase the neurotransmitter levels which may improve symptoms of depression. Even though Wellbutrin works the same way as other medications for depression to relieve symptoms of depression, it has low anticholinergic side effects.

Side Effects of Wellbutrin (Bupropion)

If you start your Wellbutrin medication, you may experience common side effects associated with the medication, including nausea and vomiting. It’s also important to note these side effects usually improve after some time. Within the first or second week of your initial Wellbutrin dosage, you may begin to experience the intended effects, such as sleep, appetite, or energy improvements.² Unlike with most antidepressants, Wellbutrin’s sexual side effects are not common.

In some rare cases, Wellbutrin can lead to severe side effects that may require immediate medical attention. The side effects severity usually depends on a person’s medical health and possible Wellbutrin interaction with other medication or substances. Serious Wellbutrin side effects can lead to severe headaches, seizures, serious eye symptoms such as blurred vision, and suicidal thoughts and behaviors. Seek immediate medical care if you suspect you have severe Wellbutrin side effects.

Common Side Effects of Bupropion

Some bupropion side effects are common and are experienced due to chemical action of the medication. Some of these side effects are labeled within the drug’s prescription. Common Wellbutrin side effects do not usually require medical attention. While they often improve on their own, some people may experience them for several days or weeks. Consult your healthcare provider if the side effects become intense over time.

Common side effects of Wellbutrin effects include:³

• Headache
• Weight changes
• Sleeping problems
• Nausea
• Vomiting
• Dizziness
• Sore throat
• Sweating
• Constipation
• Dry mouth
• Joint aches
• Tremor
• Agitation
• Blurred vision
• Appetite issues

Severe Side Effects of Bupropion

You can experience severe side effects depending on age, possible Wellbutrin interaction with other medications, or your health condition. Despite the rigorous testing to establish that Wellbutrin meets its desired effects, they can still develop unwanted effects, some of which may require immediate medical attention to prevent further harm to the person taking Wellbutrin.

Severe side effects of Wellbutrin that require immediate medical attention include:³

• Suicidal ideation
• Vision problems
• Manic episodes
• Hyperventilation panic attacks
• Irregular heartbeat
• Insomnia
• Ringing in ears
• Seizures
• Confusion
• Angle-closure glaucoma
• Anxiety symptoms
• Hallucinations

Rare Side Effects of Wellbutrin

Both common and severe side effects of Wellbutrin have been studied and have an understood prevalence. However, there are rare side effects experienced by some that are too few to be considered a likely risk.

Rare side effects of Wellbutrin include:

• Hallucinations
• Delusions
• Seizures
• Fainting
• Confusion
• Extreme anger
• Trouble concentrating

Allergic Reactions to Wellbutrin

Some people may have an allergic reaction to Wellbutrin, especially those who are allergic to other drugs. People with a history of allergic reactions to antidepressants like Celexa can have a higher risk of allergic reactions when taking Wellbutrin medication. Bupropion allergic reactions can cause rash, itching, or swelling of the face. If you have allergic reactions to Wellbutrin, call 9-1-1 for immediate medical assistance.

Severe allergic to Wellbutrin can include:

• Breathing trouble
• Swelling
• Rash/hives
• Itching

Wellbutrin side effects usually vary from person to person. A person’s age, health condition, or Wellbutrin interaction with other substances or medications primarily contribute to the variation of the side effects. It’s, therefore, essential to speak with your doctor to understand the potential side effects before starting the medication.

Long-Term Effects of Wellbutrin

Even though Wellbutrin can be an effective therapy for depression, long-term use can lead to other health complications. Some clinical studies have found long-term intake of Bupropion to be associated with acute liver injury.⁴ The likelihood of developing long-term effects of Wellbutrin can vary from person to person.

Long-term side effects that may develop from Bupropion include:

• Seizures
• Psychological effects such as anxiety and irritability

Interactions with Wellbutrin (Bupropion)

Disclaimer: Taking certain medications, herbs, or supplements alongside Wellbutrin can change how Wellbutrin works in your body or increase the risk for serious side effects. This article does not consider all the possible interactions. Please let your doctor, psychiatrists, and pharmacists know about all the products you currently use, such as prescription medication, nonprescription drugs, and herbal supplements. Do not start, stop, or change the dosage of any medicines without your doctor’s approval.

Like other medications, Bupropion has a unique chemical composition that can negatively interact with other substances, dietary supplements, or drugs. These interactions can be severe and potentially life-threatening. Consult your doctor to better understand these risks.

6 examples of drugs you should avoid using while on Bupropion include:

• Monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs): Taking Bupropion during or within 14 days of stopping MAOI medication puts you at risk of serotonin syndrome.
• Other antidepressants: Wellbutrin, like other antidepressants, work to treat depressive symptoms. Their interaction can therefore trigger individual effects worsening your condition.
• Benzodiazepines: Mixing benzodiazepines with Wellbutrin can occasionally trigger seizures, especially in a patient with a seizure disorder.
• Alcohol: The interaction between alcohol and Bupropion can increase the risk of side effects like seizures and dizziness.
• St John’s Wort: Interacting Wellbutrin with St. John’s Wort increases the risk of serotonin syndrome due to the body’s accumulation of high serotonin levels.
• Thioridazine: The interaction between Bupropion and thioridazine can increase the risk of ventricular arrhythmia and sudden cardiac death.

Who Experiences Side Effects More?

Wellbutrin side effects vary from person to person depending on a person’s age, health condition, and possible drug interactions. Certain conditions, such as preexisting medical problems, can increase the likelihood of developing side effects. Therefore, talking to your doctor about your health condition is important before starting your Wellbutrin medication. Your doctor can help address safety concerns before starting the medication.

Health conditions and additional side effects to consider before taking include:

Wellbutrin Side Effects in Women

Wellbutrin use by pregnant and breastfeeding parents requires careful consideration. The medication may cause damage to the fetus leading to congenital malformations. Also, Wellbutrin may contaminate breast milk exposing breastfed babies to the drug and leading to side effects such as agitation and irritability. ⁵ Certain side effects, such as headaches and nausea, may be more prevalent in women due to hormonal factors and individual differences. Therefore, breastfeeding and pregnant women must discuss the benefits and risks of the medication with their healthcare providers.

Bupropion side effects in women include:

• Anxiety
• Headaches
• Menstrual cycle changes

Bupropion Side Effects in Older Adults

Older people may be more sensitive to the effects of Wellbutrin and may experience side effects such as cardiovascular effects, increased risk of agitation, and restlessness. Older adults are more susceptible to the side effects of Wellbutrin medication due to changes in their body’s metabolism and organ function failure. This is due to the decrease in the normal functioning of the kidney and liver, which can impact how the body processes and eliminates medications like Wellbutrin. Therefore, older people must work closely with their healthcare providers to monitor for potential side effects and adjust their dosage when necessary.

Bupropion side effects in older adults include:

• Risk of seizures
• Dizziness
• Confusion
• Agitation

Withdrawal Symptoms from Wellbutrin

The Wellbutrin prescription should be taken as directed by a healthcare provider. This is to prevent serious health complications from underdosing or overdosing on Wellbutrin. Suddenly stopping your medication puts you at risk of Wellbutrin withdrawal symptoms. Stopping the medication with proper guidance may alter the brain chemistry leading to improper norepinephrine and dopamine balance. This can lead to withdrawal symptoms such as persistent headaches and nausea.⁶

Also, long-term use of Bupropion can make a person physically dependent on the medication. Wellbutrin dependence occurs due to becoming reliant on the drug to function or feel normal. Therefore, stopping your medication without proper guidance can put you at risk of withdrawal symptoms. Work closely with your doctor for safe tapering of your dosage.

Questions to Ask Your Health Team

Before starting your medication, consult your doctor to understand the benefits and risks of Wellbutrin. Let your doctor know your medical history to improve safety before taking the medication. You can ask your doctor how long you may experience Wellbutrin side effects.

Questions to ask your care team when considering the side effects of Wellbutrin are:

• Can I use Wellbutrin along with therapy to treat depression?
• How long can my side effects last while taking Wellbutrin?
• Am I at risk for more severe symptoms if I am already taking other anxiety/depression medication?
• Might a previous history of addiction make me more susceptible to dependency?
• What is the best dosage with fewer side effects?
• Are there drugs I am taking that could have negative interactions?
• When should I reach out to you if I am experiencing side effects?
• Is there anything I  should tell my therapist about this new medication?
• How long may Wellbutrin side effects last?
• Is it safe to take Wellbutrin and Adderall together?
• Is it safe to take Wellbutrin during pregnancy?

Final Thoughts

Wellbutrin is an effective medication that can help manage symptoms of depression. However, like other antidepressants, you may to experience side effects such as headache and dizziness associated with the medication. Some side effects are less severe, while others can become more serious, requiring immediate medical attention. It’s important to consult your doctor before starting the medication to understand the benefits and risks of Wellbutrin.

For Further Reading

• Welbutrin Weight Gain: Everything You Need to Know
• 18 Best Online Psychiatrists
• Antidepressant Discontinuation Syndrome: Symptoms & Prevention
• Antidepressants & Pregnancy: Safety, Risks & Questions to Ask
• Wellbutrin & Alcohol: Understanding the Risks
• Wellbutrin vs. Prozac: Differences, Similarities, & Which Is Best for You