Wellbutrin (Bupropion): Uses, Side Effects, Dosage, & More

What Is Wellbutrin (Bupropion)?

Wellbutrin, with the active ingredient bupropion, is an atypical antidepressant in the norepinephrine dopamine reuptake inhibitor (NDRI) drug class. Wellbutrin SR is a sustained release form, FDA-approved to treat major depression disorder in adults only.¹ Wellbutrin XL is an extended release form, FDA-approved for major depression and seasonal affective disorder in adults only.²

How Does Wellbutrin Work?

Wellbutrin is thought to work by affecting the activity of two brain chemicals, norepinephrine and dopamine. For some, these chemical changes can help improve mood.^{1, 2}

What Is Wellbutrin Used to Treat?

Wellbutrin SR, a sustained-release version of the medication, is FDA-approved to treat major depression disorder in adults only.¹ Wellbutrin XL is an extended release form FDA-approved for major depression and seasonal affective disorder in adults only.²

Off-Label (Non-FDA-Approved) Uses of Wellbutrin

Wellbutrin is an off-label (non-FDA approved) medication for disorders including:

• Attention deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD)
• Depressive episodes of bipolar disorder
• Smoking cessation
• Anxiety

How Effective Is Wellbutrin?

Wellbutrin has been shown through many studies to be well tolerated and effective. Patients treated with 300 mg of Wellbutrin per day showed significant improvement of depression symptoms in the short term.

Long-term treatment with Wellbutrin had lower rates of relapse, a return of symptoms, than those taking the placebo. When used for seasonal affective disorder, patients treated with 150 mg to 300 mg per day showed lower rates of depression symptoms than those taking the placebo.²

Wellbutrin XL and SR formulations, which are long-acting, have been used more often in practice than the immediate release versions in the initial studies.¹ Your provider will determine which formulation is best for you and your treatment.

How Long Does it Take for Wellbutrin to Work?

Most people start seeing improved symptoms within 2 to 6 weeks after starting Wellbutrin treatment. But since each person’s responses may vary, it may take a bit longer for some to feel the full effects of the medication.

How Long Do I Need to Keep Taking Wellbutrin?

The amount of time you may need to take Wellbutrin depends on the condition being treated, response to treatment, and Wellbutrin side effects. For example, treatment of seasonal affective disorder will likely last a few weeks to a few months. For other conditions like major depression and anxiety, treatment may last months to years.

Continual check-ups with your provider will help them monitor treatment and determine if and when you should stop taking Wellbutrin. Only stop or change doses at the direction of your prescriber as it may be unsafe to do so on your own.

Common Wellbutrin Side Effects

Common Wellbutrin side effects can cause changes to your digestion, sleep, and sense of well-being. While these are often temporary, you may need to seek medical care for some side effects if they become severe or persistent. The following list is a combination of side effects for Wellbutrin XL (extended release) and Wellbutrin SR (sustained release).

Common side effects of Wellbutrin may include:*^{1, 2}

• Headache
• Dry mouth
• Nausea
• Trouble sleeping
• Dizziness
• Constipation
• Feeling anxious

*All medications, including Wellbutrin, can cause side effects that can be mild or serious. This is not a comprehensive list of all possible side effects. You should talk with your doctor about any questions you have and understand the potential side effects and benefits of any medication.

Serious Wellbutrin Side Effects

Some side effects may be severe or persistent. Call your healthcare provider right away if you experience any of the following side effects.

Serious side effects of Wellbutrin that require immediate medical attention include:*^{1, 2}

• Suicidal thoughts or behaviors
• Seizures or convulsions
• Increased blood pressure
• Symptoms of mania or hypomania
• Serious psychiatric effects, such as psychosis, delusions, or paranoia
• Angle-closure glaucoma (serious eye condition)
• Severe allergic or hypersensitivity reactions

*All medications, including Wellbutrin, can cause side effects that can be mild or serious. This is not a comprehensive list of all possible side effects. You should talk with your doctor about any questions you have and understand the potential side effects and benefits of any medication.

What Are The Long-term Effects of Taking Wellbutrin?

Taking Wellbutrin long-term is well tolerated by most who take it. However, patients should be aware of the increased risk for certain side effects throughout the course of treatment. Studies have shown that while rare, the risk of serious side effects like seizures is still present during long-term treatment.³

Most serious side effects from Wellbutrin emerge when dosage is increased or other drugs are added that affect Wellbutrin in your body. These adverse effects can occur no matter how long you have been taking Wellbutrin. Always follow up with your prescribed regularly to ensure safe use and monitor for developing side effects months or years into treatment.

Who Should Not Take Wellbutrin?

Wellbutrin may not be safe for those with certain health risks or conditions. For example, young adults age up to age 24 have an increased risk of suicidal thoughts and behaviors when taking Wellbutrin. Also, Wellbutrin may not be safe for those with a seizure disorder. Discussing your health history with your healthcare provider can help avoid these and other complications.

Those with a higher risk of side effects from Wellbutrin include anyone who:^{1, 2}

• Has a seizure disorder or elevated risk of seizures
• Has a current or prior diagnosis of anorexia nervosa or bulimia nervosa
• Is breastfeeding or plans to breastfeed
• Has high blood pressure or a history or heart problems
• Has had a head injury
• Has a tumor in their brain or spine
• Takes insulin for diabetes
• Has a history of bipolar disorder, symptoms of mania or hypomania
• Has a history or risk of developing glaucoma
• Has a history of liver problems
• Has a history of kidney problems
• Has had prior allergic reactions to bupropion
• Is abruptly stopping the use of alcohol, benzodiazepines, barbiturates, or antiepileptic drugs

Drug Interactions With Wellbutrin

Taking certain medications, herbs, or supplements alongside Wellbutrin can change how Wellbutrin works in your body or increase the risk of serious side effects. Do not start, stop, or change the dosage of any medicines without your provider’s approval. Be aware that Wellbutrin may also cause false positive test results for amphetamines.

Substances you should avoid using while taking Wellbutrin SR include:

• Drugs broken down by the enzyme CYP2D6 (certain antidepressants, antipsychotics, beta blockers, anti-arrhythmia medications)
• Drugs that speed up the activity of the enzyme CYP3A4 (faster drug breakdown)
• Monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs)
• Digoxin (heart medication)
• Drugs that affect dopamine (levodopa, amantadine)
• Drugs that lower seizure threshold
• Alcohol

This is not a comprehensive list of the possible interactions with Wellbutrin. You should talk with your provider and your pharmacist about all prescription and over-the-counter medications, herbs, and supplements you take before starting Wellbutrin.

Wellbutrin Discontinuation

Do not abruptly stop taking Wellbutrin because it could cause your mental health symptoms to return. If you notice side effects while taking Wellbutrin, report them to your provider right away. They can adjust your treatment or help you consider other options. If you need to stop taking Wellbutrin, they will provide a plan for gradually reducing your dose.

Wellbutrin Dosages for FDA-Approved Treatment

The typical starting dosage of Wellbutrin is 150 mg daily.^{1, 2} Prescribers will start at a lower dose and increase or decrease dosages, depending on the drug’s effectiveness or the impact of side effects. Prescribers will often wait until two months have passed before adjusting the dosage, as Wellbutrin will often take that long to take full effect on the body.

How Should I Take Wellbutrin?

Swallow your Wellbutrin dosage whole with water so they can work correctly in the body. Do not chew, crush, or break the tablets. Take your Wellbutrin dose as directed by your provider. Also, take your dosage in the morning as it can cause insomnia if taken a few hours before bedtime.

What Happens If I Miss a Dose of Wellbutrin?

If you forget to take your Wellbutrin dose, take it as soon as you remember. If your next dose is due soon, skip the missed one and take the next one. Never take two doses at once. Keep taking your medication consistently unless your prescriber gives you different instructions.¹

Can You Overdose on Wellbutrin?

Yes, Wellbutrin overdose can occur on purpose or by accident. People may overdose on Wellbutrin if they take it in higher amounts than their provider recommends or combine it with other medications or alcohol.

Symptoms of a Wellbutrin overdose may include:¹

• Insomnia
• Dizziness
• Irritability
• Rash
• Heart palpitations
• Tremors

What Should You Do If You Take Too Much Wellbutrin?

Wellbutrin overdose is considered a health emergency and will require immediate medical attention. Gather important information about your dosage, such as the medication label, how much Wellbutrin you took, and when you took it.

How to Get a Prescription for Wellbutrin

To get a prescription for Wellbutrin in person, start with an evaluation for your symptoms. Your primary care provider, who may be a physician, nurse practitioner, or physician assistant can begin the process. And they may refer you to a psychiatrist or specialist for further assessment, including considering medication.

Can I Get Wellbutrin Prescribed Online?

For an online Wellbutrin prescription, you’ll also start with an evaluation from an online psychiatric provider. We have carefully reviewed platforms like Talkiatry or Circle Medical that can prescribe non-controlled substances, including antidepressants.