Wellbutrin Weight Gain: Everything You Need to Know

While not typically associated with weight gain, Wellbutrin use can lead to unwanted weight changes for some. If you want to discuss your current prescription with a provider or are considering a prescription for Wellbutrin, an online psychiatry platform can be a good place to start. Talkiatry and Brightside Health offer psychiatric assessments and prescription consultation, and can address concerns about potential weight changes while taking Wellbutrin.

What is Wellbutrin (Bupropion)?

Wellbutrin, also known by its generic name Bupropion, is an FDA-approved medication for depression. The antidepressant is also approved to treat seasonal affective disorder (SAD) and smoking cessation by helping people quit smoking.² Bupropion belongs to the norepinephrine and dopamine reuptake inhibitors (NDRIs) class of drugs that work by increasing the neurotransmitters – norepinephrine and dopamine – levels in the brain. This helps to influence mood and depression, making you feel better.

Why Does Wellbutrin Cause Weight Gain?

Bupropion weight gain is a side effect some may experience when taking the medication. Weight gain is more commonly associated with medications taken to manage symptoms of depression and anxiety, including fluoxetine (Prozac), paroxetine (Paxil) and citalopram (Celexa). Talk to your doctor to understand the benefits and risks of taking antidepressant medications.

Generally, antidepressants in both the selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) and serotonin and norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors (SNRIs) class of drugs interfere with serotonin levels in the brain which helps to regulate mood and anxiety. These changes in the brain may increase cravings for carbohydrate-rich foods such as bread, resulting in possible weight gain over some time.^{3, 4}

SSRIs and Weight Gain

Like other SNRIs and SSRIs, bupropion can cause weight gain as it affects the levels of both dopamine and norepinephrine, which play an important role in controlling appetite and eating. Taking bupropion medication can increase the appetite for carbohydrate-rich foods, such as desserts, legumes, and dairy products. This can lead to weight gain.

Do Other Antidepressants Cause Weight Gain?

Generally, weight gain is a possible side effect of most antidepressants, including SSRIs, monoamine oxidase (MAOIs), and tricyclic antidepressants (TCAs). However, people respond differently to antidepressant medications, which can result in weight gain or weight loss in certain people. A clinical study revealed that 55% of SSRI medication patients gained significant weight. The study suggested significant weight gain in patients who take newer antidepressants.⁵

While antidepressants are generally associated with weight gain as a side effect, it’s important to note that not all antidepressants cause weight gain. Wellbutrin is mostly associated with weight loss than weight gain. A clinical study revealed that most participants who used bupropion had a significant chance to achieve weight loss, with an average weight loss of 7.% and 10.1% in those who received 300mg or 400mg of bupropion per day. ⁶

Short-Term vs. Long-Term Impacts of Wellbutrin With Weight Gain

Wellbutrin can cause either weight gain or weight loss, though weight loss is more common. Using bupropion in the short term may not lead to sudden weight gain. However, long-term use of the antidepressant can lead to weight changes. People can engage in emotional eating, which can result in possible weight gain.

Other Reasons People May Gain Weight After Starting Medications

While weight may gain is a possible side effect of most antidepressants, antidepressants may not be the only cause of weight gain. Other eating disorders like binge eating and bulimia nervosa may contribute to weight gain. Another factor is that people with depression may have lost weight and are now returning to a healthier weight.

Depression and binge eating disorders can result in weight gain. Binge eating disorder is characterized by excessive intake of food than normal intake. This condition is associated with eating large quantities more rapidly than normal. Depression and binge eating disorders can make a person eat more food than usual, and weight gain can be inevitable for some people due to high-calorie food. You may soon be finding pleasure in food/eating again when antidepressants work.

Also, emotional eating can cause weight gain. People with depression have symptoms characterized by persistent sadness and loss of interest, which can interfere with their daily activities. They may engage in emotional eating and lack the energy for regular physical activity, both of which can possibly lead to weight gain.

Ways to Manage Wellbutrin Weight Gain

Gaining weight while on Wellbutrin medication can be a very challenging experience for anyone. This can force you to consider other ways to lose weight and return to everyday life, including other medication alternatives. Important to discuss with your doctor how you can manage your depression or anxiety.

Weight gain as a side effect may improve over time. However, if the side effect does not improve after an extended period, consult your physician for better alternatives to consider.

Here are 5 ways to manage weight gain while taking Wellbutrin (Bupropion):

• Adjusting doses: Long-term use of Wellbutrin can significantly contribute to weight gain. Also, taking high dosages can contribute to weight gain. Your doctor can help you taper off your dosage for a particular duration to reduce the medication side effects.
• Switching drugs: If you are experiencing weight gain on Wellbutrin, your doctor can consider a suitable medication such as fluoxetine (Prozac).
• Eating more mindfully: Taking Wellbutrin for a specific duration and foods rich in carbohydrates can cause weight gain. You can take healthy foods such as vegetables and fruits, which can help to manage weight gain.
• Exercising regularly: The physical and mental health benefits of exercise can help manage weight gain while taking Wellbutrin. Frequent exercise can help with weight loss and can boost to both your energy and your mood.⁷

Working with a dietitian: Lack of proper diet can lead to eating a poor diet or overeating, potentially resulting in weight gain. Working with a dietician can help manage caloric intake, where your dietician can recommend healthy foods.

Other Side Effects of Wellbutrin

Besides weight gain, taking Wellbutrin may lead to other side effects, such as nausea and headaches. And while antidepressants are often associated with sexual dysfunction, Wellbutrin’s sexual side effects often have a positive impact. Wellbutrin can help you feel like you have more energy, a better mood, and higher self-esteem.

Antidepressants may also make you feel less depressed and less anxious.⁸ Wellbutrin can also lead to more severe side effects, such as serotonin syndrome and withdrawal discontinuation syndrome, which may require immediate medical attention. If the side effects become intolerable, consult your doctor to improve your safety while on the medication.

Common Wellbutrin side effects include:

• Sweating
• Dizziness
• Trembling
• Constipation
• Appetite issues
• Weight loss
• Changes in perception of well-being
• Headaches
• Nausea
• Vomiting
• Dry mouth
• Insomnia
• Fast heartbeat
• Sore throat

Serious Wellbutrin side effects needing immediate medical attention include:

• Ringing in ears
• Hyperventilation
• Irregular heartbeat
• Insomnia
• Irritability
• Manic episodes
• Vision problems
• Anxiety symptoms
• Suicidal ideation
• Withdrawal side effects
• Serotonin syndrome

Taking bupropion for an extended period can make the body become used to the medication, making it ineffective in treating symptoms of anxiety or depression. This can lead to worsening symptoms of anxiety or depression, contributing to emotional eating and sudden weight gain.

Alternative to Wellbutrin for Weight Gain

If you are concerned about weight gain due to taking Wellbutrin, there are other alternatives your doctor can recommend due to their fewer side effects on weight gain. Your doctor may recommend antidepressants such as sertraline (Zoloft), fluoxetine (Prozac), and citalopram (Celexa), as they might not cause you to gain weight.

Questions to Ask Your Healthcare Team About Wellbutrin Side Effects

Before you start your bupropion medication, consult your doctor first to understand the benefits and risks of the medication. Your doctor might address safety concerns by considering the right medication for your condition. You can ask your doctor if your previous history of weight gain can make you more susceptible to weight gain while on the medication or how long can weight gain side effects of Wellbutrin last.

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

• How can I tell it’s the medication rather than my depression causing weight gain?
• How long can weight gain side effects in Wellbutrin last?
• Am I at risk for increased weight gain if I am already taking other anxiety/depression medications?
• Can a previous history of weight gain make me more susceptible?
• What is the best dosage that can lead to less weight gain?
• Are there drugs I am taking that could have increased effects on weight gain?
• When should I contact you if I am experiencing too much weight gain?
• Are there other medications that may have less weight gain?
• Can I switch medications if I cannot tolerate weight gain while on Wellbutrin?
• How can I manage my weight gain?
• What other factors may contribute to my weight gain apart from the medication?

Final Thoughts on Wellbutrin and Weight Gain

Bupropion can be an effective medication for treating symptoms of depression. The drug can lead to common side effects, including nausea and vomiting. The medication can also cause weight gain. However, weight loss is mainly associated with the medication. While every person is different, taking antidepressants like Wellbutrin may potentially lead weight gain for some. Discuss other options with your doctor if you’re unhappy with the side effects you’re feeling from Wellbutrin or another antidepressant.