Wellbutrin(bupropion) is an atypical antidepressant in the class of drugs known as norepinephrine-dopamine reuptake inhibitors (NDRIs). It’s primarily used to treat major depressive disorder (MDD) and can help prevent seasonal affective disorder (SAD), which is atype of depressionthat occurs during specific seasons of the year, typically in the colder months.Like any drug, Wellbutrin XL (extended-release) and Wellbutrin SR (sustained release) can cause a variety of side effects. When taking this — or any — antidepressant medication, it’s a good idea that you know about common, less common, and serious potential side effects to look for.Your doctor should cover everything you need to know before you begin taking an antidepressant, but you can also educate yourself on Wellbutrin use. Learn what to look for, how long side effects can last, and how to manage the side effects of Wellbutrin here.
Wellbutrin(bupropion) is an atypical antidepressant in the class of drugs known as norepinephrine-dopamine reuptake inhibitors (NDRIs). It’s primarily used to treat major depressive disorder (MDD) and can help prevent seasonal affective disorder (SAD), which is atype of depressionthat occurs during specific seasons of the year, typically in the colder months.
Like any drug, Wellbutrin XL (extended-release) and Wellbutrin SR (sustained release) can cause a variety of side effects. When taking this — or any — antidepressant medication, it’s a good idea that you know about common, less common, and serious potential side effects to look for.
Your doctor should cover everything you need to know before you begin taking an antidepressant, but you can also educate yourself on Wellbutrin use. Learn what to look for, how long side effects can last, and how to manage the side effects of Wellbutrin here.
Common Side Effects You Might Expect With WellbutrinAll prescription drugs have possible side effects that can range from mild to severe. Most will occur within a few days to a few weeks of starting certain medications. For some people, side effects will lessen as the body adjusts to a medication.Wellbutrin prescription onlineGet an evaluation and prescription for Wellbutrin from a psychiatric provider licensed in your state.Get startedWellbutrin side effects in the first week can include:HeadacheDifficulty sleepingNauseaConstipationSore throatOther common side effects of Wellbutrin you might experience include:Dry mouthIncreased sweatingDecreased appetite (which can lead toweight loss on Wellbutrin)DizzinessStomach painRestlessnessAgitation
Common Side Effects You Might Expect With Wellbutrin
All prescription drugs have possible side effects that can range from mild to severe. Most will occur within a few days to a few weeks of starting certain medications. For some people, side effects will lessen as the body adjusts to a medication.
Wellbutrin prescription onlineGet an evaluation and prescription for Wellbutrin from a psychiatric provider licensed in your state.Get started
Wellbutrin prescription onlineGet an evaluation and prescription for Wellbutrin from a psychiatric provider licensed in your state.
Wellbutrin prescription online
Get an evaluation and prescription for Wellbutrin from a psychiatric provider licensed in your state.
Wellbutrin side effects in the first week can include:
Other common side effects of Wellbutrin you might experience include:
Less Common Side Effects of WellbutrinThere are also some less common, but still possible, side effects of Wellbutrin. These might include:Change in sense of tasteBlurred visionRapid heartbeatDrowsinessRashMuscle painRinging in the earsSore throatFrequently needing to urinate
Less Common Side Effects of Wellbutrin
There are also some less common, but still possible, side effects of Wellbutrin. These might include:
Serious Side Effects of WellbutrinYour doctor will inform you of the serious side effects from Wellbutrin to be aware of. Knowing what to look for before you start taking a drug is vital so you can immediately seek professional help if necessary.Risk of seizuresAlthough rare,studies showa known risk of seizure is linked to higher doses of Wellbutrin. It’s important to point out that this risk is dose-dependent, which means the risk increases with a higher dose or when the drug isn’t used as indicated.Factors that may increase the risk of Wellbutrin-related seizures include:Having a history of seizuresTaking high doses of WellbutrinAbruptly stopping WellbutrinOther medical conditions, including but not limited to disordered eating or brain injuriesDrug interactionsAllergic reactionsSome people can have an allergic reaction to Wellbutrin. If you have any of the following signs after you take this drug, seek care as soon as possible. Discuss any known allergies you’re aware of with a medical professional before taking Wellbutrin.Signs of allergic reactions may include:Developing a rash or hivesSwelling of the face, lips, throat, or tongueHaving difficulty breathingGoing into anaphylactic shockCertain psychological side effectsIt’s possible to have psychological side effects while taking Wellbutrin. Note that not everyone will experience these adverse effects, and it’s common that the benefits of the drug outweigh any risks.If you notice any of the following, contact your doctor or healthcare provider to discuss what you’re experiencing:Increased feelings of agitation or irritabilityFeelings of anxiety to the point of a panic attackInsomnia or other sleep disturbancesChange in mood, mood swingsIncreased thoughts of suicide or suicidal behavior — more common in children, adolescents, and young adultsAngle-closure glaucomaAngle-closure glaucoma is a serious eye condition in which a blockage causes a sudden increase in eye pressure. It’s listed as a very rare but possible side effect of Wellbutrin. If you have a history of eye conditions or if you start to experience any changes to your vision after taking Wellbutrin, talk to your doctor immediately for medical advice.Symptoms of angle-closure glaucoma can include:Severe eye painBlurred visionHeadacheNauseaSeeing halos around lights
Serious Side Effects of Wellbutrin
Your doctor will inform you of the serious side effects from Wellbutrin to be aware of. Knowing what to look for before you start taking a drug is vital so you can immediately seek professional help if necessary.
Risk of seizures
Although rare,studies showa known risk of seizure is linked to higher doses of Wellbutrin. It’s important to point out that this risk is dose-dependent, which means the risk increases with a higher dose or when the drug isn’t used as indicated.
Factors that may increase the risk of Wellbutrin-related seizures include:
Allergic reactions
Some people can have an allergic reaction to Wellbutrin. If you have any of the following signs after you take this drug, seek care as soon as possible. Discuss any known allergies you’re aware of with a medical professional before taking Wellbutrin.
Signs of allergic reactions may include:
Certain psychological side effects
It’s possible to have psychological side effects while taking Wellbutrin. Note that not everyone will experience these adverse effects, and it’s common that the benefits of the drug outweigh any risks.
If you notice any of the following, contact your doctor or healthcare provider to discuss what you’re experiencing:
Angle-closure glaucoma
Angle-closure glaucoma is a serious eye condition in which a blockage causes a sudden increase in eye pressure. It’s listed as a very rare but possible side effect of Wellbutrin. If you have a history of eye conditions or if you start to experience any changes to your vision after taking Wellbutrin, talk to your doctor immediately for medical advice.
Symptoms of angle-closure glaucoma can include:
How Long Do Wellbutrin Side Effects Last?How long Wellbutrin side effects last will vary from person to person. Many — like insomnia, nausea, and headache — resolve within a few days to weeks as your body adjusts to your antidepressant medication.How to Manage Wellbutrin Side EffectsManaging Wellbutrin’s side effects starts with discussing anything uncomfortable or concerning with your doctor. They’ll be able to assess what you’re experiencing and, if needed, adjust your dosage or make other changes to your treatment plan.In the meantime, some ways you can manage Wellbutrin side effects include:Take your medication with food if it upsets your stomachDrink plenty of water, especially if dry mouth is a side effectReduce your caffeine intakeMaintain a healthy and consistent sleep habitExerciseTake Wellbutrin earlier in the day if you experience insomniaMonitor your mood and contact your doctor if you notice extreme mood swingsAvoid alcohol and recreational drugs“When taking Wellbutrin XL or XR, one should be mindful of the potential for increased anxiety or agitation, particularly in those who struggle with pre-existing anxiety disorders. If you experience these side effects, it’s crucial to communicate them to your psychiatrist. They may adjust your dosage or prescribe additional medications to help mitigate these symptoms while still benefiting from Wellbutrin.”–Talkspace therapist Bisma Anwar, LPC, LMHC
How Long Do Wellbutrin Side Effects Last?
How long Wellbutrin side effects last will vary from person to person. Many — like insomnia, nausea, and headache — resolve within a few days to weeks as your body adjusts to your antidepressant medication.
How to Manage Wellbutrin Side Effects
Managing Wellbutrin’s side effects starts with discussing anything uncomfortable or concerning with your doctor. They’ll be able to assess what you’re experiencing and, if needed, adjust your dosage or make other changes to your treatment plan.
In the meantime, some ways you can manage Wellbutrin side effects include:
“When taking Wellbutrin XL or XR, one should be mindful of the potential for increased anxiety or agitation, particularly in those who struggle with pre-existing anxiety disorders. If you experience these side effects, it’s crucial to communicate them to your psychiatrist. They may adjust your dosage or prescribe additional medications to help mitigate these symptoms while still benefiting from Wellbutrin.”
See If Wellbutrin Is Right for You with Talkspace
Wellbutrin treatment can be game-changing in helping you manage symptoms of depression. It can help you get back on track toward leading a healthy and productive life full of rewarding relationships and a new outlook.
Talkspace can be the first step in taking control of your mental health. Our licensed, experienced mental health professionals are there when you need them, whether that means you’re seeking therapy or need help with diagnosis, prescriptions, or medication management.
Sources:
Our goal at Talkspace is to provide the most up-to-date, valuable, and objective information on mental health-related topics in order to help readers make informed decisions.
Articles contain trusted third-party sources that are either directly linked to in the text or listed at the bottom to take readers directly to the source.
Share0Tweet0Pin it0
Share0
Tweet0
Pin it0
