It’s estimated that more than29 millionpeople use Wellbutrin. If you’re considering taking it, it’s important to learn what it is, how it works, pros and cons, side effects, dosage information, and more.
Read on to learn more about Wellbutrin and all that you should know about this antidepressant.
What is Wellbutrin?
Wellbutrin is an FDA-approved atypical antidepressant medication that’s used to treat sometypes of depressionand help with smoking cessation. It’s also sometimes prescribed off-label — that is, not FDA-approved for the use of, but has been found to help — to treat symptoms of attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and other mental health conditions.
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 Uses
Wellbutrin usesinclude:
Depression
Depression symptoms often include:
Seasonal affective disorder
Instudies, when started in the fall, Wellbutrin XL was found effective in preventing recurrent symptoms related to SAD. Though symptomscan(and often do) resolve on their own in the spring and summer months, people who have an intense experience might benefit from a drug like Wellbutrin.
Off-label uses might include:
Pros & Cons of WellbutrinPros of WellbutrinCons of WellbutrinEffective antidepressantPotential side effects include dry mouth, headache, insomnia, nausea, agitationCan be effective in people who don’t see improvement in depression symptoms with other classes of drugsMay increase blood pressureLow risk ofweight gain from WellbutrinMust be dosed carefully to reduce the risk of some side effects, like seizuresNegative sexual side effects are less commonNot suitable for people with a history of seizures, eating disorders, and some psychiatric conditionsMight help reduce cravings and withdrawal symptoms in people who are quitting smokingCan take several weeks before seeing/feeling the full effects
Pros & Cons of Wellbutrin
Pros of WellbutrinCons of WellbutrinEffective antidepressantPotential side effects include dry mouth, headache, insomnia, nausea, agitationCan be effective in people who don’t see improvement in depression symptoms with other classes of drugsMay increase blood pressureLow risk ofweight gain from WellbutrinMust be dosed carefully to reduce the risk of some side effects, like seizuresNegative sexual side effects are less commonNot suitable for people with a history of seizures, eating disorders, and some psychiatric conditionsMight help reduce cravings and withdrawal symptoms in people who are quitting smokingCan take several weeks before seeing/feeling the full effects
Side Effects of WellbutrinLike any drug, Wellbutrin has the risk of side effects. In general,studies showthat Wellbutrin is well-tolerated, with low rates of sexual dysfunction and the possibility for weight loss instead of weight gain (which is a potential side effect of most other antidepressants). Not everyone will experience theseWellbutrin side effects, but it’s important to know what to look for if you start taking this drug. If you begin to experience side effects not listed on the boxed warning label, reach out to a medical professional.Some potential side effects of Wellbutrin include:Dry mouthHeadacheInsomniaNauseaAgitationConstipationDizzinessSweatingIncreased heart rateTremorBlurred visionLoss of appetiteWeight lossAnxietyIrritabilitySeizures (rare but can be more common at higher doses)High blood pressure (especially at higher doses or for someone with preexisting hypertension)
Side Effects of Wellbutrin
Like any drug, Wellbutrin has the risk of side effects. In general,studies showthat Wellbutrin is well-tolerated, with low rates of sexual dysfunction and the possibility for weight loss instead of weight gain (which is a potential side effect of most other antidepressants). Not everyone will experience theseWellbutrin side effects, but it’s important to know what to look for if you start taking this drug. If you begin to experience side effects not listed on the boxed warning label, reach out to a medical professional.
Some potential side effects of Wellbutrin include:
Wellbutrin DosageOptimal Wellbutrin dosage will vary from person to person depending on factors like age, weight, the condition being treated, other conditions and medications, family history, and more.You should always discuss dosage with your doctor to ensure you take the appropriate amount for your symptoms and condition.Take Wellbutrin exactly as directed. Do not chew, crush, or break Wellbutrin extended-release tablets — they should always be swallowed whole.FormsWellbutrin comes in multiple forms – tablets are available in:Sustained-release (SR)Extended-release (XL)DosageDose will depend on the condition being treated and symptom severity, among other things.Major depressive disorder (MDD):The starting dose is usually 100 – 150 mg 1 – 2 times daily. After a few days, your doctor might increase your dose to 3 times per day. The maximum dose is 300 – 450 mg daily, depending on which form your doctor prescribes.Seasonal affective disorder:The starting dose is generally 150 mg per day. After a week (7 days), your dose may be increased to 300 mg once per day. Treatment often begins in the fall, before symptoms start, and is typically discontinued in the early spring.
Wellbutrin Dosage
Optimal Wellbutrin dosage will vary from person to person depending on factors like age, weight, the condition being treated, other conditions and medications, family history, and more.
You should always discuss dosage with your doctor to ensure you take the appropriate amount for your symptoms and condition.
Take Wellbutrin exactly as directed. Do not chew, crush, or break Wellbutrin extended-release tablets — they should always be swallowed whole.
Forms
Wellbutrin comes in multiple forms – tablets are available in:
Dosage
Dose will depend on the condition being treated and symptom severity, among other things.
Additional ConsiderationsBeyond dosing considerations, there are other factors to keep in mind if you’re planning to take Wellbutrin for depression. For example, you should try to take this medication at or around the same time daily. This ensures a stable and consistent level of the drug in your bloodstream, maximizing efficacy.You can take Wellbutrin with or without food, but you should avoid alcohol as it can increase the risk of seizures or other side effects.InteractionsAll drugs have the risk of interacting with other medications. For this reason, it’s essential to inform your doctor of anything else you’re taking besides Wellbutrin. This includes natural or over-the-counter (OTC) supplements or vitamins.Drugs known to interact with Wellbutrin include:Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs)Serotonin-norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors (SNRIs)Monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs)Tricyclic antidepressants (TCAs)Antipsychotic medicationsAnticonvulsant medicationsNicotine replacement therapy (NRT)AlcoholWarningsWellbutrin can increase your risk for serious health conditions. Warnings when taking this drug can include, but aren’t limited to, the following:Increased risk of seizurePsychiatric symptoms, like an increase in suicidal thoughts and behaviorsNeuropsychiatric events, such as hallucinations, increased agitation, paranoia, delusional thinking, and mania in some peopleHypertensionAllergic reactions — while rare, cases of angioedema (extreme swelling) and anaphylaxis (a severe, potentially life-threatening allergic reaction) have been reported in some people who take Wellbutrin“Wellbutrin is not to be taken in a patient with a history of seizures. If taken, it increases the likelihood of them having another seizure.”–Talkspace psychiatrist Dr. Dion Metzger, MD
Additional Considerations
Beyond dosing considerations, there are other factors to keep in mind if you’re planning to take Wellbutrin for depression. For example, you should try to take this medication at or around the same time daily. This ensures a stable and consistent level of the drug in your bloodstream, maximizing efficacy.
You can take Wellbutrin with or without food, but you should avoid alcohol as it can increase the risk of seizures or other side effects.
Interactions
All drugs have the risk of interacting with other medications. For this reason, it’s essential to inform your doctor of anything else you’re taking besides Wellbutrin. This includes natural or over-the-counter (OTC) supplements or vitamins.
Drugs known to interact with Wellbutrin include:
Warnings
Wellbutrin can increase your risk for serious health conditions. Warnings when taking this drug can include, but aren’t limited to, the following:
“Wellbutrin is not to be taken in a patient with a history of seizures. If taken, it increases the likelihood of them having another seizure.”
Wellbutrin AlternativesWellbutrin isn’t right for everyone. If you’re not tolerating it well or you aren’t seeing the results you want after taking it for a few months, your doctor may decide to change your dosage or type of antidepressant medication entirely.Some alternatives to Wellbutrin can include:A different antidepressantAdepression medicationin a different class of drugs — like an SSRI or an SNRIPsychotherapy (also known as talk therapy)Basic lifestyle changes that are known to benefit people living with depression like working out, eating healthy, and sleeping well
Wellbutrin Alternatives
Wellbutrin isn’t right for everyone. If you’re not tolerating it well or you aren’t seeing the results you want after taking it for a few months, your doctor may decide to change your dosage or type of antidepressant medication entirely.
Some alternatives to Wellbutrin can include:
Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs)
Serotonin-norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors (SNRIs)
Serotonin-norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors (SNRIs) block the reabsorption of both serotonin and norepinephrine in the brain. These neurotransmitters are important in mood regulation, memory, and the sleep-wake cycle.
Tricyclic antidepressants (TCAs)
Tricyclic antidepressants (TCAs) are an older class of drugs and typically are only suggested if SSRIs and SNRIs haven’t reduced depression symptoms. TCAs were initially developed for psychotic episodes but were later found to effectively treat depression in some people.
Atypical antidepressants
If Wellbutrin (which is also an atypical antidepressant) doesn’t seem to be working, your doctor may decide to start you on a different medication in this same class. Some other atypical antidepressants can be an excellent alternative to Wellbutrin.
“An alternative to Wellbutrin is an SNRI (Serotonin and Norephrine Reuptake Inhibitor) such as Pristiq or Effexor XR. SNRI’s can boost the neurotransmitter norepinephrine to help with concentration and energy, similarly to Wellbutrin’s benefits.”
Get Wellbutrin Prescribed OnlineBefore you can get a prescription for Wellbutrin online, you’ll need a diagnosis from a licensed doctor or mental health provider like a psychiatrist. Talkspace offers convenient, affordable, and easily accessible online therapy and medication consultations, prescriptions, and management.Talkspace is a reliable resource for all your mental health needs. You’ll be connected with a qualified professional who’s experienced and ready to help.You don’t have to live in the grips of depression or another mental health condition. Talkspace can help you with therapy and, if needed, medication so you can take charge of your mental health and get back to living a healthy, happy, productive life.Connect with anonline psychiatristabout Wellbutrin today.
Get Wellbutrin Prescribed Online
Before you can get a prescription for Wellbutrin online, you’ll need a diagnosis from a licensed doctor or mental health provider like a psychiatrist. Talkspace offers convenient, affordable, and easily accessible online therapy and medication consultations, prescriptions, and management.
Talkspace is a reliable resource for all your mental health needs. You’ll be connected with a qualified professional who’s experienced and ready to help.
You don’t have to live in the grips of depression or another mental health condition. Talkspace can help you with therapy and, if needed, medication so you can take charge of your mental health and get back to living a healthy, happy, productive life.
Connect with anonline psychiatristabout Wellbutrin today.
Sources:
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Fava M, Rush AJ, Thase ME, et al. 15 years of clinical experience with bupropion hcl. The Primary Care Companion For CNS Disorders. 2005;7(3). doi:10.4088/pcc.v07n0305.https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC1163271/https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC1163271/. Accessed March 20, 2024.
Patel K, Allen S, Haque MN, Angelescu I, Baumeister D, Tracy DK. Bupropion: A systematic review and meta-analysis of effectiveness as an antidepressant. Therapeutic Advances in Psychopharmacology. 2016;6(2):99-144. doi:10.1177/2045125316629071.https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4837968/. Accessed March 20, 2024
Magovern M, Crawford-Faucher A. Extended-release bupropion for preventing seasonal affective disorder in adults. American Family Physician. January 1, 2017. Accessed March 20, 2024.https://www.aafp.org/pubs/afp/issues/2017/0101/p10.html.
Clark A, Tate B, Urban B, et al. Bupropion mediated effects on depression, attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, and smoking cessation: Published in Health Psychology Research. Health Psychology Research. July 1, 2023.https://healthpsychologyresearch.openmedicalpublishing.org/article/81043-bupropion-mediated-effects-on-depression-attention-deficit-hyperactivity-disorder-and-smoking-cessation. Accessed March 20, 2024.
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