Key facts about Wellbutrin
What is Wellbutrin?
Wellbutrin is the brand name for bupropion and is available as an oral tablet.
What dosages is Wellbutrin available in?
Wellbutrin is available as a 75 mg and 100 mg oral tablet.
What is Wellbutrin used for?
Wellbutrin is an atypical antidepressant that is used to treat:
Depression
Seasonal affective disorder (SAD) – only bupropion HCl extended-release (Wellbutrin XL)
How does Wellbutrin work?
Wellbutrin is an atypical antidepressant. It’s not fully known how the medication works but it’s thought to boost norepinephrine and dopamine levels in the brain, which can help to improve mood and depression.
How do I take Wellbutrin?
Wellbutrin is typically started at 100 mg by mouth twice daily. After 3 days, your provider might raise your dose to 100 mg three times a day with at least 6 hours between doses. The maximum dose is 450 mg per day.
Is it safe for me to take Wellbutrin?
Wellbutrin is a safe and effective treatment when used for FDA licensed indications. However, like all medications, they may give you unwanted side effects. You should always discuss potential side effects with your physician to ensure the medication is suitable and right for you. You should not use this medication if you have any of the following:
- History of seizures
- History of eating disorders (e.g., bulimia or anorexia)
Stopping alcohol, benzodiazepines, barbiturates, antiepileptic medications suddenly - Take, have recently taken (within the last 14 days), or plan to take (within the next 14 days) medications called monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs), such as rasagiline (Azilect) or selegiline (Eldepryl)
- Treatment with linezolid or intravenous methylene blue
Wellbutrin Common Side Effects
Common side effects of Wellbutrin:
- Headache
- Dry mouth
- Nausea
- Trouble sleeping
- Dizziness
- Sore throat
- Constipation
- Restlessness (agitation)
- Stomach pain
- Anxiety
Wellbutrin Serious Side Effects
Serious side effects are rare with Wellbutrin. Contact your healthcare provider immediately if you experience any of the following.
- Suicidal thoughts and changes in mood or behavior
- Serious allergic reactions: itchy skin, skin rash, hives, swelling, shortness of breath, chest pain
- Severe skin reactions: painful rash, fluid-filled blisters, fever, sore throat, peeling skin
- Seizures
- Manic episodes: very high or low energy, angry or very happy, problems with sleep
- Vision problems: eye pain, changes in vision, swelling or redness in or around the eye
Effects of other drugs, drug classes and over-the-counter products on Wellbutrin
The following medications may interact with Wellbutrin:
- CYP2B6 inducers: Dose increase may be necessary if coadministered with CYP2B6 inducers (e.g., ritonavir, lopinavir, efavirenz carbamazepine, phenobarbital, and phenytoin) based on clinical response but should not exceed the maximum recommended dose.
- Drugs metabolized by CYP2D6: Bupropion inhibits CYP2D6 and canincrease concentrations of: antidepressants (e.g., venlafaxine nortriptyline, imipramine, desipramine, paroxetine, fluoxetine, sertraline) antipsychotics (e.g., haloperidol, risperidone, thioridazine), beta-blockers (e.g., metoprolol), and Type 1C antiarrhythmics (e.g., propafenone flecainide). Consider dose reduction when using with bupropion
- Digoxin: May decrease plasma digoxin levels. Monitor digoxin levels
- Drugs that lower seizure threshold: Dose Wellbutrin with caution
- Dopaminergic drugs (levodopa and amantadine): CNS toxicity can occur when used concomitantly with Wellbutrin
- MAOIs: Increased risk of hypertensive reactions can occur when used concomitantly with Wellbutrin
- Drug-laboratory test interactions: Wellbutrin can cause false positive urine test results for amphetamines
Who makes Wellbutrin?
GlaxoSmithKline
Is Wellbutrin safe in pregnancy?
It is not known if Wellbutrin will harm your
unborn baby. You and your doctor will have to decide if you should take Wellbutrin while you are pregnant or if you plan to become pregnant. There is an independent pregnancy exposure registry that monitors pregnancy outcomes in
women exposed to any antidepressants during pregnancy. Healthcare providers are encouraged
to register patients by calling the National Pregnancy Registry for Antidepressants at 1-844-405-6185 or visiting online at women’s health













