Wellbutrin
(Bupropion)
Improves mood.
Our bottom line
Wellbutrin (Bupropion) is good for treating depression and has fewer sexual side effects than other antidepressants, but you need to be okay with avoiding alcohol.
- Price before coupon$28.98
- Lowest price with coupon$8.6470% savings
- Drug class: Mental health
- Rx status: Prescription only
- Generic status: Lower-cost generic available (bupropion)
Upsides
- Effective at relieving depression symptoms.
- Causes fewer sexual side effects than other antidepressants. Can actually boost sex drive for some people.
- Can be taken with other antidepressants to counteract their sexual side effects.
- Has some stimulant effects, so it can be energizing.
- Can help with ADHD symptoms.
- Also used to suppress appetite and help you quit smoking.
- Six out of ten people who use an antidepressant for the first time find that it works for them.
What to expect from Wellbutrin, on one page
Downsides
- Wellbutrin (Bupropion) can be stimulating, so it can cause anxiety or insomnia the first few days you're taking it.
- Generally not as good as other antidepressants for people who have anxiety.
- It's less likely to cause weight gain than other antidepressants.
- Has a higher risk of causing seizures, especially if you have a seizure disorder, eating disorder, or if you drink alcohol. So, it's not a good medication if you drink a lot.
- It contains the same ingredient as a medication that helps you to stop smoking, (Zyban), so these two meds can't be used together.
- Like most antidepressants, it can cause a higher risk of suicidal thoughts and behavior for people younger than 24.
- The first antidepressant you try doesn't always work or it can cause side effects you really don't like. You might need to try a few different medications until you find one that works for you.
What to expect from Wellbutrin, on one page
Wellbutrin (Bupropion) is an atypical antidepressant. Researchers don't know exactly how it works, but it seems to change dopamine and norepinephrine activity in the brain, which regulate mood.
- Drug class: Mental health
- Rx status: Prescription only
- Generic status: Lower-cost generic available (bupropion)
Used for
- Depression
- Seasonal affective disorder prevention
- Smoking cessation
Dosage forms
- Pill
- Extended release
Prices and coupons
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- AlbertsonsGet free coupon$10.17
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What to expect when you take Wellbutrin (Bupropion) for Depression
Skip what to expect section. Skip to side effects section.- First few daysDaysFirst few weeksWeeksFirst few monthsMonthsLong term
- Effectiveness
- Starts to kick inFull effects
- First few daysDaysFirst few weeksWeeksFirst few monthsMonthsLong term
- Possible side effects
- Headache
- Sleep problems
- Dry mouth
- Weight loss
- Dizziness
It can take time for a drug to start working, or for some side effects to go away.
Source: FDA product label and Iodine pharmacistsSide effect rates for Wellbutrin (Bupropion)
- Agitation32%32%22%22%
- Dry mouth28%28%18%18%
- Constipation26%26%17%17%
- Headache/migraine26%26%22%22%
- Nausea/vomiting23%23%19%19%
- Dizziness22%22%16%16%
- Excessive sweating22%22%15%15%
- Tremor21%21%8%8%
- Sleepiness20%20%20%20%
- Insomnia19%19%16%16%
- Blurred vision15%15%10%10%
- Tachycardia11%11%9%9%
- Confusion8%8%5%5%
- Rash8%8%7%7%
- Hostility6%6%4%4%
- Auditory disturbance5%5%3%3%
- Menstrual complaints5%5%1%1%
- Cardiac arrhythmias5%5%4%4%
- Impaired sleep quality4%4%2%2%
- Sensory disturbance4%4%3%3%
- Appetite increase4%4%2%2%
- Palpitations4%4%2%2%
- Hypertension4%4%2%2%
- Impotence3%3%3%3%
- Anxiety3%3%1%1%
- Decreased libido3%3%2%2%
- Gustatory disturbance3%3%1%1%
- Dyspepsia3%3%2%2%
- Hypotension3%3%2%2%
The placebo bar shows how common a side effect was for people taking a sugar pill instead of Wellbutrin.
People taking Wellbutrin felt side effect more
People taking Wellbutrin felt side effect less
Risks and Warnings for Wellbutrin (Bupropion)
Skip risks section. Skip to common concerns section.- Higher risk if:
- › Age 24 years or younger
Wellbutrin (Bupropion) may increase the risk of suicidal thoughts or behavior. Watch for worsening depression or any unusual changes in mood or behavior, especially during the first few months of treatment or when the dose changes. Report anything concerning to a doctor immediately. Wellbutrin (Bupropion) is not approved for use in children younger than age 18.
This is a black box warning. The FDA requires this warning when there is a significant risk of serious or life-threatening effects that anyone taking the drug should consider.
Common concerns from people taking Wellbutrin (Bupropion)
Final section. Do you want to return to drug navigation?Research studies with animals found harmful effects on unborn babies. It hasn’t been properly studied in humans. The benefits might outweigh the risks even if you’re pregnant. Talk with your doctor.
Tip: Always talk with your doctor before you take any medication while pregnant.- Not sureSome hassleReviewed bupropionon 10/27/2019It felt really useful for the first month or two, but the impact it had on my skin was gross and during month three it began to feel counterproductive. My emotions were very intense and I experienced an increase in libido, which had previously been pretty blunted by the SSRI I am also on.24WomanA few monthsDepression
- Has a higher risk of causing seizures, especially if you have a seizure disorder, eating disorder, or if you drink alcohol. So, it's not a good medication if you drink a lot.
- Not worth itBig hassleReviewed bupropionon 3/2/2021Helps with alcohol and smoking cravings, but made me feel worse than I had felt in 5 years.25WomanA few monthsDepression
- Worth itLow hassleReviewed Wellbutrinon 5/16/2017A great med for depression. Really wish someone would have informed me about the abstaining from alcohol beforehand though. No significant side-effects noted.23WomanTwo years or moreDepression
- Worth itLow hassleReviewed Wellbutrinon 4/25/2017Take the alcohol warning seriously, alcohol has a heavier affect on you when you're taking this medication.19WomanTwo years or moreDepression
- Not worth itBig hassleReviewed WellbutrinThis is make or break medication. You'll know fast it works (days). If you feel ANY paranoia, rage, racing thoughts, or any of its top side effects, discontinue with doctor guidance IMMEDIATELY. For ADD, this is nothing like real ADD meds!20ManA month or soDepression
- Wellbutrin (Bupropion) is processed by the kidney and liver. If you have kidney or liver problems, you may need a different dose to prevent increased risk for side effects.
- Not worth itBig hassleReviewed bupropionon 7/26/2019This can cause severe chest and heart pain. I thought I was having a heart attack.52ManA month or soDepression
- Not worth itBig hassleReviewed Wellbutrinon 7/9/2017I was getting UTIs constantly. I was having pain & pressure constantly even after the infection went away. I went to the ER in pain & was diagnosed with urinary retention. No one mentioned it is a side effect of wellbutrin. I read about it & went off wellbutrin cold turkey. Within 24 hours, my pain subsided. Beware of this side effect!43WomanA year or soDepression
- Not sureLow hassleReviewed Wellbutrinon 5/1/2017I'm not sure yet but it does seem like I have a better outlook on life since starting a few weeks ago. Mild low grade headaches so far that are not relieved with OTC pain relievers. Dry mouth and difficulty staying asleep. Hopefully these lesson with adjustment.40WomanA couple weeksSexual dysfunction from taking SSRI antidepressant
- Not worth itBig hassleReviewed bupropionon 12/13/2019Libido returned to normal.66WomanA few monthsDepression
- Not sureSome hassleReviewed otheron 2/8/2018NO MORE SLEEPY OR lethargic, that is quite amazing, awake and sharp minded, but I feel a tolerable restlessness and agitation, I'm now trying to go down to 75mg. At night I take mirtazapine for sleep.58ManA month or soWould rather not say
- Worth itLow hassleReviewed Wellbutrinon 7/4/2017Take in the morning before 10am or I can't sleep. I take 300mg and it has saved my life. I feel like I don't have a dark cloud hanging over me all the time. Took my appetite away but that went back to normal after the first month. After 2 months I started getting really bad arm pain. Not sure if it's related. I do have a pacemaker and there's no interference with my heart condition. Over all this is amazing for me. I can live life now. Made my sex drive high.36WomanA few monthsDepression
- Worth itLow hassleReviewed WellbutrinI take it at night, haven't noticed sleep problems. First day I was amped up but that went away, still have low low sex drive and a healthy appetite :(35WomanA year or soDepression
- It's less likely to cause weight gain than other antidepressants.
- Worth itLow hassleReviewed Wellbutrinon 2/23/2018A good choice for an antidepressant that’s more energizing and does not cause sexual dysfunction or weight gain.22ManTwo years or moreWould rather not say
- Worth itLow hassleReviewed WellbutrinI started taking it and immediately lost my appetite to the point I had to force myself to eat. I lost 90 pounds in about 6-12 months. For me, it has been the best medication I have taken so far. It helped my mood, my depression and weight.65WomanTwo years or more
- Worth itLow hassleReviewed Wellbutrinon 6/22/2017Though I've had some negative side effects, the good far outweighs the bad. I'm hypomanic-bipolar with manic depressive tendencies. This, along with Buspar and Gabapentin, helped to lift the depression enough so that I can lead a somewhat "normal" life.37WomanTwo years or moreBipolar disorder