Wellbutrin XL uses include the treatment of depression and seasonal affective disorder. The medicine blocks the reuptake of norepinephrine and dopamine in the brain when levels become unbalanced. Since it can take several weeks before significant changes in mood occur, it's important to give the medicine a chance before becoming discouraged. Current off-label Wellbutrin XL uses include treating ADHD and helping people quit smoking.
Wellbutrin XL® (bupropion XL) is a prescription medicine used for the treatment of depression (also known as major depression or clinical depression). It is also used to treat seasonal affective disorder (SAD).
Changes in sleep (sleeping too much or not enough)
Eating too much or too little (and weight gain or weight loss)
Having little interest in things that you used to enjoy
Physical pain
Feeling hopeless or worthless
Suicidal thoughts.
Wellbutrin XL has been proven in large clinical trials to help adults with depression. However, keep in mind that many antidepressants (including Wellbutrin XL) can take several weeks to begin working. Sometimes, other people will notice an improvement in your depression symptoms before you do. Often, the physical symptoms (such as pain or changes in sleep) will improve first -- sometimes within the first few weeks of treatment. It can take several weeks before significant changes in mood occur, so it is important to give Wellbutrin XL a chance to work before becoming discouraged.
Counseling and therapy (see Psychotherapy for Depression) are often used along with antidepressant medication to treat depression. Ask your healthcare provider if counseling or therapy would be good options for you (see Depression Treatment).
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