Benefits of Wellbutrin

Wellbutrin^® ( bupropion hydrochloride) is a prescription medication licensed to treat depression (also called major depression or clinical depression). However, there are other "off-label" benefits of Wellbutrin, such as treating attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), treating seasonal affective disorder (SAD), and helping with smoking cessation.

 

In large clinical trials, Wellbutrin has been proven to help adults with depression. However, it is important to keep in mind that many antidepressants, including Wellbutrin, take several weeks to begin working. Often, the physical symptoms of depression (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. It is important to give Wellbutrin a chance to work before becoming discouraged.

 

Wellbutrin is part of a group of medications called norepinephrine and dopamine reuptake inhibitors, or NDRIs for short. NDRIs affect specific chemicals within the brain, known as norepinephrine and dopamine. When the levels of dopamine and norepinephrine become unbalanced, it can cause a variety of conditions, including depression and seasonal affective disorder. Wellbutrin helps block the reuptake of norepinephrine and dopamine so that more remains in the space between the brain's nerve cells.