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Wellbutrin Uses

Wellbutrin is used to treat depression in adults. The medication works by helping to keep certain chemicals in the brain balanced. There are currently several off-label Wellbutrin uses, such as treating ADHD, treating seasonal affective disorder, and helping people quit smoking. Wellbutrin is not approved for use in children with depression.

 

An Overview of Wellbutrin Uses

Wellbutrin® (bupropion hydrochloride) is a prescription medicine used for the treatment of depression (also known as major depression or clinical depression).
 
Depression is more than just "feeling sad." Some common symptoms of depression include:
 
  • 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.
     
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. Sometimes, other people will notice an improvement in your depression symptoms before you do. 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.
 
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).
 
(Wellbutrin Uses Continued: Page 2)
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Written by/reviewed by: Kristi Monson, PharmD; Arthur Schoenstadt, MD
Last reviewed by: Kristi Monson, PharmD;