Wellbutrin
® (
bupropion hydrochloride) is a prescription medicine used to treat
depression (also known as major depression or clinical depression).
Wellbutrin is manufactured by GlaxoSmithKline. Generic versions are made by several manufacturers.
How Does Wellbutrin Work?
Wellbutrin is a norepinephrine and dopamine reuptake inhibitor, or NDRI for short.
NDRIs affect specific chemicals within the brain, known as norepinephrine and dopamine. These are two of several chemicals used to send messages from one nerve cell to another.
As a message travels down a nerve, it causes the end of the cell to release either norepinephrine or dopamine. The chemical enters the gap between the first nerve cell and the one next to it. When enough norepinephrine or dopamine reaches the second nerve cell, it activates receptors on the cell and the message continues on its way. The first cell then quickly absorbs any norepinephrine or dopamine that remains in the gap between cells. This is called "reuptake."
Normally, this process works without any problems. But 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. This gives the chemicals a better chance of activating the receptors on the next nerve cell.
Currently, the only NDRI
antidepressants approved for use are medications containing bupropion. Wellbutrin is the short-acting version of it. Bupropion also comes in longer-acting forms, including:
Some general considerations for when and how to take Wellbutrin include the following:
- The medication comes in tablet form. It is taken by mouth, usually two to four times per day.
- Taking Wellbutrin at bedtime may cause insomnia. If you are having trouble sleeping, try taking your last dose a little earlier.
- You can take Wellbutrin with or without food. If the medication bothers your stomach, try taking it with food.
- Your Wellbutrin dosages should be taken at the same times each day to maintain an even level in your blood.
- For the medication to work properly, it must be taken as prescribed. It will not work if you stop taking it.
The dose of Wellbutrin your healthcare provider recommends will vary, depending on a number of factors, including:
- Your age
- Other medical conditions you may have
- Other medications you may be currently taking.
As always, do not adjust your dose unless your healthcare provider specifically instructs you to do so.
Side Effects of Wellbutrin
As with any medicine, side effects can occur with Wellbutrin. However, not everyone who takes it will experience side effects. In fact, most people tolerate the medication well. If side effects do occur, in most cases, they are minor and either require no treatment or can easily be treated by you or your healthcare provider. Serious side effects are less common.
The most common side effects include:
(Click Wellbutrin Side Effects to learn more, including potentially serious side effects you should report to your healthcare provider.)
You can also read about specific side effects in the following eMedTV articles:
What Should I Tell My Healthcare Provider Before Taking Wellbutrin?
Talk with your healthcare provider prior to taking the drug if you have:
Also, let your healthcare provider know if you:
You should also make sure to tell your healthcare provider about all of the medicines you take, including prescription and non-prescription medicines, vitamins, and herbal supplements.
Depression, even in its most severe form, is highly treatable. As with many illnesses, getting treatment for depression early is more effective and reduces the chance of recurrence.
The most common forms of treatment for depression are medications (
antidepressants) and psychotherapy ("talk therapy"). In cases of severe depression, some healthcare providers may recommend electroconvulsive therapy (ECT). Some people may also try complementary or alternative treatments for depression
(see Natural Remedies for Depression).
For most people, Wellbutrin is quite effective at treating depression. It is also generally well tolerated. However, side effects could occur during treatment or the medicine may not work as well as needed. In these cases, your healthcare provider may recommend an alternative to Wellbutrin. Some examples of substitute depression medications include:
What If I Take an Overdose?
People who take too much Wellbutrin may have overdose symptoms that could include:
- Seizures
- Hallucinations
- Fainting
- A rapid heart rate (tachycardia)
- Irregular heart rhythms (arrhythmias)
- A fever
- Muscle tension, pain, and damage
- Low blood pressure (hypotension)
- Breathing problems
- Coma
- Loss of life.
If you happen to take too much, seek prompt medical attention.
How Should Wellbutrin Be Stored?
The tablets should be stored at room temperature, away from moisture or heat, in an airtight container. Keep this and all other medications out of the reach of children.
What Should I Do If I Miss a Dose?
If you do not take your Wellbutrin as scheduled, take your missed dose as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and continue with your regular schedule. Do not take a double dose.
- Wellbutrin 75 mg
- Wellbutrin 100 mg.
Currently, both brand-name and generic versions of Wellbutrin are licensed for sale
(see Generic Wellbutrin for more information).
