⚠️ For informational purposes only. PillCodex is not a doctor. Always consult a healthcare professional before taking any medication.
💊PillCodex
Browse ↓
⚠️

This is an information resource — not medical advice.

PillCodex provides general educational information about medications. This content is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Never start, stop, or change a medication based on what you read here. Always speak to your doctor, pharmacist, or qualified healthcare provider with questions about your medications.

🚨 If you are experiencing a medical emergency or think you may have taken too much of a medication, call emergency services (911 in the US) or go to your nearest emergency room immediately.

NDRI (Norepinephrine-Dopamine Reuptake Inhibitor) / Smoking Cessation Aid🔒 Prescription only

What Is Bupropion (Wellbutrin) Used For?

Brand names: Wellbutrin, Zyban

Bupropion is a unique antidepressant that works differently from SSRIs. It also carries the brand name Zyban when used for smoking cessation.

What is Bupropion used for?

  • Major depressive disorder
  • Seasonal affective disorder (SAD)
  • Smoking cessation (as Zyban)
  • ADHD (off-label)
  • Sexual dysfunction caused by other antidepressants (off-label)

How does Bupropion work?

Unlike SSRIs, bupropion blocks the reuptake of norepinephrine and dopamine rather than serotonin. This makes it more activating and less likely to cause the sexual side effects and weight gain common with SSRIs.

Dosage information

💊Available forms
  • 75mg tablets
  • 100mg tablets (immediate-release)
  • 150mg extended-release tablets
  • 200mg extended-release tablets
  • 300mg extended-release tablets (XL)
  • +1 more
📏Typical dosage

Usually started at 150mg once daily, increased to 300mg (as 150mg twice daily or 300mg XL once daily). Maximum 450mg/day. Doses should be spaced at least 8 hours apart.

⚠️ Dosage varies by individual. Always follow your doctor's or pharmacist's instructions — never self-dose based on general information.

Side effects

Common

  • Dry mouth (very common)
  • Insomnia
  • Headache
  • Nausea
  • Dizziness
  • Constipation
  • Increased heart rate
  • Agitation or anxiety at start

⚠️ Serious — contact your doctor

  • Seizures — dose-dependent risk (contraindicated at high risk)
  • Increased blood pressure
  • Suicidal thoughts in those under 25 (black box warning)
  • Mania in bipolar patients
  • Severe allergic reactions

Important warnings

Risk of seizures — do NOT take if you have an eating disorder (bulimia/anorexia), seizure history, or abruptly stopping alcohol or benzodiazepines — these all lower seizure threshold
Black box warning: increased suicidal thoughts in young people
Do not crush or chew extended-release tablets
Doses must be spaced at least 8 hours apart
Also carries a black box warning for increased risk of mood changes when used for smoking cessation

Drug interactions

These substances may interact with Bupropion. This is not a complete list — always tell your doctor and pharmacist ALL medications and supplements you take.

MAO inhibitors (do not combine — seizure and cardiovascular risk)Medications that lower seizure threshold (antipsychotics, other antidepressants)Tamoxifen (reduces effectiveness)CYP2D6-metabolised drugs (bupropion inhibits this enzyme)

Pregnancy & breastfeeding

🤰 Use with caution — discuss risks and benefits with your doctor

Always consult your doctor or obstetrician before taking any medication during pregnancy or while breastfeeding.

Frequently asked questions

What is bupropion (Wellbutrin) used for?

Bupropion treats depression and seasonal affective disorder. Under the brand name Zyban, the same drug is used to help people quit smoking. It is also used off-label for ADHD and counteracting SSRI-induced sexual dysfunction.

Does bupropion cause weight gain?

Bupropion is one of the few antidepressants associated with modest weight loss rather than gain. This makes it a preferred option for people concerned about weight.

Does bupropion affect sexual function?

Unlike SSRIs, bupropion does not commonly cause sexual dysfunction — and is actually sometimes added to SSRI treatment to counteract SSRI-induced sexual side effects.

Why can't people with eating disorders take bupropion?

Eating disorders (bulimia and anorexia) cause electrolyte imbalances that lower the seizure threshold. Bupropion also lowers it. Combined, the risk of seizures becomes unacceptably high.

How long does bupropion take to work?

Some people notice increased energy within 1–2 weeks. Full antidepressant effect on mood typically takes 4–8 weeks, similar to other antidepressants.

Related medications

💊SertralineSSRI💊EscitalopramSSRI💊FluoxetineSSRI (Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitor)
⚠️

This is an information resource — not medical advice.

PillCodex provides general educational information about medications. This content is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Never start, stop, or change a medication based on what you read here. Always speak to your doctor, pharmacist, or qualified healthcare provider with questions about your medications.

🚨 If you are experiencing a medical emergency or think you may have taken too much of a medication, call emergency services (911 in the US) or go to your nearest emergency room immediately.

Information on this page is sourced from general pharmaceutical references and is provided for educational purposes only. Drug information may change — always verify with your pharmacist or prescriber. PillCodex.com is not affiliated with any pharmaceutical company.