If you or a loved one is interested in the antidepressant Wellbutrin, you may have heard some good or not-so-good things about it, depending on who you’ve talked to or which chat rooms you’ve visited. People’s experiences with Wellbutrin, starting with its effects in the first week, are all over the map. That is because the drug affects people differently. Here’s what you should know about taking Wellbutrin.
What Is Wellbutrin and What Is It Used For?
Wellbutrin is a prescription antidepressant commonly used to treat major depression(SAD) and seasonal affective disorder, and as a help with quitting smoking. Off-label, the drug may be prescribed for bipolar disorder and attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD).
Understanding Wellbutrin
Wellbutrin’s side effects the first week can include mild dizziness, dry mouth, or headache. This is normal and a sign that your body is in the process of acclimating to the medication.
On the other hand, you may experience heightened agitation or anxiety or feel either restless or more energized. Over the next few days, these side effects will likely intensify or feel more pronounced. It may be harder to fall asleep. Your appetite may decrease, and you may experience some nausea.
Side effects should level off or start to decrease within weeks. If you have lingering sleeplessness, irritability, or other symptoms that cause distress, let your doctor know. Also, if you begin to experience problems with concentration or memory, contact your doctor to see what can be done.
Wellbutrin Uses and Benefits
The FDA approved Wellbutrin primarily to treat major depressive disorder (MDD) and SAD, and as an aid with the cessation of smoking.The medication is less likely to cause sexual side effects, unlike other antidepressants and drugs used to treat depression.
Wellbutrin is also prescribed quite often for several off-label, non-FDA-approved uses. These include treatment for ADHD, depression associated with bipolar disorder, antidepressant-induced sexual dysfunction, and obesity.
Risks and Side Effects of Wellbutrin
No prescription drug is without side effects. Most common side effects will likely decrease or subside after your body gets used to the medication. If they keep occurring or worsening, however, let your doctor know.
What are the Common Side Effects of Taking Wellbutrin?
If you’re prescribed Wellbutrin, you should know some of the most common side effects, including abnormal dreams, agitation, blurred vision, constipation, dizziness, drowsiness, headache, insomnia, nausea, runny nose, sweating, tremors, and vomiting. Other common side effects include:
- Abdominal pain
- Allergic reaction
- Anxiety
- Concentration difficulties
- Confusion
- Decreased or increased sexual desire
- Delusions
- Depression
- Diarrhea
- Dry mouth
- Euphoria
- Flu-like symptoms (chills, fever, pain)
- Gas
- Hostility
- Hyperventilation
- Irregular heartbeat (chest pain, palpitations, flushing, hypertension, hot flashes)
- Irritability
- Mania or hypomania
- Memory difficulties
- Mouth ulcers
- Neck pain
- Nervousness
- Pain in the extremities
- Problems thinking clearly
- Rash
- Restlessness
- Ringing in the ears
- Shaking
- Urinary problems
- Visual disturbances
- Weight loss
Serious Side Effects
Bupropion, the active ingredient in Wellubutrin, may trigger uncommon or rare side effects that can be serious. You should inform your doctor if you experience any serious side effects.
- Chest pain
- Fainting
- Fever (with rash or other delayed hypersensitivity symptoms)
- Hearing difficulties
- Hepatitis
- Liver problems (abnormal function, damage, jaundice)
- Hypertension (reported in those taking bupropion by itself and those combining it with nicotine replacement therapy)
- Seizures (risk appears to be dose-related)
Very Serious Side Effects
There are also some very serious side effects:
- Contact your doctor right away if you have muscle pain, weakness, or tenderness.
- Seek immediate medical attention if you experience any of the following alarming or unexpected symptoms:
- Anaphylactic shock, severe allergic reaction (rash, swelling/itching, extreme dizziness, trouble breathing)
- Eye pain, redness, and swelling, changes in vision, wide pupils
Precautions and Considerations When Taking Wellbutrin
What is the downside of Wellbutrin? The following precautions and considerations are worth knowing.
High Blood Pressure
Check your blood pressure regularly and tell your doctor if it’s consistently high. Wellbutrin may raise blood pressure.
Insomnia
Research shows that disordered sleep and insomnia may be dependent on dosage. A clinical study of Wellbutrin for smoking cessation found that individuals taking 150 mg daily and those taking 300 mg daily had trouble sleeping (29 percent and 35 percent, respectively).
- If you are taking Wellbutrin and have sleep problems, ask your doctor about reducing your dosage. You can also ask what is the best time to take Wellbutrin. Should you take it in the morning instead of at bedtime?
Persistent or Worsening Symptoms
Talk with your doctor or pharmacist as soon as possible if some symptoms persist or get worse, including:
- Achy joints
- Blurry vision
- Constipation
- Diarrhea
- Dizziness
- Dry mouth
- Headache
- Increase in sweating
- Nausea
- Sore throat
- Strange taste in your mouth
- Vomiting
Seizures
Rarely, Wellbutrin may cause seizures. Get medical attention immediately if you have a seizure and stop using Wellbutrin.
Suicidality
Taking Wellbutrin or other antidepressant medications has been shown to increase the risks of suicidal behavior and thoughts in children, teens, and young adults. However, short-term trials showed no increased risk for suicidal thoughts in those over age 24. Furthermore, the risk was reduced in adults aged 65 and older.
- Anyone beginning antidepressant therapy with Wellbutrin should be monitored carefully for new or worsening suicidal thoughts or behaviors.
Also, do not take Wellbutrin if you have an alcohol use disorder. Taking Wellbutrin and drinking alcohol increases seizure risks.
Wellbutrin Dosage and Administration
Wellbutrin (bupropion hydrochloride) is available in Wellbutrin SR and XL. SR is used to treat MDD, while Wellbutrin XL is used in the treatment of MDD and SAD.
- Wellbutrin SR (100 mg and 150 mg) is usually taken twice daily, in the morning and mid-afternoon.
- Wellbutrin XL (bupropion hydrochloride extended-release), with doses of 150 mg and 300 mg, is usually taken once in the morning every day.
What is the best time to take Wellbutrin? Be sure to discuss this with your doctor, although prescribing information indicates you can take it with or without food.
If you miss your regular dose, take it when you remember. However, if you’re close to your next one, don’t take the dose you missed and continue your regular dosing schedule. Do not double doses since this increases the risk of side effects.
For Major Depressive Disorder (MDD)
The dosage for MDD starts at 150 mg daily and is gradually increased, not to exceed 300 mg each day. If dosing above 300 mg is recommended, your doctor will inform you of doses.
For Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD)
The starting dose for SAD is 150 mg once a day in the morning. After a week, the dose may be increased to 300 mg daily, taken in the morning.
As for MDD episodes seasonally that are associated with SAD, it is recommended to begin Wellbutrin XL in the fall, continue through winter, and taper, then discontinue in early spring.
Treatment Duration and Withdrawal
When your doctor prescribes Wellbutrin as a pharmacological treatment for your condition, it will likely be for a specific length of time that you’ll discuss.
Discontinuing Wellbutrin
When it comes time to stop taking it, talk with your doctor about the best way. Avoid suddenly stopping it. This can precipitate withdrawal symptoms after a long period of usage or at high doses. Your doctor will guide you in the process of stopping Wellbutrin to minimize withdrawal risk and side effects.
What Should I Discuss with My Doctor Before Taking Wellbutrin?
If your doctor indicates you may benefit from taking it, be sure to discuss Wellbutrin and any side effects the first week as well as any other concerns. You want to be well-informed before taking any new medication, and becoming as knowledgeable as possible is your best preparation.
Other things to discuss with your doctor include any long-term side effects you should know and whether there’s a risk for heart complications. Talk about any drug interactions with your current medications.
- Wellbutrin may increase levels of the beta-blocker metoprolol, leading to low blood pressure and a slower heart rate.
- Certain HIV medications reduce Wellbutrin’s effectiveness, decreasing its levels in the bloodstream.
- The drug amantadine, used to treat some influenza types and Parkinson’s disease, when taken with Wellbutrin, may raise amantadine’s blood concentrations and intensify amantadine side effects.
Making the Decision
If your doctor has recommended Wellbutrin, it is because they believe the medication will help alleviate your symptoms. If you have more questions about taking Wellbutrin or other antidepressants and are looking for a second opinion, our experts at Restore-Mental Health are always available. Contact us anytime for a free consultation.
