Ever heard of bupropion and wondered why doctors pick it over other antidepressants? It’s one of the few meds that can treat depression and help with smoking cessation — and it works differently than SSRIs. This page cuts through the jargon and gives straightforward, useful facts so you know what to expect and what to watch for.
Bupropion is an NDRI — that stands for norepinephrine-dopamine reuptake inhibitor. In plain terms: it boosts norepinephrine and dopamine signals in the brain. That helps lift mood and reduce nicotine cravings. Common brand names are Wellbutrin (for depression) and Zyban (for quitting smoking).
Doctors prescribe it for major depressive disorder, seasonal affective disorder, and as part of smoking cessation programs. People sometimes use it off-label for ADHD or low libido caused by SSRIs, but always check with a clinician before trying off-label uses.
Start low and go slow. Typical starting doses are 150 mg once daily for immediate-release or SR formulations, then often increase to 150 mg twice daily. Extended-release (XL) types are commonly 150–300 mg once daily. Follow your prescriber’s instructions — do not split or crush SR/XL tablets.
Take doses earlier in the day to avoid insomnia. If you get jittery or can’t sleep, ask your doctor about lowering the evening dose or switching to a morning-only schedule.
Know the big red flags. Bupropion can raise seizure risk, especially at higher doses or in people with eating disorders, heavy alcohol use, head injury, or seizure history. It also raises blood pressure in some people, so monitoring is smart if you have hypertension.
Avoid certain drug combos. Don’t use bupropion with MAO inhibitors. Be cautious with other drugs that lower the seizure threshold or with strong CYP2B6 inhibitors or inducers — these can change bupropion levels. Your pharmacist can check interactions quickly if you’re unsure.
Common side effects are dry mouth, headache, nausea, sweating, and trouble sleeping. Many side effects ease after the first couple of weeks. If you notice mood swings, increased anxiety, or suicidal thoughts, contact your provider right away.
Pregnancy and breastfeeding: talk with your clinician. Bupropion is sometimes continued when benefits outweigh risks, but this is a personal decision based on your health and pregnancy plans.
Thinking about buying online? Only use licensed pharmacies and keep prescriptions in writing. Fake pills and rogue sites are real risks. If you have questions about dosing or side effects, ask a pharmacist or prescriber — they can give quick, specific advice based on your health history.
If you want guides on related meds or how to manage side effects, check our site for clear, practical articles written for real-life use. Bupropion can be effective, but safe use means knowing the risks and staying in touch with your care team.
Wellbutrin, known generically as bupropion, is a popular medication for depression and other mental health conditions. This article explains how Wellbutrin works, its benefits, and what to know about side effects. Get practical tips on using Wellbutrin, read real facts, and learn how to manage your mental health journey with more confidence and comfort.