Wellbutrin (bupropion) is primarily prescribed for major depressive disorder (MDD) and seasonal affective disorder (SAD). Unlike many antidepressants that target serotonin, Wellbutrin modulates dopamine and norepinephrine, which can translate into improved motivation, energy, and concentration for some patients. This distinct mechanism makes it a popular alternative for individuals who experienced sexual side effects, weight gain, or sedation on selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs).
The same active ingredient is also used to help with smoking cessation (marketed separately for that purpose). In smoking cessation, bupropion can reduce nicotine cravings and withdrawal-related irritability. Clinicians sometimes use Wellbutrin off-label to augment other antidepressants, to counteract SSRI-related sexual dysfunction, or in select patients with attention difficulties, though off-label decisions require careful individualized assessment.
Because Wellbutrin has a relatively activating profile, patients often report less daytime drowsiness and fewer sexual adverse effects compared with some SSRIs and SNRIs. It tends to be weight-neutral or associated with modest weight loss, which can be an advantage for certain patients. However, the activating properties may not suit everyone and can exacerbate anxiety or insomnia in some cases.
Wellbutrin is available in immediate-release (IR), sustained-release (SR), and extended-release (XL) formulations. The dosing regimen depends on the indication, the chosen formulation, prior medication response, and patient-specific risk factors. Always follow your prescriber’s instructions and the medication guide.
For depression with Wellbutrin SR, clinicians often start at 150 mg once daily for several days, then increase to 150 mg twice daily (at least 8 hours apart). Some patients may be titrated to a total daily dose up to 400 mg (divided). With Wellbutrin XL, a common approach is 150 mg once daily in the morning, increasing to 300 mg once daily as tolerated. For some, the dose may be increased further, but higher doses increase seizure risk and must be evaluated carefully.
In smoking cessation (bupropion SR), many protocols start at 150 mg once daily for 3 days, then 150 mg twice daily. Patients typically pick a quit date within the first two weeks of treatment. Blood pressure monitoring is recommended, particularly if combined with nicotine replacement therapies, and therapy is paired with behavior support for best outcomes.
Swallow SR and XL tablets whole—do not crush, split, or chew, as this can cause dose dumping and raise seizure risk. Take doses in the morning (and early afternoon if twice daily) to minimize insomnia. The maximum total daily dose and rate of titration depend on individual risk factors like history of seizures, eating disorders, head trauma, or concurrent medicines that lower seizure threshold. Do not exceed prescribed limits or change dosing without medical guidance.
Seizure risk is the most notable precaution with bupropion. Risk increases with higher doses, rapid dose escalation, and in individuals with predisposing conditions. Those with a history of seizures, eating disorders (especially bulimia or anorexia nervosa), significant head trauma, or abrupt withdrawal from alcohol, benzodiazepines, or barbiturates face elevated risk and require careful evaluation or avoidance of bupropion altogether.
Blood pressure can rise on Wellbutrin, particularly when combined with nicotine replacement therapy or in patients with baseline hypertension. Regular blood pressure monitoring is prudent. Patients with bipolar disorder require careful screening, as any antidepressant can precipitate mania or hypomania; mood-stabilizing strategies may be indicated when appropriate.
Like all antidepressants, bupropion carries a boxed warning regarding suicidality in children, adolescents, and young adults. Monitor for mood changes, agitation, irritability, and suicidal thoughts, particularly during initiation and dose changes. Family members and caregivers should be educated about warning signs and how to seek urgent help if needed.
Other precautions include angle-closure glaucoma risk in susceptible individuals, potential for insomnia or anxiety (especially in the early weeks), and caution in hepatic or renal impairment due to altered drug clearance. Pregnancy and breastfeeding require individualized risk–benefit discussions; some patients may continue therapy when benefits outweigh risks, but this decision should be made with an obstetric and psychiatric care team.
Wellbutrin is contraindicated in patients with a seizure disorder, those with a current or prior diagnosis of bulimia or anorexia nervosa, and in individuals undergoing abrupt discontinuation of alcohol, benzodiazepines, barbiturates, or antiepileptic drugs. It is also contraindicated in patients with known hypersensitivity to bupropion or any component of the formulation.
Use of monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs) with bupropion is contraindicated. A minimum of 14 days should elapse between stopping an MAOI (e.g., phenelzine, tranylcypromine, isocarboxazid, selegiline transdermal) and starting bupropion, and vice versa. Concomitant or recent use of linezolid or intravenous methylene blue warrants special caution and medical supervision.
Common side effects include dry mouth, insomnia, headache, nausea, tremor, increased sweating, constipation, dizziness, and agitation or anxiety. Many of these are dose-related and may lessen over time. Taking the dose earlier in the day, avoiding caffeine late in the day, and using the XL formulation can help manage insomnia for some patients.
Less common but important effects include elevated blood pressure and changes in heart rate. Weight loss can occur, which is sometimes desired but should be monitored in underweight individuals or those with appetite issues. Skin rashes and allergic reactions are possible; stop the medication and seek care for swelling, hives, or breathing difficulty.
Serious adverse events include seizures (risk rises with dose and predisposing factors), severe hypertension, mania/hypomania unmasking in bipolar disorder, and rare severe skin reactions (e.g., Stevens–Johnson syndrome). Neuropsychiatric symptoms—such as mood swings, hostility, or hallucinations—have been reported, particularly in smoking cessation contexts. Seek urgent care for severe or rapidly worsening symptoms.
Bupropion is metabolized primarily via CYP2B6 and is a strong inhibitor of CYP2D6. Medicines that induce CYP2B6 (e.g., carbamazepine, phenytoin, ritonavir, efavirenz) may reduce bupropion levels and effectiveness, while inhibitors can raise levels. Because bupropion inhibits CYP2D6, it can increase concentrations of drugs metabolized by CYP2D6, such as certain SSRIs and SNRIs, tricyclic antidepressants, antipsychotics, beta-blockers, and type 1C antiarrhythmics.
CYP2D6 inhibition by bupropion can also reduce activation of prodrugs like tamoxifen, potentially lowering therapeutic effect; oncologists should be involved in decisions for patients on tamoxifen. Combining bupropion with other drugs that lower seizure threshold (e.g., tramadol, theophylline, systemic steroids, stimulants, some antipsychotics) can raise seizure risk; careful risk assessment and dose limits are essential.
Avoid concurrent MAOIs and use caution with linezolid or methylene blue. Alcohol may worsen neuropsychiatric symptoms and seizure risk; limit or avoid it. Nicotine replacement used with bupropion can elevate blood pressure; monitor regularly. Always provide your clinician and pharmacist with a complete medication and supplement list to prevent harmful interactions.
If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you remember unless it is close to the time for your next dose. Do not double up to “catch up,” as higher single doses increase seizure risk. For twice-daily SR dosing, keep doses at least 8 hours apart; for XL dosing, take it the next morning and resume your regular schedule.
Bupropion overdose can be serious and potentially life-threatening. Symptoms may include seizures, rapid heart rate, agitation, hallucinations, confusion, vomiting, and loss of consciousness. If an overdose is suspected, call emergency services or your local poison control center immediately. Do not attempt to induce vomiting unless instructed by medical professionals.
Treatment is supportive and may involve cardiac and neurological monitoring, seizure management, and airway protection in a hospital setting. Because delayed seizures can occur after overdose—especially with extended-release products—prolonged observation may be required.
Store Wellbutrin at room temperature, protected from excess moisture and heat. Keep the medication in its original container with the child-resistant cap secured. Do not store in the bathroom. Keep out of reach of children and pets. Dispose of expired or unused tablets through a community take-back program or according to pharmacist guidance—never share prescription medicines with others.
In the United States, Wellbutrin (bupropion) is a prescription-only medication. That means a licensed clinician must evaluate you and issue a valid prescription before a pharmacy can dispense it. Searches for “buy Wellbutrin without prescription” are common, but purchasing prescription medicines without a valid prescription is not legal or safe in the U.S. and increases the risk of counterfeit or substandard drugs and serious health harms.
Legitimate access pathways include in-person visits with your healthcare provider or licensed telehealth services that conduct a proper evaluation and, when appropriate, issue a prescription to be filled by a state-licensed or NABP-accredited pharmacy. Verify online pharmacies through resources like the NABP’s Digital Pharmacy Accreditation (formerly VIPPS) or the FDA’s BeSafeRx program, and avoid sites that offer prescription drugs without requiring a prescription.
Nunzia Pharmaceutical supports lawful, clinician-guided access. Rather than facilitating ways to obtain Wellbutrin without a prescription, a compliant model connects patients to licensed providers for an evaluation and, if clinically appropriate, a prescription that can be fulfilled by accredited pharmacies. This structured approach preserves safety standards, helps prevent dangerous interactions, and ensures dosing and follow-up are tailored to your needs.
If you encounter services claiming to sell Wellbutrin without a prescription, exercise extreme caution. For your safety, use only legal, regulated channels. A brief telehealth intake with a licensed practitioner is often convenient, preserves medical oversight, and respects U.S. regulations—providing the safest route to therapy, refills, and ongoing monitoring.
Wellbutrin is the brand name for bupropion, an antidepressant that primarily inhibits the reuptake of norepinephrine and dopamine (an NDRI). It boosts these neurotransmitters to improve mood, energy, and concentration without direct serotonergic effects.
It is FDA-approved for major depressive disorder and seasonal affective disorder, and bupropion SR (as Zyban) is approved for smoking cessation. Clinicians sometimes use it off-label for ADHD, SSRI-induced sexual dysfunction, and antidepressant augmentation.
Some people notice improvements in energy, motivation, and focus within 1–2 weeks, but full mood benefits often take 4–6 weeks. Dose adjustments and steady daily use are important for optimal effect.
Common effects include dry mouth, insomnia, headache, nausea, sweating, tremor, and increased heart rate. It can raise blood pressure and, rarely, cause seizures; risk rises at higher doses or with predisposing factors.
Wellbutrin is generally weight-neutral to mildly weight-reducing, especially early in treatment. It is less likely than many SSRIs and mirtazapine to cause weight gain.
Compared with SSRIs and SNRIs, Wellbutrin has a lower risk of sexual side effects and may improve libido and orgasm in some patients. It’s often used to counter SSRI-induced sexual dysfunction.
Avoid bupropion if you have a seizure disorder, current or prior bulimia or anorexia nervosa, are abruptly stopping alcohol/benzodiazepines/sedatives, or have used an MAOI in the past 14 days. Use caution with significant liver disease, uncontrolled hypertension, and with medications that lower seizure threshold.
Because it is activating, it can temporarily worsen jitteriness or anxiety, especially at the start or after dose increases. Starting low, taking it earlier in the day, and combining with an anxiolytic antidepressant (if appropriate) can help.
IR is immediate-release (usually two to three daily doses), SR is sustained-release (twice daily), and XL is extended-release (once daily). XL tends to give smoother blood levels and may reduce insomnia or peak-related side effects.
A common start is 150 mg once daily (XL) for several days to a week, increasing to 300 mg once daily; some may go to 450 mg daily if needed and tolerated. With SR, many start at 150 mg daily and increase to 150 mg twice daily; do not exceed recommended maximums.
Limit alcohol because it can raise seizure risk and worsen side effects like dizziness or mood changes. Binge drinking or abrupt alcohol withdrawal is particularly risky with bupropion on board.
If you miss a dose, take it when you remember unless it’s close to the next dose; then skip and resume your schedule. Do not double up, as higher single doses increase seizure risk.
Discontinuation symptoms are generally milder than with many SSRIs/SNRIs, but abrupt stopping can still cause irritability, anxiety, low mood, and sleep issues. Tapering under medical guidance is recommended.
Evidence supports modest benefits for attention and impulsivity, particularly in adults, but it’s not FDA-approved for ADHD. It can be considered when stimulants aren’t tolerated or when coexisting depression is present.
Risk–benefit discussions are essential. Data do not show a large increase in major birth defects, but uncertainty remains; during breastfeeding, small amounts appear in milk—monitor infants for irritability, poor feeding, or sleep changes.
It inhibits CYP2D6 and can raise levels of medications like certain beta-blockers, antipsychotics, and some SSRIs; it may reduce tamoxifen efficacy. Avoid MAOIs and use caution with drugs that lower the seizure threshold (tramadol, theophylline, systemic steroids).
It can elevate blood pressure and heart rate, especially at higher doses or with nicotine replacement or stimulants. Baseline and periodic blood pressure monitoring is prudent, particularly in patients with hypertension.
Take SR/XL in the morning, avoid late-day doses, and steer clear of caffeine excess. If insomnia persists, discuss dose timing, formulation changes, or adjunctive strategies with your clinician.
Yes, it’s commonly combined with SSRIs/SNRIs to augment response and reduce sexual side effects. Combinations should be supervised to manage interactions and monitor blood pressure and activation.
Both are effective for major depression, but SSRIs (e.g., sertraline) are often first-line for coexisting anxiety disorders. Wellbutrin tends to have fewer sexual side effects and may boost energy and motivation but can feel more activating.
Fluoxetine is an SSRI with a very long half-life and a higher chance of sexual dysfunction and initial nausea; it’s strong for anxiety and OCD. Wellbutrin is non-serotonergic, often better for sexual function and energy, and less helpful for prominent anxiety.
Lexapro, a highly tolerable SSRI, is usually superior for generalized anxiety. Wellbutrin may exacerbate early anxiety but is preferred when sexual side effects or fatigue are major concerns.
Both can increase energy; venlafaxine engages serotonin and norepinephrine (and dopamine at high doses) but brings more blood pressure elevation risk and notable discontinuation symptoms. Wellbutrin is activating with fewer sexual side effects and usually easier discontinuation.
Cymbalta treats depression plus neuropathic pain and fibromyalgia and may help with generalized anxiety. Wellbutrin lacks pain indications but often has fewer sexual side effects and less nausea; choose Cymbalta when pain syndromes co-occur.
Paroxetine often causes sedation, weight gain, anticholinergic effects, and sexual dysfunction, with tough discontinuation. Wellbutrin is more activating, less associated with weight gain or sexual side effects, but has seizure and blood pressure considerations.
Mirtazapine is sedating and increases appetite and weight—good for insomnia and poor appetite. Wellbutrin is activating, weight-neutral to weight-loss, and better if daytime energy and sexual function are priorities.
SR is usually taken twice daily and may suit those who need flexible dosing or have early-morning awakening. XL is once daily, provides smoother coverage, and may reduce peak-related side effects and improve adherence.
Approved generics must meet bioequivalence standards, and most people do equally well on them. A past issue with one 300 mg XL generic was resolved years ago; if you notice differences after a switch, discuss trying another manufacturer or brand.
Zyban is bupropion SR labeled for smoking cessation, while Wellbutrin is labeled for depression/SAD; the active ingredient is the same. Dosing and counseling focus differ, and both require monitoring for blood pressure and mood.
Adding bupropion can augment antidepressant response and counter SSRI-related fatigue and sexual dysfunction. This strategy may help partial responders but requires monitoring for activation, blood pressure, and interactions.
Both are relatively favorable on sexual function compared with many SSRIs; vortioxetine may offer cognitive benefits in depression. Wellbutrin is more activating and non-serotonergic; cost and insurance often influence the choice.
Vilazodone is serotonergic with partial 5-HT1A agonism, often helpful for anxiety but can cause GI side effects and some sexual dysfunction. Wellbutrin has fewer sexual side effects and more activation but is less targeted to anxiety.
Pristiq can cause notable discontinuation symptoms due to short half-life. Wellbutrin typically has milder discontinuation effects, though tapering is still recommended for both.
Sertraline has robust data and is often preferred in perinatal care due to safety experience. Wellbutrin may be considered when sexual side effects or fatigue limit SSRI use; perinatal decisions should individualize risks and benefits.
Stimulants like dexmethylphenidate or amphetamine are usually more effective for core ADHD symptoms. Bupropion can be a reasonable alternative when stimulants aren’t tolerated or when depression coexists, with a lower abuse potential but milder efficacy.