Wellbutrin is available in different formulations, including Wellbutrin SR and Wellbutrin XL8 (sustained-release and extended-release, respectively). Wellbutrin SR9 is specifically approved as an aid in smoking cessation and is prescribed twice each day 12 hours apart. Wellbutrin XL10 is approved for treatment of depression and seasonal affective disorder and is dosed only once per day.
However, if a side effect becomes too difficult to manage or you suspect it may be severe, do not hesitate to seek medical help right away or call 911. It is important to remember that common non-serious side effects experienced during the first weeks of treatment gradually decrease over time. However, if they don’t subside or are too severe to function normally, you should reach out to your healthcare provider immediately. Bupropion may lead to a higher risk of having mania or a manic episode. People with bipolar disorder who take an antidepressant, such as bupropion, may have a higher risk of having mania or a manic episode. Call your healthcare provider right away if you have any of the following symptoms of a manic episode.
If you have questions about side effects with your dose of Wellbutrin, talk with your doctor or pharmacist. Call 911 or your local emergency number if you think you’re experiencing a seizure. Your doctor will likely stop treatment with Wellbutrin if you experience a seizure.
Before taking bupropion,
Swallow the sustained-release and extended-release tablets whole; do not split, chew, or crush them. In either case, don’t stop taking Wellbutrin until you’ve checked with your health provider first. Going “cold-turkey” with any antidepressant can cause your symptoms to come back or get worse.
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While it may not seem dangerous, when caused by antidepressants like Wellbutrin, they can be dangerous if not properly addressed. Also, there are other medications that may cause rash if taken with Wellbutrin, so share all of your current medications with your physician before starting treatment. Headaches from bupropion can be mild to painful and can make concentrating at work or school difficult. Options to manage headaches can be treatment as needed with Tylenol or Ibuprofen.
Clinical trials showed that high blood pressure was serious enough in some people to where they had to stop taking Wellbutrin. Your doctor will typically start you on the lowest effective dose of Wellbutrin for treating depression and SAD. If you need to increase your dose, it will be done slowly and over a longer period of time. But it’s not clear whether this side effect occurred in clinical trials of Wellbutrin SR and Wellbutrin XL.
Does Wellbutrin (bupropion) cause addiction or withdrawal symptoms?
That unique mechanism is precisely what makes it stand out, not just pharmacologically, but clinically. Like other antidepressants, there have been some reports of Wellbutrin causing sexual side effects. While rare, it is important to understand the risk and you should talk with your healthcare provider if you experience any changes in sexual function or urge.
- This is a serious warning from the Food and Drug Administration (FDA).
- Caution is also needed when combining bupropion with antipsychotics or other antidepressants, as certain combinations may increase the risk of serotonin syndrome or lower the seizure threshold.
- If you suspect you are experiencing a severe side effect or are unsure, call 911 immediately.
- Patients younger than 25 years old who have major depressive disorder may have an increased risk of suicidal thoughts and behaviors.
Does Wellbutrin cause sexual side effects?
You may not be prescribed Wellbutrin if you have certain health conditions. Some Wellbutrin side effects are merely bothersome and likely to disappear as your body gets used to the medication. Others are more serious and should prompt a call to your healthcare provider right away. If you have been prescribed Wellbutrin, here are some side effects to watch for.
The risk of experiencing these severe side effects can be Wellbutrin side effects dependent upon your specific health history. Be sure to review all current and past conditions with your provider. Wellbutrin may not be right for you if you have certain medical conditions. Other factors may also affect whether this drug is a good treatment option for you. Talk with your doctor about your health history before starting Wellbutrin.
Does bupropion interact with foods or drinks?
- Wellbutrin is typically regarded as one of the antidepressants that are least likely to cause sexual side effects.
- Headaches from bupropion can be mild to painful and can make concentrating at work or school difficult.
- Another brand of bupropion (the active ingredient in Wellbutrin), called Zyban, is used to help people quit smoking.
- Keep reading to learn about other possible mild and serious side effects of this drug.
Allergic reactions are very dangerous if not addressed immediately. If you have ever experienced an allergic reaction to Wellbutrin or any of its ingredients before, do not take Wellbutrin. Signs of an allergic reaction include hives, swelling in the head, face, and neck, or trouble breathing. Wellbutrin works to manage symptoms by changing how certain neurotransmitters act in the body.
These symptoms should prompt immediate evaluation by a healthcare provider. Bupropion inhibits the reuptake of dopamine and norepinephrine. Concomitant use of MAOIs and bupropion is contraindicated because there is an increased risk of hypertensive reactions if bupropion is used concomitantly with MAOIs. Studies in animals demonstrate that the acute toxicity of bupropion is enhanced by the MAO inhibitor phenelzine. At least 14 days should elapse between discontinuation of an MAOI intended to treat depression and initiation of treatment with Wellbutrin.
Be sure to keep all appointments or office visits with your doctor. Using Wellbutrin with alcohol may also influence the frequency and severity of side effects, including seizures and suicidal thoughts. Seizures and suicidal thoughts are two of the most serious potential side effects of Wellbutrin.
Untreated palpitations can put unnecessary strain on your heart. During the first week of treatment with Wellbutrin your body is adjusting to the effects of the medication. Often, side effects can be more pronounced, and, since they may be your first time experiencing them, more difficult to deal with. Always keep track of side effects you experience to communicate with your healthcare provider during check ups. Additionally, if your physician increases or decreases your dose, you may experience a surge in side effects very similar to the first weeks of treatment. Wellbutrin has a boxed warning1, the most serious type of warning from the Food and Drug Administration (FDA).
