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Wellbutrin - Uses - Dosages - Side Effects - Precautions

Wellbutrin: Frequently Asked Questions Answered

What is Wellbutrin?

Wellbutrin, also known as Bupropion Hydrochloride, belongs to the aminoketone class of drugs. Wellbutrin is a prescribed medication useful for treating depression and seasonal affective disorder. This medication also helps people to quit smoking. 

Wellbutrin improves emotional state and mood by restoring the balance between neurotransmitters in the brain. Wellbutrin can be taken alone or with a combination of other drugs, depending on the health condition. 

What are the uses of Wellbutrin?

Wellbutrin is useful in the following conditions:

Severe depression and seasonal affective disorder:  

Wellbutrin is a norepinephrine and dopamine reuptake inhibitor. It increases dopamine and norepinephrine (neurotransmitters) levels in the brain which enhance mood and reduce depression symptoms. 

Smoking cessation:

Wellbutrin helps stop smoking by blocking the receptors of nicotine. Healthcare professionals advise the course of treatment for 7 to 12 weeks, but by day 10, most individuals stop smoking.

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What are the side effects of Wellbutrin?

Common side effects:

  • Nausea or vomiting
  • Headache
  • Dry mouth
  • Sleeping problems
  • Chest pain
  • Tiredness 
  • Blurred vision
  • Constipation
  • Sore throat
  • Ringing in the ears
  • Tremors 

Adverse side effects:

  • Joint aches
  • Hallucinations
  • Seizures
  • Pounding or irregular heart rate

Physicians prescribe this medication because it has more benefits than side effects. Many individuals taking this medication do not experience adverse side effects. However, it’s better to take precautions and not ingest substances that may interact with Wellbutrin. 

If you experience any aforementioned symptoms or medical emergency, consult your physician or our experts at Yashoda Hospitals.

 

Frequently Asked Questions about Wellbutrin

1. Is Wellbutrin good for anxiety?

In a clinical trial, Wellbutrin showed positive results in reducing anxiety symptoms associated with depression. This medication increases dopamine and norepinephrine levels in the brain, which play a vital role in reducing depression.

2. How fast is weight loss on Wellbutrin?

Several studies on Wellbutrin showed that 23% of individuals taking a dosage of 250-300 mg per day lost about 2-3 kg. It takes about 6 to 8 weeks to find any weight changes while on this medication. If you are suffering from anorexia (eating disorder), inform your doctor regarding your condition before starting the treatment.

3. Will Wellbutrin give me energy?

Taking an antidepressant helps to handle depression and makes someone more stimulated and activated. Wellbutrin increases certain neurotransmitters that lead to increased concentration, focus and energy. Caffeine intake should be limited while taking this medication, as their combination may increase anxiety.

4. Does Wellbutrin cause weight loss?

Many antidepressants usually cause weight gain; however, Wellbutrin is a unique medication that causes weight loss. This medication sometimes causes appetite loss and changes eating habits that may lead to weight loss. Wellbutrin is an antidepressant and not a weight-loss pill. Hence, this medication should not be taken to lose weight.

5. Does Wellbutrin help panic attacks?

According to a pilot study, the intake of a daily dose of 150-300 mg of Wellbutrin reduces panic attacks in individuals who have panic disorders. Although it reveals a positive outcome in treating panic attacks, further studies are required to confirm the effectiveness of Wellbutrin in treating panic attacks.

6. Can you drink alcohol while taking Wellbutrin?

It is better to avoid or limit alcohol intake while on Wellbutrin. The combination of Wellbutrin and alcohol can increase the risk of severe side effects such as addiction and seizures. However, sometimes, quitting alcohol immediately while taking Wellbutrin can lead to certain side effects. Hence, it is always advisable to inform the doctors about the drinking habits.

7. Does Wellbutrin make you sleepy or awake?

Wellbutrin can increase sleepless nights. According to researchers, this medication acts as a stimulant in patients with a previous history of insomnia, triggering existing insomnia. Hence, it is always advised to take Wellbutrin in the morning.

8. Is Wellbutrin a good mood stabiliser?

Wellbutrin enhances the mood by reducing symptoms associated with depression. It inhibits the reuptake of neurotransmitters such as dopamine and norepinephrine, making them available in the brain. It may take a couple of weeks to see improvement in the emotional state.

9. Is Wellbutrin an appetite suppressant?

The weight reduction caused by Wellbutrin affects 14-23% of individuals. It increases norepinephrine and dopamine levels in the brain. High levels of these neurotransmitters play a role in reducing appetite and food intake which may lead to weight loss.

10. Did Wellbutrin help your ADHD?

Wellbutrin is not a primary treatment option for ADHD; however, it helps reduce ADHD symptoms in people already suffering from other conditions such as anxiety and depression. It takes approximately a few days to several weeks to notice the benefits of Wellbutrin, depending on your health condition.

 

Take a medical opinion and inform your health conditions before starting any medications. Consult our team of experts at Yashoda Hospitals for any medical advice.

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Disclaimer: The information provided herein is accurate, updated and complete as per the best practices of the Company. Please note that this information should not be treated as a replacement for physical medical consultation or advice. We do not guarantee the accuracy and the completeness of the information so provided. The absence of any information and/or warning to any drug shall not be considered and assumed as an implied assurance of the Company. We do not take any responsibility for the consequences arising out of the aforementioned information and strongly recommend you for a physical consultation in case of any queries or doubts.