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Highlights
- Wellbutrin (bupropion) is an antidepressant medication that inhibits the reuptake of dopamine and norepinephrine.
- Wellbutrin comes in three varieties: Wellbutrin (immediate-release),
Wellbutrin XL [2*] (extended-release), andWellbutrin SR [3*] (sustained-release). The dosages for each of these types vary. - Wellbutrin is available only by prescription (including online prescriptions) from a licensed healthcare provider who conducts an assessment and determines if it’s the most appropriate course of treatment.
- A serious potential risk of Wellbutrin use is the escalation or manifestation of suicidal thoughts and actions, especially in those under the age of 24.
Wellbutrin (bupropion) is an antidepressant medication that helps treat depression and some other conditions. However, it can pose certain risks, with the greatest being the escalation of depressive symptoms and suicidal thoughts. Because of this, Wellbutrin is only available by prescription from a licensed practitioner, such as those you can meet through MEDvidi to determine the right treatment.
Read on to learn the benefits and risks of Wellbutrin, who may need it, who should avoid it, and what aspects you have to discuss with a healthcare provider about taking this antidepressant.
What Is Wellbutrin?
Bupropion, brand name Wellbutrin, is a prescription medication that acts as an antidepressant and smoking cessation aid. It works by blocking the receptors that the hormones norepinephrine and dopamine bind to in order to get from the brain into the neurons. As such, Wellbutrin is a norepinephrine-dopamine reuptake inhibitor and keeps these hormone levels optimal.
Some of the conditions which Wellbutrin may be prescribed to treat include:
- Major depressive disorder (MDD)
- Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor-induced sexual dysfunction
- Seasonal affective disorder
For major depressive disorder, the symptoms that bupropion can address include:
- Feelings of sadness or emptiness
- Loss of interest or pleasure in usual activities
- Feelings of worthlessness, helplessness, and hopelessness
- Low energy
- Difficulty concentrating
- Changes in sleeping and eating habits
- Psychomotor agitation (‘nervous energy’)
- Feeling like you are thinking and moving in slow motion
- Suicidal thoughts or behaviors
There are also off-label uses of Wellbutrin, including attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), bipolar disorder, and anxiety disorders.
If you’re experiencing suicidal or self-harming thoughts and require immediate assistance, contact a crisis hotline, such as 911,
How to Get a Prescription for Wellbutrin (Bupropion)
- Step 1: Create an account on the MEDvidi portal and fill out the basic forms. Schedule an online appointment with a healthcare provider by choosing a date and time slot that works best with your schedule.
- Step 2: Attend your online consultation and discuss your symptoms with a healthcare professional. Following the thorough evaluation, your provider will choose a suitable treatment, which may include Wellbutrin if it is determined to be the best choice for your situation.
- Step 3: Visit your local pharmacy to receive your medication. Follow your healthcare provider’s instructions on the dosage and other details of treatment and report any serious side effects.
Book an appointment to discuss your symptoms and health goals online and receive personalized treatment.
How Does Wellbutrin Work?
Wellbutrin is a
So, by blocking these receptors, Wellbutrin raises the levels of these hormones in the brain. Since dopamine and norepinephrine are responsible for mood stabilization and telling your brain to feel happy, by blocking their reabsorption, Wellbutrin allows them to complete their tasks, improving your mood. When treating depression, bupropion is intended to be used as a long-term treatment.
In addition to improving your mood and stimulating the “reward pathways” that help alleviate the symptoms of depression, norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors can also help you quit smoking. Bupropion’s ability to block dopamine reuptake in the brain means that it reduces cravings, the urge to smoke, and withdrawal symptoms that can occur when you stop smoking.
Note that smoking cessation support is not available at MEDvidi. Please contact a specialized provider if you need help with quitting smoking.
Who Should Not Take Wellbutrin
Wellbutrin is not recommended for those who:
- Have a seizure disorder
- Have a medical history of eating disorders
- Are pregnant or nursing
- Are under the age of 18
As for children under the age of 18, bupropion is generally not recommended since the manifestation of suicidal thoughts and attempts may be more likely.
For those who become pregnant while taking bupropion or plan to become pregnant while on this medication, it is crucial that you notify your healthcare provider so that they can adjust your treatment. It is important not to discontinue Wellbutrin without first discussing it with your doctor, as untreated depression and continued smoking each come with their own set of risks to a fetus. A healthcare professional can help you navigate this change and find new solutions.
You can discuss with your healthcare provider whether Wellbutrin is a viable treatment option given your medical and personal history or if another treatment is preferable.
Side Effects and Risks
The side effects of
- Headaches
- Gastrointestinal discomfort
- Insomnia
- Dry mouth
- Constipation
- Cold hands and feet
Even though these side effects may be mild, don’t hesitate to bring them up with your practitioner during follow-up appointments so that they can instruct you on managing them. For example, it is commonly recommended to take Wellbutrin with food if you experience nausea as a side effect and avoid taking it close to bedtime in the case of trouble sleeping.
However, some adverse reactions are more serious and require medical attention, including:
- Fainting, unusual weakness, severe headaches
- Hypertension or problems with heartbeat
- Severe anxiety, agitation, restlessness, or mania
- Allergic reactions
- Severe stomach problems
- Swelling eyes or vision changes
- Unusually colored urine
- Seizures
Bupropion also comes with the same warning as other antidepressants, including Zoloft and Lexapro: a small number of children, teenagers, and young adults (those up to 24 years old) who took antidepressants such as bupropion developed suicidal thoughts during the clinical trials. Suicide
If you develop any severe side effects or new or concerning symptoms, seek medical care.
What Are the Alternatives to Wellbutrin?
The alternatives to Wellbutrin vary based on the condition it is prescribed to treat and a patient’s medical history. For depression treatment, alternatives may include:
- Other atypical antidepressants: Remeron (mirtazapine), Trintellix (vortioxetine), Trazodone
- SSRI (selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors): Celexa (citalopram), Zoloft (sertraline), Prozac (fluoxetine)
- SNRI (serotonin–norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors): Cymbalta (duloxetine), Lexapro (escitalopram)
Alternatives to Wellbutrin as an aid for smoking cessation and nicotine addiction include Zyban (bupropion) and Chantix (varenicline).
In specific cases, it can be recommended to switch from immediate-release Wellbutrin to its other formulations, such as Wellbutrin SR (sustained-release) or Wellbutrin XL (extended-release). More prolonged release of the active ingredient makes its levels in the body more stable, which may be necessary for some patients.
Based on a detailed health assessment, your healthcare provider may also recommend alternative treatments for depression instead of another sort of medication. It can be psychotherapy, light therapy, or lifestyle changes, such as increased physical activity, changes in your diet, and sleep hygiene.
Final Takeaways
Wellbutrin can be used to treat depression and generally has mild side effects. However, regular follow-up appointments are recommended to monitor for adverse reactions and gauge the effectiveness of treatment. This is especially important since one of the risk factors of bupropion is the escalation or manifestation of suicidal thoughts and actions, especially in those under the age of 24.
If you want to go through an assessment for depression and receive personalized treatment, book an appointment with a healthcare provider at MEDvidi today.
Wellbutrin FAQs
Is there an over-the-counter Wellbutrin?
Who can prescribe Wellbutrin?
Can I get prescribed Wellbutrin online?
Wellbutrin can be prescribed online by a healthcare practitioner licensed in your state based on the results of the symptom assessment. Both the initial prescription and any Wellbutrin refills may be prescribed through a virtual appointment.
Can I buy Wellbutrin online?
How much does Wellbutrin cost?
Wellbutrin can
Does bupropion cause weight loss?
The effect that bupropion has on neurotransmitters may also cause appetite suppression, which may lead to weight loss. One
Can I receive a Xanax prescription while on Suboxone treatment?
Because of safety concerns, patients must provide a letter from their clinician indicating that it is appropriate for them to receive a benzodiazepine medication like Xanax while taking Suboxone. Concurrent use of Xanax and Suboxone
