Their inclusion does not guarantee they will be prescribed to any individual, as treatment decisions are ultimately at the discretion of healthcare providers. Healthcare providers may prescribe other medications, including non-stimulant options, or recommend non-pharmacological treatment based on the patient’s unique health circumstances and needs. Read more
Wellbutrin has a
Wellbutrin, or bupropion hcl (hydrochloride), is an
Highlights
- The most common side effects from taking Wellbutrin include changes in appetite, dry mouth, nausea, headache, and trouble sleeping.
- Many side effects are felt in the first few weeks of treatment when starting Wellbutrin, or when changing the dose.
- Be sure to share your complete health history with your healthcare provider to ensure Wellbutrin is being prescribed correctly.
- Taking Wellbutrin carries a risk of long-term side effects that should be taken seriously. Keep all appointments with your healthcare professional and alert them of any changes in health status.
- Wellbutrin has significant contraindications, or cases in which the medication should never be used (including a history of seizures, the use of MAOIs, or certain eating disorders).
Wellbutrin treatment may cause many side effects that can range from mild to severe and temporary to long-term. Being aware of common side effects like nausea, dizziness, and dry mouth can help you prepare for ways to manage them. Also, knowing how to spot more severe, life-threatening side effects is an important part of taking any medication. Be sure to fully understand all risks associated with taking Wellbutrin before starting treatment, and work with your healthcare provider in person or virtually to ensure safe and appropriate use.
Wellbutrin (Bupropion) Side Effects
Wellbutrin works to manage symptoms by changing how certain neurotransmitters act in the body. When compared to other antidepressants, it is unique in which neurotransmitters it affects. While its specific action is not well understood, studies have shown that Wellbutrin acts on noradrenaline and dopamine.
Studies have also shown that as Wellbutrin is broken down in your body, the remaining chemicals also affect neurotransmitters, and can also contribute to side effects experienced.
Common Side Effects
If these side effects do not go away or become too much to manage, reach out to your physician:
- Insomnia (trouble sleeping)
- Dry mouth
- Dizziness
- Constipation
- Headache
- Nausea
- Sore throat
- Weight changes
- Sweating
- Increased heart rate
- Abnormal (weird) dreams (more common when used as an aid for smoking cessation)
Wellbutrin Side Effects in the First Week
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.
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.
Less Common or Rare Side Effects
There are many less common side effects that may be attributed to treatment with Wellbutrin:
- Hot flashes
- Skin rash
- Ringing in the ears
- Stomach pain
- Muscle pain
- Changes in sexual urges
- Difficulty achieving an orgasm
- Increase in blood pressure
- Anxiety
- Increased urination
- Itchiness
- Changes in taste
- Neck pain
- Tremor
- Heart palpitations
- Sweating
- Agitation
Always report your side effects to your healthcare provider to ensure they have all the information to provide the best treatment recommendations. Remember that how Wellbutrin acts in the body is not fully understood, so any changes you experience are important to convey to your physician.
Serious Side Effects
There are serious side effects associated with taking Wellbutrin that every patient should be aware of before beginning treatment:
- Suicidal thoughts and behavior (in children, adolescents, and young adults)
- Seizures
- Activation of mania or hypomania
- Psychosis
- Angle-closure glaucoma
- Hypersensitivity (allergic) reactions
The risk of experiencing these severe side effects can be dependent upon your specific health history. Be sure to review all current and past conditions with your provider. Also, discuss with your healthcare provider what to do if you suspect you are experiencing a severe side effect and share this information with someone you are close with and trust, in case you need someone to contact emergency medical help on your behalf.
If you suspect you are experiencing a severe side effect or are unsure, call 911 immediately.
Long-Term Side Effects
Many side effects associated with the long-term use of Wellbutrin are similar to those explained above. However, if a patient doesn’t experience any or many side effects when beginning treatment, they may be less vigilant in watching for side effects.
Consistent monitoring of heart health, mental health, eye health, liver health, and kidney health can all help to monitor and quickly recognize long-term side effects. They can often happen if a patient increases the dose, or starts and stops treatment without direction from their healthcare provider. Always take your medication exactly as prescribed to reduce the risk of serious long-term side effects.
Specific Side Effects and Management Techniques
Each side effect you experience should be treated immediately and with care to ensure symptoms do not worsen.
1. Headache
Headaches from bupropion can be mild to painful and can make concentrating at work or school difficult. Additionally, they can contribute to difficulty sleeping. Options to manage headaches can be treatment as needed with Tylenol or Ibuprofen. Your healthcare provider may also decide to change your dose to a lower strength more frequently throughout the day. Finally, changing the time of day you take Wellbutrin can cause headaches to happen at night when you are asleep, allowing for less headaches during the day.
2. Nausea
Nausea can influence your appetite greatly and make daily life difficult. You may treat nausea from Wellbutrin with over-the-counter medications or, if severe, your provider may recommend prescription anti-nausea medications.
Nausea may be prevented by taking Wellbutrin with a small amount of plain food like crackers or toast. Some people also benefit from taking chews or drinks that contain ginger. Finally, taking Wellbutrin during a different time of the day can help adjust when nausea is felt the most.
3. Dry Mouth
Dry mouth can be very distracting and uncomfortable. There are specific mouth rinses and sprays to treat this symptom. Some patients also benefit from chewing on small ice cubes or crushed ice, or chewing gum to increase saliva production.
4. Constipation
Constipation from Wellbutrin can range from uncomfortable to dangerous if not treated promptly. Each person has a different regular bowel movement schedule, but the goal should always be to maintain your normal schedule. There are many over-the-counter stool softeners, fiber supplements, and laxatives that can be beneficial. Maintaining proper hydration, eating enough fiber, and staying active all helping in reducing constipation. If it has been more than a few days since a bowel movement or you are experiencing abdominal pain, seek medical attention.
5. Dizziness
Dizziness can be dangerous for elderly or for people driving or operating heavy machinery for work. Be sure you know how Wellbutrin will affect you before driving or operating heavy machinery.
If dizziness happens when getting out of bed, hold onto something when getting up or spend a few minutes sitting upright before standing up all the way. Check with your healthcare provider if the dizziness is severe to identify the cause; they may change your dose strength or time as well.
6. Trouble Sleeping (Insomnia)
Insomnia can be frustrating and lead to worse treatment outcomes overall. Be sure to maintain proper sleep habits like removing sounds and distractions from the bedroom, having a night time routine, and exercising during the day. Your healthcare provider may recommend taking Wellbutrin in the morning to lessen the wakening side effects at night. If symptoms are too severe, speak with your doctor about medication to help with sleep. Do not self-medicate with anything including alcohol or drugs, as they can have negative health consequences and impact Wellbutrin treatment.
7. Sweating
Sweating caused by Wellbutrin can be uncomfortable and annoying if uncontrollable. Be sure to dress in layers and adjust the temperature of your environment if possible. If it becomes too much, speak with your doctor about options to change treatments. The goal is successful treatment, and reducing side effects is an important aspect.
8. Allergic Reactions
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. If you suspect an allergic reaction, call 911 immediately.
9. Rash
Rashes should be taken seriously and require immediate medical care. While it may not seem dangerous, when caused by antidepressants like Wellbutrin, they can be dangerous if not properly addressed. At the first sign of a rash contact your healthcare provider. 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.
It’s always a good idea to limit sun exposure and apply sunscreen when starting a new medication.
10. Tremor
Tremors can be dangerous and signs of too high of a dose. Alert your healthcare provider if you are experiencing tremors. Additionally, too much caffeine or increased anxiety can contribute to this side effect. Limit your caffeine intake to help prevent tremors; and your provider may prescribe or recommend treatments to help reduce anxiety as well.
11. Abdominal Pain
Abdominal pain can be temporary or a sign of larger issues. Changing the time you take Wellbutrin could help reduce this pain, as it will happen at night while you are asleep. Your healthcare provider may change your dose as well. If abdominal pain is associated with meal times, try reducing the size of your meals or, alternatively, if abdominal pain happens when taking Wellbutrin without food, try taking it with food.
12. Weight Loss
Weight loss can vary from person to person and, if not addressed, can lead to further issues like lack of energy. If weight loss is due to lack of appetite, focus on foods that you enjoy and regular eating patterns. If weight loss is an
13. Anxiety
It is important to understand that Wellbutrin can bring about anxiety during treatment. If you have a therapist, be sure to tell them you are starting treatment with Wellbutrin so they can counsel you accordingly.
If you feel the anxiety is too severe, your healthcare provider may change your dose or recommend specific anti-anxiety measures. Another way to reduce anxiety, especially during times of change, is having and maintaining a routine.
14. Tinnitus
Tinnitus is another word for ringing in the ears. If you experience any ringing sounds or changes in hearing, contact medical help right away. Your healthcare provider will most likely change or reduce your dose in response to you experiencing tinnitus, so be sure to alert them.
15. Eye Problems
Taking Wellbutrin can cause a very dangerous condition called angle closure glaucoma. If left untreated, it can lead to irreversible vision loss. Your healthcare provider should verify your health history and perform an eye exam if you are at an increased risk. If you notice any changes in vision or pressure near the eye, contact medical help right away. Be sure to attend all appointments set for you, as you will have your eye health checked routinely.
16. Palpitations
Heart palpitations feel like a racing or uncontrollable heart beat. While rare, it has been reported in clinical trials and should be taken seriously. Seek medical assistance right away if you experience heart palpitations. Your prescriber may reduce your dose or recommend other medications to help if you experience them again. Untreated palpitations can put unnecessary strain on your heart.
17. High Blood Pressure
Wellbutrin can cause increased blood pressure. This can cause issues in patients who already have hypertension, especially if uncontrolled. If you have high blood pressure at the beginning of treatment with Wellbutrin, your healthcare provider will record your baseline. This will help monitor how high your blood pressure increases if at all. Be sure to alert your cardiologist that you will be taking Wellbutrin as this could change your hypertension treatment as well.
18. Agitation
Wellbutrin can cause agitation, which requires immediate care. If you feel agitated, uneasy, hyperactive, or feel like your emotions are uncontrollable, call 911 and seek medical care. Your healthcare provider will most likely reduce your dose or stop your treatment all together.
19. Seizures
Seizure risk
20. Suicidal Thoughts and Behaviors
If you or someone you know has thoughts of self-harm or suicide, get help immediately. Contact the hotline and find someone you trust and stay with that person until you receive care. Once you have received care, your healthcare provider will most likely end your treatment with Wellbutrin. Risk of suicidal thoughts and behaviors from Wellbutrin is highest in children and young adult patients.
If you’re experiencing suicidal or self-harming thoughts and require immediate assistance, contact a crisis hotline, such as 911, 988 suicide & crisis lifeline (toll-free), or Samaritans (116-123 or via chat).
Wellbutrin Precautions and Warnings
Wellbutrin has specific warnings about severe side effects that may occur with treatment, and which patients may be at an increased risk. Understanding each warning and taking precautions is necessary to avoid risk of harm or even death. Be sure to alert your healthcare provider if any of the following warnings apply to you.
Suicidal Thoughts and Behavior (in Children, Adolescents, and Young Adults)
Patients younger than 25 years old who have major depressive disorder may have an increased risk of suicidal thoughts and behaviors. Any abnormal psychiatric symptoms should be treated promptly to avoid worsening symptoms that could lead to self-harm. Special care should be taken when starting, stopping, or changing the dose of Wellbutrin, as this is often when symptoms of depression worsen. It is also recommended to alert family, friends, and caregivers of a patient taking Wellbutrin to monitor for signs of suicidal thoughts or behavior and contact medical help immediately.
Seizure
Patients with a history of seizures or conditions that can increase the risk of seizures should never take Wellbutrin. High doses and/or long-term treatment with Wellbutrin can lower the threshold for seizures to occur; never take more medication than is prescribed to you. Review all of your health history with your healthcare provider to ensure safe use.
Hypertension
Treatment with Wellbutrin can cause an increase in blood pressure. Patients should have their blood pressure assessed prior to treatment and periodically throughout treatment. This risk can increase if patients are taking additional medications that can increase blood pressure and/or have underlying heart problems.
Activation of Mania or Hypomania
Treatment with any antidepressant including Wellbutrin can activate manic, mixed, or hypomanic episodes. This risk is further increased in patients with bipolar disorder. It is important to be screened for bipolar disorder before beginning Wellbutrin treatment.
Psychosis
Some patients undergoing treatment with Wellbutrin have experienced delusions, hallucinations, paranoia, and confusion. If any of these side effects occur, alert your physician and stop taking Wellbutrin. In some cases these symptoms stopped after lowering the dose.
Angle-Closure Glaucoma
This condition can be caused by many antidepressant medications, including Wellbutrin. It is dangerous and can lead to an angle-closure attack, which if untreated can cause irreversible harm or loss of eyesight. Be sure to alert your healthcare provider if you have anatomically narrow angles or any other eye condition.
Hypersensitivity (Allergic) Reactions
Anaphylactic allergic reactions are dangerous and life-threatening. During clinical trials of Wellbutrin, there have been reports of these types of reactions. Do not take Wellbutrin if you are allergic to any of the ingredients. If you experience any symptoms of an allergic reaction, including itching, rash, swelling of the mouth or throat, or trouble breathing, call 911 and get help immediately.
Wellbutrin SR vs Wellbutrin XL
Wellbutrin is available in different formulations, including
While the side effects of each medication are very similar, Wellbutrin SR is usually taken by people who also smoke and therefore receive some amount of nicotine each day. This can cause patients to have unique dreams.
When to Consult Your Doctor
If you are experiencing a serious side effect that is or may be life-threatening, call 911 and seek help immediately. It is never too soon to seek help and it is always better to be on the safe side. Regarding non-life-threatening side effects, always be honest with your healthcare provider. If a side effect is affecting you to any degree, you should seek help. Being comfortable and feeling positive about your treatment is very important. If you’re looking for professional support, MEDvidi provides online treatment for depression and other mental health concerns, connecting you with licensed providers who can assess your symptoms and adjust your treatment plan as needed.
Final Thoughts
There are many side effects that may be caused by Wellbutrin treatment that can range from mild to severe or temporary to long term. Being aware of common side effects like nausea, dizziness, and dry mouth can help you prepare for ways to manage side effects that could hinder successful treatment. Knowing how to spot more severe, life-threatening side effects is an important part of taking any medication. Be sure to fully understand all risks associated with taking Wellbutrin before starting treatment, and work with your healthcare provider in person or virtually to ensure safe and appropriate use.
FAQs
Will increasing Wellbutrin dosage from 150 to 300 mg cause certain side effects?
How long do Wellbutrin side effects last?
Does Wellbutrin make you tired?
Does Wellbutrin cause anger?
While Wellbutrin does not cause anger specifically, it can cause many psychiatric conditions that could be classified as uncontrollable emotions. Wellbutrin can cause agitation, which is uncontrollable excitement. It can also bring about psychosis or manic episodes if mania is an underlying issue. Wellbutrin can also cause patients to have suicidal thoughts or harm themselves. It is important to also seek a therapist when starting treatment with Wellbutrin and discuss your health history with your healthcare provider.
Does Wellbutrin cause sexual side effects?
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. The risk however is much lower than other antidepressants, and Wellbutrin has even been used as a
What are the side effects of stopping Wellbutrin?
Stopping Wellbutrin for any reason should always be done under the guidance and supervision of a healthcare professional. Depending on how long you have been taking Wellbutrin and your current dose, symptoms can vary. If you stop Wellbutrin too quickly you may experience discontinuation syndrome. Some of the symptoms associated with this condition include worsening depression, changes in sleep patterns, headache, fatigue, anxiety, or cravings.
Does Wellbutrin cause hair loss?
Hair loss has not been reported by patients taking Wellbutrin. If you experience hair loss while taking Wellbutrin, reach out to your healthcare provider right away.
Does Wellbutrin affect the menstrual cycle?
There have not been any reports of changes in menstrual cycles from taking Wellbutrin.
