Looking for an antidepressant that’s less likely to cause sexual side effects or helps with quitting smoking? Bupropion is often picked for those exact reasons. It’s not an SSRI — it mainly boosts dopamine and norepinephrine levels, which can lift mood and increase motivation for many people.
Doctors prescribe bupropion for major depressive disorder, seasonal affective disorder, and as a smoking-cessation aid (brand name Zyban). You’ll see it as immediate‑release, sustained‑release (SR), or extended‑release (XL). Typical dosing: 150 mg once or twice daily for SR, and 150–300 mg once daily for XL. For smoking cessation the usual plan is 150 mg twice daily, often starting a week before the quit date.
Keep the daily limit in mind: most sources cap total bupropion at 450 mg per day because higher doses raise the risk of seizures. Follow your prescriber’s schedule and don’t crush or break XL tablets — that changes how the drug releases.
Common side effects include dry mouth, trouble sleeping, headache, and mild agitation. These often ease after a few weeks. Serious risks to watch for: seizures (especially if you have a seizure disorder, bulimia, or heavy alcohol use), high blood pressure, and allergic reactions. If you notice sudden mood changes or suicidal thoughts, contact your clinician right away — younger adults can have increased risk of such effects with any antidepressant.
A few practical tips: take your dose in the morning to reduce insomnia; if you take two doses, space them at least 8 hours apart; avoid binge drinking while on bupropion; and don’t combine it with an MAOI or stop an MAOI and start bupropion within 14 days. Also tell your prescriber about other meds that lower seizure threshold (like tramadol, some antipsychotics, or certain antibiotics) and about any liver or kidney issues.
Pregnancy and breastfeeding: bupropion is sometimes used during pregnancy, but that’s a decision to make with your doctor. If you’re breastfeeding, ask your provider about risks and alternatives.
Finally, if bupropion helps, expect several weeks before full benefit. If it’s not working or side effects are bad, your prescriber can change the dose, switch formulations, or try a different medication. Never stop or change your dose without talking to them first.
Want quick next steps? If you’re starting bupropion, set a reminder to take it in the morning, note any new symptoms for the first month, and schedule a follow-up with your prescriber in 2–4 weeks to check how you’re doing.
This article digs deep into Wellbutrin, also known as bupropion, and explores its uses, benefits, potential side effects, and what you might expect from taking it. With real facts, helpful tips, and a down-to-earth approach, you'll get a clear picture of how this antidepressant works and what it's actually like for people who take it. Whether you're thinking about starting Wellbutrin or just curious, this guide makes the science and experience easy to understand.