It differs from the selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) and serotonin-norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors SNRIs because they don’t affect serotonin levels. For example, bupropion (Wellbutrin) was approved as an antidepressant in 1985. No, Wellbutrin isn’t a selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI). It belongs to a class of drugs called norepinephrine and dopamine reuptake inhibitors (NDRIs). A drug class is a group of drugs that work in a similar way.
- Because depression is so prevalent worldwide, antidepressant medications are commonly prescribed (often in combination with nondrug therapy).
- Off-label drug use is when a drug that’s approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) is prescribed for a purpose other than what it’s approved for.
- It’s a type of antidepressant called a norepinephrine and dopamine reuptake inhibitor.
- Or you may have more, or fewer, side effects from taking a certain antidepressant than someone else does.
Get help immediately if you have any side effects that could be serious or life-threatening. The costs of prescription medications may depend on several factors, such as your insurance coverage and the pharmacy you use. It’s common to have questions about your Wellbutrin treatment plan. Your medical professional is there to work with you and help address any concerns you have. Your medical professional can advise about how much Wellbutrin to take and how often. Common dosages are mentioned below, but it’s important to always take the dosage your medical professional recommends.
Antidepressants: Selecting one that’s right for you
The recommended starting dose is 10 mg once daily, which may be increased to 20 mg daily as tolerated. Wellbutrin may cause seizures, especially in people with certain medical conditions or when using certain drugs. Talk to your healthcare provider about which is right for you.
An early report suggests meds may help cannabis use disorder (CUD) treatment.
These side effects weren’t reported in studies of Wellbutrin SR or Wellbutrin XL. For more details about alternatives to Wellbutrin, you can talk with your medical professional or pharmacist. (Off-label means using a drug for a condition that it hasn’t been approved to treat.) We describe several off-label uses for Wellbutrin below. This is a warning that appears on the drug’s label and alerts you to possible serious risks. Anxiety and other mental health changes may occur with Wellbutrin.
Severe Side Effects
Among antidepressants, bupropion is in a category all its own—it’s the only medication in its class, called norepinephrine-dopamine reuptake inhibitors (NDRIs). NDRIs boost the neurotransmitters norepinephrine and dopamine. Before you take Wellbutrin, it’s important that your medical professional knows about any other drugs you take. This includes prescription alcoholism: causes risk factors and symptoms and over-the-counter medications. Bupropion is an antidepressant medication used to treat depression and seasonal affective disorder, it also supports smoking cessation and weight management. Bupropion is the active ingredient in Wellbutrin and Zyban, Auvelity contains bupropion and dextromethorphan, and Contrave contains bupropion and naltrexone.
Holiday Depression, Anxiety, and Stress
Tell your doctor about all medicines you use, and those you start or stop using during your treatment with Wellbutrin. This includes prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products. Not all possible interactions are listed in this medication guide. If you have a child taking Wellbutrin or another depression medication, keep a close eye out for signs of self-harm or suicidal thinking. How quickly your medication works may depend on what it has been prescribed to treat. For example, bupropion may also be prescribed for weight loss.
It may take 4 weeks or longer before you feel the full benefit of this medicine. Do not stop taking this unequal pupils symptoms, causes, and treatment medicine without talking to your doctor. Take bupropion with food if the medication upsets your stomach.
Atypical antidepressants change the levels of one or more neurotransmitters, such as dopamine, serotonin or norepinephrine. Atypical antidepressants ease depression by affecting chemical messengers (neurotransmitters) used to communicate between brain cells. If you no longer need to take Wellbutrin and have leftover medication, it’s important to dispose of it safely. This helps prevent others, including children and pets, from taking the drug by accident. Keep in mind that you may be able to get a 90-day supply of Wellbutrin. If approved by your insurance company, getting a 90-day supply of the drug could reduce your number of trips to the pharmacy and help lower the cost.