Wellbutrin (Bupropion)
Wellbutrin is the brand name of bupropion, an atypical antidepressant that inhibits norepinephrine and dopamine reuptake. It is widely used for major depression, especially when SSRIs cause sexual dysfunction or weight gain, and is supplied in immediate-release, SR and XL formulations.
- Active ingredients
- Bupropion
- Manufacturer
- GlaxoSmithKline
- Dosage forms
- tablet
- Available dosages
- 75mg, 100mg, 150mg, 300mg
- Category
- Anti-Depressants
What is it?
Wellbutrin is the brand of bupropion marketed by GlaxoSmithKline, originally approved in 1985 in the US. It is now available in three formulations: Wellbutrin (immediate-release), Wellbutrin SR (sustained-release, twice daily) and Wellbutrin XL (extended-release, once daily). Authorised generic bupropion is widely available across all formulations. The same molecule is marketed as Zyban for smoking cessation.
Active ingredients
Each Wellbutrin tablet contains bupropion hydrochloride, a non-SSRI, non-tricyclic antidepressant in the aminoketone class. The molecule is structurally distinct from all other antidepressants and acts primarily on norepinephrine and dopamine rather than serotonin. The 75mg, 100mg, 150mg and 300mg strengths cover both immediate-release and modified-release dosing patterns.
Forms and dosages
Wellbutrin is supplied as tablets in three formulations. Immediate-release: 75mg or 100mg taken three times daily. Sustained-release (SR): 100mg or 150mg taken twice daily. Extended-release (XL): 150mg or 300mg taken once daily in the morning. Modified-release tablets must be swallowed whole — never split or crushed — because doing so destroys the controlled-release mechanism and concentrates the dose, raising seizure risk.
Indications
Wellbutrin is approved for major depressive disorder and prevention of seasonal affective disorder recurrence (Wellbutrin XL). The same active ingredient is approved as Zyban for smoking cessation. Off-label uses include adjunctive treatment of attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), antidepressant-induced sexual dysfunction (used alongside an SSRI to mitigate sexual side effects) and bipolar depression in selected cases under specialist supervision.
How it works
Wellbutrin inhibits the reuptake of norepinephrine and dopamine, with much weaker effect on serotonin. The dopaminergic component distinguishes it from SSRIs and contributes to its activating profile, lower rate of sexual dysfunction and neutral-to-weight-loss effect. Onset of antidepressant effect is similar to other antidepressants — partial response within 2 weeks, fuller response over 4–6 weeks. Energy and motivation often improve before mood.
Frequently asked questions
Why is Wellbutrin chosen over an SSRI? ▾
Wellbutrin is often chosen when SSRIs cause sexual dysfunction, weight gain, or excessive sedation — bupropion has a more favourable profile in all three areas. It can also be used alongside an SSRI to counter SSRI-induced sexual side effects. According to clinical guidelines, it is a reasonable first-line alternative to SSRIs in many patients.
Will Wellbutrin help me lose weight? ▾
Wellbutrin tends to have a neutral-to-slight weight-loss effect for most users, in contrast to the weight gain often seen with SSRIs. It is not approved for weight loss alone, but is a component of the combination product Contrave (with naltrexone) which is approved for obesity. Diet and activity remain the dominant drivers of weight.
What is the seizure risk with Wellbutrin? ▾
Wellbutrin lowers seizure threshold in a dose-dependent way. Approximately 0.1% of users at standard doses experience a seizure, rising substantially at higher doses or with predisposing factors. According to the prescribing information, Wellbutrin is contraindicated in users with active seizure disorders, eating disorders or recent benzodiazepine/alcohol withdrawal.
Can I drink alcohol on Wellbutrin? ▾
Light alcohol use is generally tolerated, but heavy alcohol consumption raises seizure risk and is best avoided. Sudden alcohol withdrawal in someone on Wellbutrin can also trigger seizures. According to the prescribing information, the combination warrants caution and disclosure to the prescriber.
How is Wellbutrin different from Zyban? ▾
Wellbutrin and Zyban are the same active ingredient (bupropion) marketed for different indications: depression vs smoking cessation. The doses overlap (typically 150–300mg/day), and the formulations are similar. The branding difference reflects regulatory positioning rather than pharmacological difference.
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