Bupropion
Bupropion is a medication that is primarily used as an antidepressant and smoking cessation aid. It works by increasing the levels of the neurotransmitters norepinephrine and dopamine in the brain, which can help improve mood and reduce cravings for nicotine. Bupropion is also sometimes used to treat attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and as an aid for weight loss. It is sold under several brand names, including Wellbutrin, Zyban, and Aplenzin. Bupropion is available in different forms, including tablets, extended-release tablets, and extended-release capsules. It is typically taken by mouth, with or without food, as directed by a doctor or healthcare provider.
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Warnings
- Antidepressants: ↑ risk of suicidality in young patients—monitor mood/behavior
- Seizure risk is dose-related; contraindicated in seizure disorder and in current/prior bulimia or anorexia nervosa
- Avoid abrupt withdrawal of alcohol/benzodiazepines/sedatives (seizure risk)
- Do not use with MAOIs or within 14 days of stopping an MAOI
- Hypertension/↑ BP (risk ↑ with nicotine patch)
- Possible activation: insomnia, agitation, anxiety—dose early in the day
- Mania/hypomania activation in bipolar disorder
- Hypersensitivity reactions (rare)
Monitoring
- Blood pressure (baseline and periodically)
- Mood/suicidality—especially early in treatment or dose changes
- Sleep/activation (insomnia, agitation); dose timing adherence
- Weight/appetite changes
- Seizure risk factors (history, alcohol/sedative use)
- Concomitant drugs metabolized by CYP2D6 (bupropion is a CYP2D6 inhibitor)
Indications
- Approved: Major depressive disorder (MDD)
- Approved: Seasonal affective disorder (SAD) — XL/Aplenzin
- Approved: Smoking cessation aid — Zyban
- Off-label: Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) in adults
- Off-label: SSRI-induced sexual dysfunction (adjunct)
- Off-label: Bipolar depression (adjunct with mood stabilizer)
Guides & Questions
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Cymbalta and Wellbutrin Together: Benefits, Risks, Side Effects & Dosing
Can you take Cymbalta (duloxetine) with Wellbutrin (bupropion)? See when doctors combine them, potential benefits, side effects, interaction risks (incl. serotonin syndrome), and practical dosing notes.
Read the full guide: “Cymbalta and Wellbutrin Together: Benefits, Risks, Side Effects & Dosing” →
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How Does Bupropion XL Make You Feel?Quick answer: Bupropion XL often helps people feel more motivated, energetic, and emotionally balanced without the emotional numbness seen with some SSRIs. During the first weeks, mild anxiety, insomnia, or restlessness may appear before mood and focus noticeably improve. Most users report feeling “lighter” and more alert once their body adjusts.
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Wellbutrin SR vs XL: Which Is Better for You?Quick answer: Bottom line: SR and XL work about the same for depression; XL’s once-daily, smoother release often fits busy routines and may reduce peak-related side effects (jitters, nausea, headache). SR (twice daily) can help if you need smaller split doses or if XL worsens insomnia/anxiety—timing can be adjusted (e.g., morning + early afternoon). Never crush/chew either form, avoid late-day doses, and choose with your prescriber—especially if you have seizure risk or take interacting medicines.
Read full answer for “Wellbutrin SR vs XL: Which Is Better for You?” →
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Is 300 mg of Bupropion XL Considered a High Dose?Quick answer: A 300 mg daily dose of Bupropion XL is generally considered a standard therapeutic amount — not unusually high, but on the upper end of the typical range (150 mg – 450 mg/day). For most patients, it balances strong antidepressant effects with manageable side-effect risk, though it should always be monitored by a doctor.
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Why take Lexapro and Wellbutrin together?Quick answer: Doctors may prescribe Lexapro (escitalopram) and Wellbutrin (bupropion) together to treat depression or anxiety more effectively. Lexapro increases serotonin levels, improving mood and calmness, while Wellbutrin boosts dopamine and norepinephrine, enhancing energy and motivation. The combination can balance emotional stability and focus while reducing sexual side effects or fatigue from SSRI therapy.
Read full answer for “Why take Lexapro and Wellbutrin together?” →
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Can you take Wellbutrin and an Antipsychotic?Quick answer: Yes, Wellbutrin (bupropion) can sometimes be taken with an antipsychotic under close medical supervision. This combination may help manage both depressive and psychotic symptoms by balancing dopamine, norepinephrine, and serotonin activity. However, it increases the risk of seizures and interactions, so dosage and monitoring must be tailored by a psychiatrist.
Read full answer for “Can you take Wellbutrin and an Antipsychotic?” →
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Is Vraylar better than Wellbutrin?Quick answer: Vraylar (cariprazine) and Wellbutrin (bupropion) serve different roles—Vraylar treats bipolar disorder and schizophrenia, while Wellbutrin addresses depression and low motivation. One isn’t “better” than the other; the right choice depends on the condition being treated, side-effect tolerance, and individual response under a doctor’s supervision.
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Can you take BuPROPion and Vraylar together?Quick answer: Yes, bupropion (Wellbutrin) and Vraylar (cariprazine) can sometimes be prescribed together to treat complex mood disorders like depression or bipolar disorder. Their mechanisms complement each other—bupropion boosts dopamine and norepinephrine, while Vraylar stabilizes dopamine and serotonin—but the combination must be monitored carefully to avoid side effects or manic episodes.
Read full answer for “Can you take BuPROPion and Vraylar together?” →
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Trintellix and Wellbutrin: Combo, Reviews, Interactions & Problems
Depression is a complex mental health disorder that presents a significant burden to individuals and society at large. As we strive to understand and manage this condition, a variety of medication options have become available. Two such medicines, Trintellix (vortioxetine) and Wellbutrin (bupropion), have been widely used in the management of depression.
Read the full guide: “Trintellix and Wellbutrin: Combo, Reviews, Interactions & Problems” →
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Is bupropion similar to Prozac?Quick answer: Bupropion (Wellbutrin) and Prozac (fluoxetine) are both antidepressants, but they work differently. Bupropion boosts dopamine and norepinephrine, often improving energy and focus, while Prozac increases serotonin to stabilize mood and ease anxiety. They can both treat depression but have distinct effects and side-effect profiles—choice depends on your symptoms and medical history.
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What drug is similar to bupropion?Quick answer: Medications similar to bupropion include venlafaxine (Effexor), mirtazapine (Remeron), modafinil (Provigil), and atomoxetine (Strattera). These drugs share overlapping effects on dopamine or norepinephrine and can boost mood, energy, or focus—but each has unique uses and side effects, so substitutions should only be made under medical supervision.
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What happens when you stop taking bupropion?Quick answer: Stopping bupropion (Wellbutrin) abruptly can cause withdrawal symptoms such as anxiety, irritability, dizziness, headaches, nausea, or sleep disturbances. It may also trigger a relapse of depression or smoking cravings. Always taper gradually under medical supervision to avoid discomfort and ensure safe discontinuation.
Read full answer for “What happens when you stop taking bupropion?” →
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What hormones does bupropion affect?Quick answer: Bupropion primarily affects dopamine and norepinephrine—neurotransmitters that regulate mood, motivation, and focus. It can also influence hormones like cortisol (stress response) and prolactin (linked to mood and reproduction). These combined effects help improve energy and emotional balance in people with depression.
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Does bupropion increase GABA?Quick answer: No, bupropion does not increase GABA levels. Instead, it mainly boosts dopamine and norepinephrine activity, which can improve mood and energy. While it may indirectly influence GABA pathways through these neurotransmitters, bupropion does not act as a GABA-enhancing or GABAergic medication.
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Does bupropion increase dopamine or serotonin?Quick answer: Bupropion mainly increases dopamine and norepinephrine, not serotonin. It blocks their reuptake in the brain, which boosts mood, focus, and motivation. While it may have mild indirect effects on serotonin activity, bupropion is not considered a serotonin-based antidepressant like SSRIs.
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Does bupropion make you hungry?Quick answer: Bupropion does not typically make you hungry. In most cases, it can reduce appetite or even cause mild weight loss. However, individual reactions vary—some people may notice increased hunger depending on lifestyle or metabolic factors.
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Can I drink coffee with bupropion?Quick answer: Yes, you can drink coffee while taking bupropion, but moderation is key. Both caffeine and bupropion are stimulants, and combining them in high amounts can increase anxiety, jitteriness, or the risk of seizures in sensitive individuals.
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Which is better Wellbutrin (bupropion) or Zoloft?Quick answer: Neither Wellbutrin nor Zoloft is universally “better” — they work differently. Wellbutrin boosts dopamine and norepinephrine, helping with low energy and motivation. Zoloft increases serotonin, better for anxiety and mood regulation. The best choice depends on your symptoms and medical history.
Read full answer for “Which is better Wellbutrin (bupropion) or Zoloft?” →
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Can you take bupropion at night?Quick answer: It’s best not to take bupropion at night. Because it can increase alertness and energy, taking it too late in the day may cause insomnia or restless sleep. Morning or early afternoon dosing is usually recommended unless your doctor advises otherwise.
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Can you gain weight on bupropion?Quick answer: Weight gain on bupropion is uncommon. Most people experience stable weight or mild weight loss because bupropion can reduce appetite and increase energy. However, individual responses vary—some may gain weight due to lifestyle, metabolism, or other medications.
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Can bupropion cause bipolar?Quick answer: Bupropion itself doesn’t cause bipolar disorder, but it can trigger manic or hypomanic episodes in people who already have—or are predisposed to—bipolar disorder. Close monitoring is essential if you or your family have a history of bipolar symptoms.
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Why was bupropion taken off the market?Quick answer: Bupropion was temporarily taken off the market in the 1980s due to seizure concerns at high doses. It was later reintroduced with lower, safer dosing guidelines. Today, it remains FDA-approved and widely prescribed for depression and smoking cessation.
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Does bupropion affect brain?Quick answer: Yes, bupropion affects the brain by increasing dopamine and norepinephrine levels. These neurotransmitters boost mood, motivation, focus, and energy—helping relieve depression and support smoking cessation. It doesn’t directly affect serotonin like most SSRIs.
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Who should not take bupropion?Quick answer: Bupropion should not be taken by people with a history of seizures, eating disorders (like bulimia or anorexia), or those using MAO inhibitors. It should also be used cautiously in individuals with bipolar disorder or known allergies to bupropion.
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How quickly does bupropion act?Quick answer: Bupropion may start working within 1–2 weeks, but full effects usually take 4–6 weeks. Early improvements may include better energy and focus, while mood and motivation typically improve later as the medication reaches steady levels in the brain.
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Does bupropion cause hair loss?Quick answer: Hair loss from bupropion is very rare—occurring in fewer than 1% of users. When it happens, it’s usually mild and temporary. Other factors like stress, hormones, or nutrition are more likely causes than the medication itself.
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Does bupropion dull emotions?Quick answer: Bupropion usually does not dull emotions. Unlike many SSRIs, it tends to boost motivation, energy, and emotional responsiveness. Some users may feel agitation or anxiety instead, but emotional “numbing” is uncommon with this medication.
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Does bupropion help with ADHD focus?Quick answer: Yes, bupropion can help with ADHD focus—especially in adults. By increasing dopamine and norepinephrine levels, it improves attention and motivation. However, it’s used off-label and is usually considered when stimulants are not well tolerated or effective.
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Is bupropion ADHD?Quick answer: Bupropion is not FDA-approved for the treatment of ADHD (attention deficit hyperactivity disorder). However, it is sometimes used off-label—especially in adults who do not respond well to traditional ADHD medications.
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Is Wellbutrin (bupropion) similar to Xanax (alprazolam)?Quick answer: Wellbutrin (bupropion) and Xanax (alprazolam) are not similar medications. They belong to different drug classes, act on different neurotransmitters, and are prescribed for different conditions.
Read full answer for “Is Wellbutrin (bupropion) similar to Xanax (alprazolam)?” →
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Does bupropion affect serotonin?Quick answer: Bupropion primarily affects dopamine and norepinephrine, not serotonin. However, it may have indirect effects on serotonin activity through its influence on other neurotransmitters in the brain.
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Does bupropion give you energy?Quick answer: Bupropion can increase energy and motivation in some people due to its stimulating effect on dopamine and norepinephrine. However, it may also cause insomnia or restlessness in others.
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Is bupropion good for anxiety?Quick answer: Bupropion is not typically considered a first-line treatment for anxiety. While it may help some people with anxiety and depression, it can also increase restlessness or agitation in others.
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Is bupropion a mood stabilizer?Quick answer: Bupropion is not a mood stabilizer. It is an antidepressant that works on dopamine and norepinephrine, mainly used for depression and smoking cessation rather than treating bipolar disorder.
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How does bupropion make you feel?Quick answer: Bupropion can make you feel more energetic, motivated, and focused by increasing dopamine and norepinephrine levels. However, it may also cause side effects like insomnia, dry mouth, or anxiety in some people.
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Is bupropion similar to Adderall?Quick answer: Bupropion and Adderall are not the same. While both affect dopamine and norepinephrine, Adderall is a stimulant for ADHD and narcolepsy, whereas bupropion is an antidepressant and smoking cessation aid.
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Is bupropion an SSRI or SNRI?Quick answer: Bupropion is neither an SSRI nor an SNRI. It is classified as a DNRI (dopamine and norepinephrine reuptake inhibitor), working differently from serotonin-based antidepressants.
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What is the drug bupropion used for?Quick answer: Bupropion is used to treat depression and seasonal affective disorder (SAD) and to help people quit smoking. It increases dopamine and norepinephrine levels to improve mood and reduce nicotine cravings.
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HOW Does Bupropion Make You Feel?Quick answer: Bupropion can make you feel more positive, energetic, and focused by increasing dopamine and norepinephrine. However, it may also cause restlessness, insomnia, or dry mouth in some individuals.
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What is a major side effect of bupropion?Quick answer: A major side effect of bupropion is the risk of seizures, especially at higher doses or in people with preexisting risk factors such as a history of seizures or eating disorders.
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What does bupropion do for a person?Quick answer: Bupropion helps improve mood, boost energy, and reduce nicotine cravings by increasing dopamine and norepinephrine levels. It’s mainly used for depression and smoking cessation, and sometimes off-label for ADHD or weight management.
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