Bupropion is a prescription medicine you’ve probably heard called Wellbutrin or Zyban. Doctors prescribe it most often for depression and to help people quit smoking. It works differently than many antidepressants, and that difference can be useful if other meds caused tiredness or sexual side effects for you.
Before you try bupropion, know the basics: it can lift mood and reduce nicotine cravings but it also raises the risk of seizures in some people. That risk matters if you have a history of seizures, an eating disorder, or heavy alcohol use. Your prescriber will screen for those before starting treatment.
Simply put, bupropion boosts certain brain chemicals—mainly dopamine and norepinephrine. That boost can improve energy, focus, and motivation for people with depression. For smoking cessation, bupropion reduces cravings and withdrawal symptoms by affecting those same pathways.
Don’t expect overnight changes. Some people notice mood shifts in 1–2 weeks, but full benefit often takes 4–6 weeks. For quitting smoking, relief from urges can appear sooner, sometimes within a couple of weeks.
Typical side effects include insomnia, dry mouth, headache, tremor, and mild anxiety. Some people lose a little weight while on bupropion. Serious but rare issues include seizures and severe allergic reactions. If you have bulimia or heavy alcohol use, bupropion is usually not recommended because those conditions raise seizure risk.
Avoid combining bupropion with MAO inhibitors, and tell your doctor about other drugs that lower the seizure threshold (some antipsychotics, other antidepressants, stimulants). Also mention any recent alcohol withdrawal or electrolyte problems.
Typical dosing depends on the formulation. Many start at 150 mg once daily, then move to 150 mg twice daily (sustained release) or 300 mg once daily (extended release). Daily doses usually don’t exceed 450 mg. Your prescriber will pick a schedule that fits your health profile.
Practical tips: take your last dose early in the day to reduce insomnia, don’t drink heavily while on bupropion, and stick to the prescribed dose—higher doses raise seizure risk. If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you remember but don’t double up the next time.
Watch for warning signs: sudden mood swings, worsening depression, new thoughts of self-harm, seizure, or sudden rash. If any of those happen, stop the drug and contact medical help right away. For mild side effects that don’t go away, call your prescriber to adjust dose or try a different option.
Want more detail on interactions, pregnancy, or switching from another antidepressant? Your healthcare provider or pharmacist can give personalized advice. Bupropion helps a lot of people, but safe use means checking risks, timing doses well, and staying in touch with your care team.
Wellbutrin, also known as bupropion, is a popular antidepressant with some unique benefits and side effects. This article explains how it works, what makes it different, and shares tips for using it effectively. You'll learn about common dosages, pros and cons, and real-life experiences. Get facts on Wellbutrin's uses and what to expect if you're considering or already taking it.