What is bupropion prescribed for?

Bupropion is a generic antidepressant medication that helps to regulate your mood by boosting certain types of chemicals in your brain. It is also available as brand-name drugs such as: 

• Wellbutrin SR
• Wellbutrin XL
• Forfivo XL

Bupropion is prescribed by medical professionals for the following:

• Major depressive disorder: Major depressive disorder (MDD), also known as depression, is a mental health condition that affects your mood and thoughts. Symptoms can include feelings of hopelessness, persistent sadness, and a lack of interest in activities you once enjoyed. 
• Seasonal affective disorder (SAD): Seasonal affective disorder (SAD) is a type of depression that occurs at specific times of the year, usually during fall and winter when there is less daylight. 
• Smoking cessation: Bupropion helps people quit smoking by increasing levels of dopamine and norepinephrine in the brain. This may help reduce nicotine cravings and ease withdrawal symptoms.
• Other uses: Sometimes bupropion may be prescribed off-label for certain conditions. Off-label use is when doctors prescribe a drug for a purpose other than what it’s approved for. Bupropion may be prescribed off-label for:
  • depression in people with bipolar disorder
  • sexual side effects caused by antidepressants
  • attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) in children and adults
  • obesity

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What does bupropion do?

Bupropion works by increasing the levels of certain chemicals in the brain, like dopamine and norepinephrine. These chemicals play a role in your mood, energy levels, and ability to focus.

By increasing the levels of these chemicals, bupropion can help balance brain activity. This may help improve your mood, reduce feelings of sadness or hopelessness, and make it easier to concentrate. 

For people who are trying to quit smoking, bupropion’s ability to boost certain brain chemicals may make it easier to manage cravings and withdrawal symptoms. 

What are the side effects of bupropion?

Like all medications, bupropion can cause side effects. Not everyone will experience these side effects, but it’s important to be aware of them.

It’s also important to note that bupropion has a boxed warning for the risk of suicidal thoughts and behaviors. A boxed warning is the most serious warning from the Food and Drug Administration (FDA).

Like other antidepressants, treatment with bupropion may raise the risk of suicidal thoughts and behaviors in children and young adults ages 24 years and younger.

If you have thoughts of suicide during bupropion treatment, call the Suicide and Crisis Lifeline by dialing 988. Or tell your doctor right away. You can also refer to this suicide prevention resource guide for ways to seek support.

The most common side effects of bupropion include: 

• dry mouth
• nausea
• insomnia (trouble sleeping)
• dizziness
• stomach pain
• agitation, anxiety 
• heart palpitations
• shakiness
• sweating
• tinnitus (ringing in ears)
• muscle pain
• sore throat
• urinating more often 
• rash

Let your doctor know if you notice anything unusual or have side effects that are hard to manage.

Is bupropion the same as Adderall?

No, bupropion and Adderall are not the same. Bupropion is an antidepressant medication. It works by increasing the levels of certain chemicals in your brain to improve your mood. 

Adderall, on the other hand, belongs to a class of medications called stimulants and is used to treat ADHD and narcolepsy. It contains a combination of two stimulants that help increase focus and attention. 

While both bupropion and Adderall affect the brain, they are used for different conditions and work in different ways. 

It’s important to only take either of these medications under a doctor’s guidance and exactly as prescribed. 

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Does bupropion help with weight gain or weight loss?

According to clinical studies, bupropion is more likely to cause weight loss than weight gain. It may help people lose weight by reducing appetite and boosting energy levels. 

However, its effects can vary from person to person, so it’s important to talk with a doctor if you want to know more about how it affects weight loss.

Summary

Bupropion is an antidepressant drug prescribed for the treatment of depression and the prevention of seasonal affective disorder (SAD). It is also sometimes prescribed to help people quit smoking and may be prescribed off-label for certain conditions, including ADHD and obesity.

It’s important to take bupropion exactly as prescribed by your doctor, as it can cause serious side effects if not used correctly.

Talk with your doctor if you have questions about bupropion or other medications that help treat depression or SAD.