Wellbutrin is the brand name of bupropion, a miscellaneous antidepressant drug that the FDA has approved since 1985. The drug is Approved for adult depression, seasonal affective disorder, and smoking cessation. These are the list of disorders approved by the FDA. But there are also some off-label uses of bupropion like attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), obesity, and depression associated with bipolar disorder. Off-label drug use means to use a drug for a different purpose than what the FDA approved.
Wellbutrin is available in two dosage forms: Wellbutrin SR and Wellbutrin XL. Sustained release means releasing a drug in the body over an extended period of time, especially to maintain therapeutic levels, whereas an extended-release tablet is formulated to release a drug over a long period of time. Generally, medical practitioners prefer extended-release tablets due to better patient compliance and reduced frequency of doses.
Administration
Wellbutrin is only administered through the oral route of administration. As it is available in either sustained-release or extended-release dosage form, you have to take one whole tablet at a time as you can’t cut the tablet into half or crush it into pieces.
Wellbutrin Uses
- Major depressive disorder
- Seasonal affective disorder
- Smoking cessation
- ADHD
- Obesity
Adverse Effects
There are several adverse effects have been reported for bupropion. These include:
- Tachycardia
- Rhinitis
- insomnia, headache, agitation, dizziness
- diaphoresis
- weight loss
- constipation, dry mouth, nausea
- blurred vision
The most severe adverse effects are the increase in the potential of suicidal thoughts and seizures. It is not a habit-forming drug but when used for a longer period then you can experience dependency. The risk of addiction is higher if you take Wellbutrin when you don’t need it, or if you have a history of drug or alcohol abuse.
Wellbutrin For ADHD
Attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is one of the most common mental disorders affecting children and teenagers. In this disorder, a person cannot pay attention, focus on a single task, or be organized. Hyperactivity includes excessive movement, or talking too much, especially in inappropriate situations. Differences in brain development and activity cause ADHD. Research found that children suffer from this condition as parents have ADHD. Genetics plays a key role in ADHD.
Like other drugs used to treat ADHD, Wellbutrin alters how neurotransmitters operate in the brain. In particular, it prevents dopamine and norepinephrine from being reabsorbed by the presynaptic neuron following their release from the nerve cell. Medications classified as NDRIs (Norepinephrine Dopamine Reuptake Inhibitors) have this action. The body naturally regulates the duration of a nerve signal by reabsorption. Dopamine and norepinephrine concentrations in the brain rise when reuptake is blocked. These neurotransmitters can communicate with other nerves when more of them remain active.
Wellbutrin For Obesity
Wellbutrin (bupropion) is an antidepressant that can given for weight loss in people who are overweight or have a higher BMI. Wellbutrin is a norepinephrine-dopamine reuptake inhibitor (NDRI) that can help with weight loss by reducing food cravings, increasing energy levels, and improving dopamine levels. Reduced dopamine function is associated with obesity. Reduced dopamine function shifts voluntary energy expenditure, which can lead to decreased physical activity. By reversing dopamine consumption, Wellbutrin aids in weight loss.
Interactions
- Avoid alcohol. Co-administration with alcohol may result in neuropsychiatric adverse effects and potentiation of CNS depressant effects.
- You should avoid Wellbutrin if you have seizures in the past.
- Wellbutrin is used to treat more than one condition so avoid other drugs like Zyban to quit smoking as it is also treated by Wellbutrin only.
- It is not advisable to take it while you breast-feeding as it may excreted into human milk and have bad effects on the baby.
- Avoid taking Wellbutrin for smoking cessation if you are pregnant instead quitting smoking is the best way possible as it is a potential risk to the fetus.
Price and Alternate Brands
| Sr. No. | Brand name | Company | Price per 10 tablets |
| 1 | Wellbutrin xl | Bausch Health Companies Inc. | ₹3500 for 30 tablet |
| 2 | Bupron XL 150 | Sun Pharmaceutical Industries Ltd | ₹196 |
| 3 | Bupioset 150 | Brainwave Healthcare Pvt Ltd | ₹123 |
| 4 | Zupion -SR | Intas Pharmaceuticals Ltd | ₹152.5 |
Disclaimer: The above information is given for information purposes only.
