Bupropion (Wellbutrin, Zyban) — What You Need to Know
If you're looking into bupropion, you probably want straight answers: what it treats, how to take it, and what to watch for. Bupropion is a commonly prescribed medicine for depression and for helping people stop smoking. It works differently from SSRIs, so it can be a good option when other antidepressants cause tiredness or sexual side effects.
How bupropion works and common uses
Bupropion boosts certain brain chemicals (mainly dopamine and norepinephrine) which can lift mood and reduce nicotine cravings. Doctors prescribe it mainly for major depressive disorder and seasonal affective disorder, and under the brand Zyban for smoking cessation. You’ll see it sold as immediate-release (IR), sustained-release (SR), and extended-release (XL). Each form changes how often you take it: IR is multiple times a day, SR twice a day, XL once a day.
Typical starting doses vary: many start at 150 mg once daily for XL or 150 mg twice daily for SR after a day or two. Your doctor adjusts dose based on response and side effects. Never crush or chew XL tablets — that changes how the drug is released.
Safety, side effects, and interactions
Common side effects are dry mouth, trouble sleeping, headache, and mild tremor. Bupropion can increase anxiety in some people at first. The most serious risk is seizure — the risk rises with higher doses, history of seizures, or conditions that lower seizure threshold like heavy alcohol use, head injury, or some other drugs. It’s also not recommended for people with current or past eating disorders (bulimia, anorexia) because of seizure risk.
Avoid bupropion if you recently used MAO inhibitors or if you take medicines that raise seizure risk. Tell your doctor about any stimulants, antipsychotics, or strong antibiotics you’re taking. Alcohol and abrupt stopping of heavy drinking can also increase risks while on bupropion.
If you’re pregnant or breastfeeding, discuss risks and benefits with your provider — many people use bupropion safely, but decisions depend on individual factors.
Watch for warning signs that need urgent care: severe agitation, hallucinations, signs of a seizure, or sudden mood change with suicidal thoughts. For adolescents and young adults, close monitoring is standard when starting any antidepressant.
Thinking about buying bupropion? Only get it from licensed pharmacies and with a valid prescription. If you’re comparing prices in Mexico or online, check pharmacy credentials, read real customer reviews, and confirm the exact formulation (IR/SR/XL) so you’re getting the right dose. Generic bupropion hydrochloride is widely available and usually cheaper than brand names.
Got specific concerns about interactions, dosing with other meds, or how long it takes to work? Ask your pharmacist or doctor — they can tailor advice to your health history. Bupropion helps a lot of people, but like any medicine, it needs the right match between drug and patient.