If you or someone you know is looking at bupropion, this page gives straight answers without the medical fluff. Bupropion (often known by the brand Wellbutrin) is an antidepressant that also helps people quit smoking. It acts differently from SSRIs — it nudges dopamine and norepinephrine levels instead of focusing on serotonin. That difference matters because it brings a different mix of benefits and side effects.
Doctors most commonly prescribe bupropion for major depressive disorder and seasonal affective disorder. It’s also approved to help with smoking cessation. People often notice energy or motivation improvements before mood lifts — usually within 2–4 weeks, with fuller effects by 6–8 weeks. Some folks appreciate that bupropion is less likely than SSRIs to cause sexual side effects or heavy weight gain.
Common forms include immediate-release (IR), sustained-release (SR) and extended-release (XL). Typical starting doses are 150 mg once daily (SR or XL), with many plans increasing to 300 mg per day. Never change dose or stop suddenly without talking to your prescriber.
Side effects to watch for: trouble sleeping, dry mouth, headache, jitteriness, and reduced appetite. The big safety note: bupropion can raise the risk of seizures, and that risk goes up at higher doses (over 450 mg/day) or if you have a seizure disorder, a history of bulimia/anorexia, or heavy alcohol use. If any seizure history applies to you, don’t take bupropion unless your doctor says it’s safe.
Also avoid combining bupropion with MAO inhibitors or abrupt changes of other antidepressants without medical guidance. If you’re pregnant, breastfeeding, or taking stimulants, talk with your provider — there are tradeoffs to weigh.
Practical tips: take it in the morning to cut insomnia, split doses as instructed instead of doubling up, and sip water for dry mouth. If anxiety or agitation shows up, tell your prescriber — sometimes a dose change or different timing fixes it. Don’t mix it with large amounts of alcohol and never crush XL tablets.
Buying and monitoring: bupropion needs a prescription. Use a licensed pharmacy and check for clear contact info and pharmacist availability. Generic bupropion is common and usually cheaper than brand-name Wellbutrin. Ask your pharmacist about interactions with other meds you use. Expect follow-up appointments during the first few weeks so your doctor can watch mood, sleep, blood pressure, and any side effects.
Want more? We have detailed pieces on antidepressants and medication choices across the site — check our articles on Lexapro or alternatives to quetiapine if you’re comparing options. If you’re unsure whether bupropion fits your situation, a quick chat with your clinician will get you the safest, most practical answer.
