Medical Review by Jennie Stanford, MD, FAAFP, DipABOM
Summary
- Wellbutrin® is an antidepressant that works by increasing norepinephrine and dopamine in your brain, helping with mood, motivation, and focus. It’s used to treat depression, seasonal affective disorder, and to help quit smoking.
- It may have fewer sexual side effects than other antidepressants, especially for women, since it doesn’t affect serotonin.
- Common side effects like headache, dry mouth, nausea, or trouble sleeping may occur in the first week, but they often improve as your body adjusts.
- Keep track of how you feel on Wellbutrin® and share any changes with your provider, who may adjust your treatment. Take it as prescribed, with immediate release and sustained release forms taken multiple times daily, and extended release taken once in the morning.
Here’s what you need to know as you start taking Wellbutrin®
Wellbutrin®, the brand name for the medication bupropion, is an antidepressant that belongs to a group of medications known as norepinephrine and dopamine reuptake inhibitors (NDRIs). It works differently from many other antidepressants by boosting norepinephrine and dopamine levels in your brain instead of mainly acting on serotonin. Norepinephrine helps with alertness, attention and handling stress, while dopamine affects your pleasure, motivation, concentration, sleep, and clear thinking.
While most people respond well to Wellbutrin®, you may experience some side effects in the first week of use. Knowing what to expect can help you manage this adjustment period more smoothly. In this article, we’ll guide you through what to expect during your first week on Wellbutrin®, provide tips for managing side effects, and explain when to seek help from a healthcare professional.
Quick facts about Wellbutrin®
Wellbutrin® is FDA approved to treat:
- Depression
- Seasonal affective disorder
- Help people quit smoking
A big plus of Wellbutrin® is that it doesn’t affect serotonin like many other antidepressants, so it has a lower risk of sexual side effects compared to SSRIs and SNRIs.
If you’re dealing with sexual dysfunction from other antidepressants, you may be able to add Wellbutrin® to your treatment, which can be especially helpful for women.
What to expect in the first week
As you start taking Wellbutrin®, your body will need some time to adapt. You might notice a few mild side effects at first, but these are typically temporary and should fade as your system adjusts.
Within 7 to 10 days, the medication will reach steady levels in your body, but it could take up to 4 weeks before you begin to feel its full effects.
Learn more: Bupropion (Wellbutrin): Uses, Benefits, Side Effects, & More
Most common side effects
- Headache or Migraine
- Dry mouth
- Nausea
- Trouble sleeping
- Constipation or diarrhea
- Dizziness
- Sore throat
- Agitation or anxiety
- Tremor
- Sweating, flushing, and/or hot flashes
- Rash
- Tinnitus
- Abdominal pain
- Heart palpitations
- Muscle aches
Keep in mind, these aren’t the only possible side effects, as everyone responds to medication differently. We’ve covered the most common ones here—we’ll look at the rare but serious side effects later, so you’re aware of what to look out for when taking Wellbutrin®.
Tips for the first week
To help prevent or manage side effects, here are some tips to make things easier. These general guidelines help managing side effects of numerous antidepressants, including Wellbutrin®:
- To moisten a dry mouth or a sore throat: drink plenty of water, chew sugarless gum, or suck on sugarless candy. Try to avoid caffeine, tobacco, and alcohol, as they can make dry mouth worse.
- To ease nausea: take Wellbutrin® with a small amount of food, like crackers or toast. Ginger-containing foods and drinks may also help.
- To stop diarrhea: take an antidiarrheal medication or psyllium may also be effective.
- To manage constipation: increase activity, fluid, and fiber intake. If this is not enough, laxatives or stool softeners can be used.
- To reduce tremors, anxiety or agitation: reduce your caffeine intake.
- To ease a headache or migraine: rest in a quiet, dark room, stay hydrated, use over-the-counter pain relievers, and try relaxation or massage techniques.
Ensure that you look after yourself, drink lots of water, get a good night’s sleep, and exercise regularly. These habits will help you to feel better during your first week of taking Wellbutrin®.
When to seek help
Serious side effects are rare, but they can still occur. Contact your healthcare provider immediately if you experience any of these serious symptoms:
- Worsening depression or the appearance of suicidal thoughts and behaviors.
- Seizures: Especially at higher doses of Wellbutrin®.
- Increased blood pressure.
- Activation of mania or hypomania: Especially in people with bipolar disorder or risk factors for it.
- Psychosis: including delusions, hallucinations, paranoia, and confusion.
- Changes in vision or eye pain, swelling, or redness.
Consulting your healthcare provider
As you start a new medication like Wellbutrin®, it’s important to monitor how you’re feeling. Track any changes and share them with your healthcare provider during your regular check-ins. These appointments help your healthcare provider see how you’re doing and adjust your treatment if needed.
Different Wellbutrin® dosages
Wellbutrin® comes in three forms: Immediate Release (IR), Sustained Release (SR), and Extended Release (XL), each with different strengths.
The IR and SR versions need to be taken multiple times a day and should not be taken at bedtime. The XL form is taken once daily in the morning. You can take Wellbutrin® with or without food.
Always take Wellbutrin® as prescribed. If you are experiencing problems while taking this medication, your provider can fine-tune the dosage to suit your needs. Do not adjust your dosage by yourself.
Finding support on your Wellbutrin® journey with Lemonaid Health
Starting Wellbutrin® can feel easier when you’re well-prepared and take it consistently. Staying in touch with your healthcare provider helps make the transition smoother. You might notice side effects in the first week, but they usually get better over time—and if you have any serious concerns, help is available.
Our team at Lemonaid Health can help. Set up a virtual visit with a qualified US-based health professional who can help you understand your symptoms and find appropriate solutions, including FDA-approved medication in clinically indicated cases.
Wellbutrin® is a registered trademark of GlaxoSmithKline LLC.
