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Increase Your Awareness with Basic Facts about Bupropion (Wellbutrin®)
Nikki and Anne Heart ♥ February 17, 2026
*Picture displayed is a general pill and should not be used as a pill identifier.
The following highlights the facts. More information can be obtained through the sites listed below as well as many other informational sites regarding prescription drugs. Medication facts can change. Make sure you have all up-to-date information.
Basic Facts You Need to Know
Bupropion is used to treat:
- Depression
- Seasonal affective disorder (SAD) episodes of depression that occur at the same time each year [usually in the fall and winter but rarely may occur in the spring or summer months]).
- Bupropion is also used to help people stop smoking.
Bupropion was originally developed in 1966 and patented in 1974 by Burroughs Wellcome.
Bupropion was approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) in 1985 and marketed as Wellbutrin.
Bupropion acts as a norepinephrine-dopamine reuptake inhibitor (NDRI).
Bupropion, brand names
- Aplenzin®
- Budeprion® SR*
- Budeprion® XL*
- Buproban®*
- Forfivo® XL*
- Wellbutrin®
- Wellbutrin® SR
- Wellbutrin® XL
- Zyban®*
- Auvelity® (as a combination product containing bupropion, dextromethorphan)
- Contrave®(as a combination product containing bupropion, naltrexone)
*This branded product is no longer on the market. Generic alternatives may be available.
Possible side effects of Bupropion
- drowsiness
- anxiety
- agitation
- difficulty falling asleep or staying asleep
- dry mouth
- nausea
- abdominal pain
- constipation
- dizziness
- headache
- uncontrollable shaking of a part of the body
- loss of appetite
- excessive sweating
- ringing in the ears
- sore throat
Some side effects can be serious. If you experience any of the following symptoms, call you doctor immediately or get emergency medical treatment
- seizures
- confusion
- hallucinating (seeing things or hearing voices that do not exist)
- irrational fears
- rapid, pounding, or irregular heartbeat
- greatly increased energy
- severe trouble sleeping
- racing thoughts reckless behavior
- unusually grand ideas
- excessive happiness or irritability
- talking more or faster than usual
If you experience any of the following symptoms, stop taking bupropion and call your doctor immediately or get emergency medical treatment:
- fever
- rash or blisters
- itching
- hives
- swelling of the face, throat, tongue, lips, eyes, hands, feet, ankles, or lower legs
- hoarseness
- difficulty breathing or swallowing
IMPORTANT WARNING:
Medications such as bupropion may increase the risk of suicidal thoughts and actions. This increase was found in children, teenagers, and young adults (less than 24 years of age). The risk may be more likely with the first few months of treatment and when the dose is increased.
Call your doctor right away if you experience any of the following symptoms: new or worsening depression; thinking about harming or killing yourself or planning or trying to do so; extreme worry; agitation; panic attacks; difficulty falling asleep or staying asleep; aggressive behavior; irritability; acting without thinking; severe restlessness; and frenzied abnormal excitement. Be sure that your family or caregiver knows which symptoms may be serious so they can call the doctor if you are unable to do so.
Your doctor or pharmacist will give you the manufacturer’s patient information sheet (Medication Guide) when you begin treatment with bupropion and each time you refill your prescription. Read the information carefully and ask your doctor or pharmacist if you have any questions.
You also can visit the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) website: https://www.fda.gov/Drugs/DrugSafety/ucm085729.htm or the manufacturer’s website to obtain the Medication Guide.
Sources used and more indepth information can be obtained by visiting:
- Medlineplus.gov., Bupropion, accessed January 19, 2026.
- National Library of Medicine, Bupropion, Huecker MR, Smiley A, Saadabadi A. Bupropion. [Updated 2024 Sep 2]. In: StatPearls [Internet]. Treasure Island (FL): StatPearls Publishing; 2025 Jan-. Available from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK470212/ accessed January 19, 2026.
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Medical Disclaimer: We share informational resources that are intended to help you with your self-care plan. We are not professionals. We write based on personal experience and personal research.
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