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Wellbutrin (Bupropion Hydrochloride) - Summary

 
 



Boxed Warning section

SUICIDALITY AND ANTIDEPRESSANT DRUGS

Antidepressants increased the risk of suicidal thoughts and behavior in children, adolescents, and young adults in short-term trials. These trials did not show an increase in the risk of suicidal thoughts and behavior with antidepressant use in subjects over age 24; there was a reduction in risk with antidepressant use in subjects aged 65 and older [see Warnings and Precautions ].

In patients of all ages who are started on antidepressant therapy, monitor closely for worsening, and for emergence of suicidal thoughts and behaviors. Advise families and caregivers of the need for close observation and communication with the prescriber [see Warnings and Precautions].

 

NEUROPSYCHIATRIC REACTIONS IN PATIENTS TAKING BUPROPION FOR SMOKING CESSATION

Serious neuropsychiatric reactions have occurred in patientstaking bupropion for smoking cessation [see Warnings and Precautions ]. The majority of these reactions occurred during bupropion treatment, but some occurred in the context of discontinuing treatment. In many cases, a causal relationship to bupropion treatment is not certain, because depressed mood may be a symptom of nicotine withdrawal. However, some of the cases occurred in patients taking bupropion who continued to smoke. Although WELLBUTRIN® is not approved for smoking cessation, observe all patients for neuropsychiatric reactions. Instruct the patient to contact a healthcare provider if such reactions occur [seeWarnings and Precautions].

 

 

WELLBUTRIN SUMMARY

WELLBUTRIN (bupropion hydrochloride), an antidepressant of the aminoketone class, is chemically unrelated to tricyclic, tetracyclic, selective serotonin re?uptake inhibitor, or other known antidepressant agents.

WELLBUTRIN (bupropion hydrochloride)is indicated for the treatment of major depressive disorder(MDD), as defined by the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual (DSM ).

The efficacy of WELLBUTRIN in the treatment of a major depressive episode was established in two 4-week controlled inpatient trials and one 6-week controlled outpatient trial of adult subjects with MDD [see Clinical Studies].

 


See all Wellbutrin indications & dosage >>

NEWS HIGHLIGHTS

Published Studies Related to Wellbutrin (Bupropion)

Interactions between bupropion and 3,4-methylenedioxymethamphetamine in healthy subjects. [2015]
3,4-Methylenedioxymethamphetamine (MDMA; "ecstasy") is a popular recreational drug. The aim of the present study was to explore the role of dopamine in the psychotropic effects of MDMA using bupropion to inhibit the dopamine and norepinephrine transporters through which MDMA releases dopamine and norepinephrine by investigating.

Bupropion in adults with Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder: a randomized, double-blind study. [2014]
Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder is one of the most common mental disorders in childhood, and it continues to adulthood without proper treatment. Stimulants have been used in the treatment of Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) for many years, and the efficacy of methylphenidate in the treatment of adults with ADHD has been proven to be acceptable according to meta-analysis studies.

SSRI versus bupropion effects on symptom clusters in suicidal depression: post hoc analysis of a randomized clinical trial. [2013]
CONCLUSIONS: The results require replication but suggest a pathway by which

Bupropion for smoking cessation in patients hospitalized with acute myocardial infarction: a randomized, placebo-controlled trial. [2013]
patients with acute myocardial infarction (AMI)... CONCLUSIONS: Two-thirds of patients return to smoking by 12 months after AMI.

The DRD4 exon III VNTR, bupropion, and associations with prospective abstinence. [2013]
cognitive-behavioral mood management therapy... CONCLUSIONS: VNTR by treatment interaction differences between these and previous

more studies >>

Clinical Trials Related to Wellbutrin (Bupropion)

Bupropion Depression [Recruiting]
Determine bioequivalence between branded and generic bupropion extended release (XL) products (and between generic products) at steady state in patients with major depressive disorder.

Does Sleep Quality Change After Switch From Wellbutrin SR to Wellbutrin XL in Patients With Major Depressive Disorder? [Active, not recruiting]
Wellbutrin (bupropion) is an effective antidepressant (Thase, M 2005). It exists in instant release (IR), sustained release (SR) and extended release (XL) forms. The IR formulation was never approved for use in Canada. The XL formulation allows for once daily dosing. Wellbutrin is both a norepinephrine and dopamine reuptake inhibitor, and as such increases the synaptic concentration of both neurotransmitters. This adds to its positive effects on cognition, apathy, tiredness and executive functioning. The increased activation may be also responsible for some of its side effects such as initial insomnia and reduced sleep efficiency, especially when taken at night.

The Effects of Wellbutrin (Bupropion) on Residual and Cognitive Symptoms in SSRI-treated Depression [Completed]
Many people with depression are treated with a serotonin-specific reuptake inhibitor anti-depressant (SSRI) and feel 'better'. Although many people feel 'better', they do not feel completely 'well'. Often, individuals continue to complain of cognitive problems such as lack of attention, diminished motivation, and impaired problem-solving. This study looks at whether residual and cognitive symptoms of depression in individuals are affected by the addition of Wellbutrin (bupropion).

Female Orgasmic Disorder (FOD) and Wellbutrin XL [Completed]
A recently completed multi-site double-blind placebo-controlled study found that bupropion (Wellbutrin XL) increased female orgasmic function in a group of pre-menopausal women with a diagnosis of hypoactive sexual desire disorder. The purpose of this study is to ascertain whether bupropion will improve orgasmic function in pre-menopausal women with a primary complaint of idiopathic orgasmic disorder who do not have hypoactive sexual desire disorder. This will be a multicenter, placebo-controlled, double blind study of women with a diagnosis of female orgasm disorder. During a baseline visit, psychiatric, medical, alcohol and drug, and sexual histories will be obtained. Patients who continue to meet screening inclusion/exclusion criteria at their baseline visit will be randomly assigned to either placebo or bupropion XL for 8 weeks. A flexible dosing paradigm will be used. Sexual desire and activity will be assessed by patient diaries, investigator interview of sexual functioning every two weeks, and by standardized questionnaire every four weeks. The primary endpoint will be the increase in orgasm completion as measured by the Changes in Sexual Functioning Questionnaire-F (CSFQ-F). Secondary endpoints will be changes in sexual arousal, sexual desire, and sexual pleasure as assessed by the CSFQ-F.

Wellbutrin XL for Dysthymic Disorder [Completed]
This is a ten-week, double-blind study of Wellbutrin XL in outpatients with dysthymic disorder, a form of low-grade chronic depression. We hypothesize that patients taking Wellbutrin XL will show greater improvement in depression symptoms and psychosocial functioning than patients taking placebo.

more trials >>

Reports of Suspected Wellbutrin (Bupropion) Side Effects

Drug Ineffective (103)Depression (45)Suicidal Ideation (32)Weight Increased (27)Anxiety (27)Nausea (25)Convulsion (25)Feeling Abnormal (25)Pain (23)Insomnia (23)more >>


PATIENT REVIEWS / RATINGS / COMMENTS

Based on a total of 42 ratings/reviews, Wellbutrin has an overall score of 7.19. The effectiveness score is 7.43 and the side effect score is 7.48. The scores are on ten point scale: 10 - best, 1 - worst. Below are selected reviews: the highest, the median and the lowest rated.
 

Wellbutrin review by 27 year old female patient

  Rating
Overall rating:  
Effectiveness:   Considerably Effective
Side effects:   Mild Side Effects
  
Treatment Info
Condition / reason:   Depression
Dosage & duration:   300mg / day taken 2x daily for the period of I have been on it for 6 years now
Other conditions:   Inreased sweating at night, mild dehydration, trouble sleeping at times
Other drugs taken:   Celexia
  
Reported Results
Benefits:   I began taking the drug to control my Bulimia, which was the main symptom of my depression. It also helped me stop smoking.
Side effects:   Very few. I noticed right away that I had trouble sleeping from my high dosage. My ddoctor then prescribed 40mg / day of Celexia to counteract the restlessness.
Comments:   After about 1 month of taking the drug, the bingeing and purging decreased greatly. (from maybe 4 or 5 times /day to about once a month, if that. After 6 years of being on the medication, my Bulimia is under control and depression seems situational.

 

Wellbutrin review by 40 year old female patient

  Rating
Overall rating:  
Effectiveness:   Considerably Effective
Side effects:   No Side Effects
  
Treatment Info
Condition / reason:   Bipolar Disorder II
Dosage & duration:   100 mg taken 2x daily for the period of 6 Years
Other conditions:   None
Other drugs taken:   Topomax
  
Reported Results
Benefits:   I had a nervous breakdown suddenly and unexpectedly. After 1 week in the psych ward, I was prescribed 2 medications that I soon realized didn't help. Over the course of 1 year, I tried many different combinations of anti-depresants which didn't work. Not until I tried both wellbutrin and topomax together did I start recovering from my breakdown. About 1 1/2 years ago I discontinued the Topomax and I've only used the Wellbutrin since it helps me maintain my health.
Side effects:   I didn't experience any side effects.
Comments:   See above as that thoroughly explains everything.

 

Wellbutrin review by 37 year old female patient

  Rating
Overall rating:  
Effectiveness:   Ineffective
Side effects:   Extremely Severe Side Effects
  
Treatment Info
Condition / reason:   Anxety / Depression
Dosage & duration:   150mg taken daily / 150mg in morning for the period of 1 month
Other conditions:   sexual dysfunction
Other drugs taken:   birth control, Hydrochlorothiadzide
  
Reported Results
Benefits:   I only started this medication to still treat my Anxiety and mild depression, but eliminate the desire not to want sex.
Side effects:   Irritable, sleeplessness, rages of angry, fatigue, high blood pressure
Comments:   My OBGYN switched me from Prozac to Wellbutrin in efforts to help with the sexual side affects. Well, it did absolulte nothing to help in that area and instead made me more depressed, irritable, had severe rages, crying all the time, no desire to get out of bed, hot flashes and my blood pressure spiked tremendously. I went back to my PCP and I'm back to Zoloft which I had taken in the past and although I'm still having w/d's from the Wellbutrin, I'm felling 80% better in it's only been 3 days. I tossed all the remaining pills out. This drug clearly didn't work for my body. What a horrible experience to go through. I will in the future only get these types of meds from my PCP and not my OBGYN.

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Page last updated: 2015-08-10

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