Can Wellbutrin (bupropion) cause night sweats as a side effect?

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From the FDA Drug Label

Skin Sweating 2% 6% 5% The FDA drug label indicates that sweating is a possible side effect of Wellbutrin (bupropion), but it does not specifically mention night sweats.

  • However, since sweating is listed as a side effect, it can be inferred that night sweats might be a possible occurrence, as sweating is not limited to daytime hours.
  • It is essential to note that the label does not provide a direct answer to the question, but based on the available information, a conservative clinical decision would be to consider night sweats as a potential side effect of Wellbutrin 1.

From the Research

Yes, Wellbutrin (bupropion) can cause night sweats as a side effect, although the provided evidence does not specifically quantify the incidence of night sweats. The mechanism behind this potential side effect relates to bupropion's impact on neurotransmitters like norepinephrine and dopamine, which can affect the body's temperature regulation and sweating mechanisms 2. If you experience night sweats while taking Wellbutrin, you should discuss this with your healthcare provider, especially if they are severe or significantly disrupt your sleep. Your doctor might consider adjusting your dosage, changing the timing of your medication, or in some cases, prescribing an additional medication to manage this side effect. Do not stop taking Wellbutrin abruptly as this can lead to discontinuation symptoms. Some studies suggest that bupropion is generally well-tolerated, with common side effects including nervousness and insomnia 2, but night sweats are not explicitly mentioned in the provided studies. However, given the potential for bupropion to affect temperature regulation and sweating, it is plausible that night sweats could occur as a side effect. The most recent and highest quality study provided is from 2011, which discusses the efficacy and tolerability of bupropion in the treatment of major depressive disorder, but does not specifically mention night sweats as a side effect 3. Therefore, while the exact incidence of night sweats is not clear from the provided evidence, it is recommended to monitor for this potential side effect and discuss any concerns with your healthcare provider.

Professional Medical Disclaimer

This information is intended for healthcare professionals. Any medical decision-making should rely on clinical judgment and independently verified information. The content provided herein does not replace professional discretion and should be considered supplementary to established clinical guidelines. Healthcare providers should verify all information against primary literature and current practice standards before application in patient care. Dr.Oracle assumes no liability for clinical decisions based on this content.

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