From the Guidelines
Wellbutrin (bupropion) can cause several side effects, including common ones like dry mouth, headache, nausea, insomnia, dizziness, constipation, increased sweating, and anxiety, as well as more serious but less common side effects like seizures, high blood pressure, severe allergic reactions, and unusual changes in behavior or mood. The most common adverse effects associated with Wellbutrin are dry mouth and insomnia, which appear to be dose-related 1. Some people may experience weight loss rather than the weight gain often associated with other antidepressants. More serious but less common side effects include:
- Seizures (occurring in about 1/1000 patients at doses up to 450mg daily) 1
- High blood pressure
- Severe allergic reactions
- Unusual changes in behavior or mood, including agitation, hostility, and suicidal thoughts (particularly when first starting the medication or changing doses) Wellbutrin carries a black box warning about increased risk of suicidal thoughts in children, adolescents, and young adults. The seizure risk increases with higher doses, which is why the maximum recommended dose is 450mg daily, typically divided into multiple doses. Patients with a history of seizures, eating disorders, or who abruptly stop alcohol consumption should use this medication with caution. Side effects often improve after the first few weeks of treatment as your body adjusts to the medication. If you experience severe side effects or symptoms worsen, contact your healthcare provider immediately rather than discontinuing the medication abruptly. It's also important to note that Bupropion is associated with a lower rate of sexual adverse events than some other antidepressants, such as fluoxetine or sertraline 1.
From the FDA Drug Label
Bupropion hydrochloride extended-release tablets (XL) can cause serious side effects The most common side effects of bupropion hydrochloride extended-release tablets (XL) include: • trouble sleeping • feeling anxious • stuffy nose • nausea • dry mouth • constipation • dizziness • joint aches
The possible side effects of Wellbutrin (bupropion) include trouble sleeping, feeling anxious, stuffy nose, nausea, dry mouth, constipation, dizziness, and joint aches. Additionally, bupropion can cause serious side effects, such as seizures, high blood pressure, and manic episodes. It is essential to discuss all the risks and benefits of bupropion with your healthcare provider before taking the medication 2, 2.
- Common side effects:
- Trouble sleeping
- Feeling anxious
- Stuffy nose
- Nausea
- Dry mouth
- Constipation
- Dizziness
- Joint aches
- Serious side effects:
- Seizures
- High blood pressure
- Manic episodes
- New or worse mental health problems, such as changes in behavior or thinking, aggression, hostility, agitation, depression, or suicidal thoughts or actions.
From the Research
Possible Side Effects of Wellbutrin (Bupropion)
The possible side effects of Wellbutrin (bupropion) include:
- Seizures, which can occur with overdose or at therapeutic doses, especially in patients with a history of seizure disorders or other risk factors 3, 4, 5
- Neurological effects, such as altered mental status, agitation, dry mouth, insomnia, headaches, migraines, nausea, vomiting, constipation, and tremor 3, 4, 6
- Cardiovascular effects, such as tachycardia, palpitations, and dysrhythmias 3, 4
- Gastrointestinal effects, such as nausea, vomiting, and constipation 6, 7
- Other effects, such as weight loss, dry mouth, and sexual dysfunction 6, 7
Serious Side Effects
More serious side effects of bupropion can include:
- Seizures, which can be life-threatening 3, 4, 5
- Encephalopathy, which can occur with overdose 3
- Cardiovascular effects, such as dysrhythmias and cardiac arrest 3, 4
- Intubation and increased hospital stay, which can occur with overdose 3
Risk Factors for Side Effects
Certain patients may be at higher risk for side effects from bupropion, including: