Dyspnea with Wellbutrin: Hypersensitivity Reaction Requiring Immediate Discontinuation
Stop taking Wellbutrin immediately and contact your prescriber today—dyspnea (difficulty taking a deep breath) is a recognized symptom of hypersensitivity reactions to bupropion that can progress to life-threatening anaphylaxis. 1
Why This Is Serious
- The FDA drug label explicitly lists dyspnea (shortness of breath) as a component of hypersensitivity/anaphylactoid reactions to bupropion, which also include pruritus, urticaria, angioedema, chest pain, skin rash, and edema. 1
- These reactions occur in approximately 1 per 1,000 to 1 per 10,000 patients and have been documented in clinical trials and post-marketing surveillance. 2
- Rare cases have progressed to Stevens-Johnson syndrome and anaphylactic shock, making early recognition and discontinuation critical. 1
Immediate Action Steps
- Discontinue bupropion now—do not wait for your next scheduled appointment or take another dose. 1
- Contact your prescriber today to report the symptom and arrange evaluation. 1
- Seek emergency care immediately if you develop additional symptoms: chest pain, worsening shortness of breath, skin rash, hives, swelling of face/lips/tongue, or feeling faint. 1
Why This Is Not a "Wait and See" Situation
- Hypersensitivity reactions can escalate rapidly—what begins as isolated dyspnea may progress within hours to full anaphylaxis with cardiovascular collapse. 1
- The FDA label instructs patients to discontinue bupropion and consult a healthcare provider if they develop shortness of breath during treatment, reflecting the seriousness of this symptom. 1
- Continuing the medication after onset of hypersensitivity symptoms increases the risk of severe reactions, including anaphylactic shock. 1
Common Pitfall to Avoid
- Do not assume dyspnea is anxiety or a benign side effect—while bupropion commonly causes anxiety and agitation 3, isolated dyspnea without other psychiatric symptoms is more consistent with hypersensitivity. 1
- Do not confuse this with exercise-induced bronchoconstriction or asthma—bupropion-related dyspnea occurs at rest and is part of an allergic syndrome, not bronchospasm. 1
What Your Prescriber Will Do
- Permanently discontinue bupropion—rechallenge is contraindicated after a hypersensitivity reaction. 1
- Evaluate for other manifestations of serum sickness (arthralgia, myalgia, fever with rash) that may develop days to weeks after the initial reaction. 1
- Switch to an alternative antidepressant from a different drug class (e.g., SSRI, SNRI) that does not cross-react. 2