Has Anyone Had Side Effects With Wellbutrin?

Has Anyone Had Side Effects With Wellbutrin?
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People have had side effects from taking Wellbutrin. Wellbutrin (bupropion hydrochloride) is a prescription antidepressant medication used to help alleviate symptoms in patients with major depression. The medication works by regulating the amount of two chemicals (norepinephrine and dopamine) in your brain, which can help improve depressive moods and behavioral symptoms in some patients. Talk with your doctor or pharmacist if you have any concerns regarding potential Wellbutrin side effects.

Stomach Upset

After taking a dose of Wellbutrin, you can develop an upset stomach as a side effect of treatment. Nausea or vomiting can occur. In clinical trials for the medication, about 26 percent of patients taking Wellbutrin experienced constipation, according to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration. Constipation results in difficulty producing a bowel movement and might occur in conjunction with abdominal discomfort or cramping. Additional stomach-related side effects associated with Wellbutrin can include heartburn or weight changes. Talk with a doctor if stomach upset symptoms persist or increase in severity during Wellbutrin treatment.

Mood or Behavioral Changes

You can develop mood or behavior changes while taking Wellbutrin, according to Drugs, an informational, peer-reviewed consumer website. You might begin to feel unusually nervous or anxious, which can contribute to concentration difficulties or restlessness. Contact your doctor if you experience panic attacks, increased depression or thoughts of suicide or self-harm, because such side effects can be indicative of a severe reaction to Wellbutrin.

Difficulty Sleeping

Increased anxiety or restlessness can contribute to sleeping difficulties in certain patients taking Wellbutrin, explains PDR Health, a drug information website established by the publishers of the Physicians' Desk Reference. You can experience difficulty falling asleep or staying asleep, which may lead to increased tiredness or fatigue during the day. Sleeping difficulties typically diminish with continued use of this medication. Talk with your doctor if you experience persistent sleeping problems or heart rate or breathing abnormalities while taking Wellbutrin.

Headache

Headaches can occur in certain patients taking Wellbutrin, according to the Drugs website. Painful headache sensations are typically mild and progressively subside with recurrent use of this medication.

Excessive Sweating

Excessive sweating can develop while taking Wellbutrin. In clinical trials, about 22 percent of Wellbutrin-treated patients reported experiencing excessive sweating, according to the FDA. Sweating, especially during the night, can cause restlessness and can contribute to increased daytime fatigue. Contact your doctor if you develop a skin rash or fever in conjunction with excessive sweating.

Menstrual Changes

About 5 percent of women taking Wellbutrin during clinical trials reported menstrual-related complaints, according to the FDA. Women who take Wellbutrin can experience abnormal, irregular or painful menstrual periods. If you experience any menstrual changes during treatment with this medication, contact your doctor for additional guidance.

References

Article reviewed by Kirk Ericson Last updated on: Apr 26, 2011

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