Wellbutrin Dosage Side Effects

Wellbutrin, clinically known as bupropion, is a medication used for the treatment of depression and smoking cessation. It was first approved by the Food and Drug Administration in 1985 and has been studied extensively in clinical trials and post-marketing adverse reports. Wellbutrin works by increasing the overall availability of the neurotransmitters norepinephrine and dopamine. These neurotransmitters are highly effective at reducing depression and nicotine addiction, but can also cause unwanted side effects depending on dosage and the condition for which Wellbutrin was prescribed.

Neuropsychiatric Symptoms

Wellbutrin can cause several neuropsychiatric symptoms. According to GlaxoSmithKline, the pharmaceutical company that manufactures Wellbutrin, the most common side effect of taking Wellbutrin is agitation, occurring in around 32 percent of patients. In July 2009, the Food and Drug Administration started requiring boxed warnings for Wellbutrin, informing patients that the medication can cause serious neuropsychiatric symptoms, including changes in behavior, hostility, agitation, depressed mood, suicidal thoughts and behavior, and attempted suicide. Patients taking Wellbutrin should work closely with a mental health professional for the first several months in order to help prevent any negative mental health side effects from the medication.

Weight Loss

According to eMedTV, a health resource, weight loss is the second most common side effect of Wellbutrin, occurring in around 28 percent of patients. In clinical trials, weight loss is defined as a sustained reduction in weight by at least five pounds. Other antidepressants have the side effect of weight gain, and patients who are slightly overweight may benefit by switching to Wellbutrin. EMedTV.com also states that Wellbutrin may contribute to weight loss because it reduces appetite and causes nausea and sometimes vomiting. The substantial increase in dopamine is the primary agent that inhibits the normal functions of appetite. Weight gain is often a symptom of depression and weight loss may be a positive sign of reduced depression from taking Wellbutrin.

Constipation

According to eMedTV, Wellbutrin causes constipation in around 26 percent of patients. Wellbutrin acts as a diuretic, which can contribute to decreased motility of the gastrointestinal tract. A higher incidence of constipation may also depend on the condition for which Wellbutrin is prescribed.

In the October 2003 issue of the journal Addiction, Dr. Peter Hajek and associates conducted a study and found that the majority of Wellbutrin patients who experienced constipation were those taking it for smoking cessation. In the study, researchers found that patients taking Wellbutrin for depression experienced a far lower incidence of constipation. From this study, the researchers suggested that nicotine withdrawal may more likely be the cause of the constipation rather than the medication itself. Regardless, patients taking Wellbutrin who experience constipation can regulate bowel health with an increase in fiber intake by getting several servings of fruits and vegetables each day.