Bupropion, the drug contained in Wellbutrin, treats depression. It can cause many bothersome side effects and also carries some serious, though rare, risks. Most people tolerate Wellbutrin well, although RxList reports that about 10 percent of patients in the drug's initial clinical trial of 2,400 patients discontinued treatment due to bothersome experiences. Learning about the possible side effects of treatment can help patients know what to expect from taking Wellbutrin.
Function
Major depression can debilitate many people, and a combination of psychotherapy and drug therapy often sends it into complete remission. Most of the commonly prescribed antidepressants are SSRIs, or selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors. Wellbutrin is an atypical antidepressant unrelated to SSRIs. While the precise way that Wellbutrin works is unknown, it appears that it affects the levels of norepinephrine and dopamine in the brain, while not affecting serotonin. Wellbutrin is the only NDRI, or norepinephrine and dopamine reuptake inhibitor, approved for usage as an antidepressant medication. It comes in several different short and long acting forms.
Gastrointestinal Side Effects
According to RxList, at least 2 percent of patients studied experienced gastrointestinal side effects. However, it cautions that researchers can only roughly estimate side effect frequency, as dosage, setting, physician judgment and other factors influence reporting. Patients reported many gastrointestinal symptoms, especially constipation, nausea, vomiting, decreased appetite, weight loss and weight gain. Other gastrointestinal complaints surfaced in smaller numbers.
Cardiovascular Side Effects
Cardiovascular problems are rare when taking Wellbutrin, but can pose severe risk. RxList claims that by far the highest incidence of cardiovascular events is dizziness, which can sometimes be associated with the heart. Some people taking Wellbutrin experience tachycardia, or rapid heart rate. Other cardiovascular side effects occurring in small numbers include irregular heart rate, disturbance in blood pressure and heart palpitations. Patients experiencing cardiovascular symptoms when taking Wellbutrin should consult a physician.
Neurological Side Effects
Some patients experience neurological symptoms, according to RxList. Dry mouth, headache and excessive sweating all occurred in significant numbers. Roughly equal numbers of patients experience insomnia and sedation. Some patients experience seizures, which require immediate medical attention. Tremor and impaired sleep happen infrequently while taking Wellbutrin, though instances of both are reported. Akinesia, or the inhibition or "freezing" of motor skills and muscle movement, is an alarming, though rare side effect as well.
Neuropsychiatric Side Effects
An estimated 3 percent of patients in the initial clinical trial experienced neuropsychiatric side effects. The most frequent of these was agitation. Patients who experience agitation may need to adjust the timing of their doses in order to sleep restfully. A statistically small number of patients reported anxiety, decreased libido and diminished concentration. Some patients reported experiencing hostility or confusion. People experiencing hostility, confusion, concentration difficulties, hallucinations or abnormal behavior should consult with the prescribing doctor immediately.
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