Wellbutrin is the brand name for the generic drug bupropion. The XL in the name stands for extended release, meaning the drug releases doses into your system throughout the day and therefore only has to be taken once per day, instead of the two or three times immediate-release Wellbutrin (Wellbutrin SR) can be taken. It is prescribed for the treatment of depression. According to Wellbutrin's official website, weight loss is a common side effect of this drug. The drug itself may cause weight loss because of side effects like a loss of appetite. Alternatively, the weight loss could be a result of successfully treating depression, which can cause weight gain.
About Wellbutrin XL
Wellbutrin XL was specially formulated in 2003 as a sustained release alternative to other dosages that had to be taken multiple times a day. It is approved by the Food and Drug Administration for the treatment of depression and seasonal affective disorder. According to MayoClinic.com, it is classified as an atypical antidepressant because it does not fit into the two major classes of antidepressants. Buproprion, under other brand names, such as Zyban, is prescribed as a smoking cessation aid.
Effects on Weight
Many antidepressants have been associated with weight gain. Wellbutrin is the exception and is associated with weight loss. In a 2000 study published in the journal Obesity Research, results suggested that in depressed individuals of normal weight, buproprion did not cause a significant change in weight. In depressed individuals that were obese or overweight, the drug did cause a significant weight loss. In a 2002 study first published in the research journal Obesity, buproprion was associated with an average weight loss over 6 months of 7.2 percent of the participants starting body mass. The adults participating in the study were not depressed, which suggests that buproprion can affect weight even outside simply treating the symptoms of depression that cause weight gain.
Depression and Weight
According to MayoClinic.com, some common symptoms of depression are a change of eating habits, sleeping too much, fatigue and a lack of energy, loss of interest in usual activities, difficulty making decisions and feelings of hopelessness. These symptoms would make following a healthy lifestyle focused on weight maintenance difficult for anyone. Fatigue and sleepiness can make exercise an unpleasant task, and you may not have the energy to get through a workout at all. A lack of exercise can lead to weight gain. If your depression is successfully treated by taking Wellbutrin, weight loss may well be achieved by taking this drug. Talk to your therapist or other mental health specialist to discuss whether Wellbutrin may be the right treatment if you are depressed.
Side Effects
Wellbutrin can cause nausea, vomiting and a lack of appetite. These reasons may contribute to its tendency to promote weight loss. According to the brand's official website, other common side effects include dry mouth, difficulty sleeping, dizziness, sore throat, skin rash, sweating, ringing in the ears, shakiness, stomach pain, agitation, anxiety, muscle pain, fast heartbeat, and more frequent urination. Because Wellbutrin is prescription-only, you will have to discuss this antidepressant with your doctor before taking it. If you have a history of seizures, cardiovascular problems, or an eating disorder, please mention this to your doctor, because Wellbutrin should not be prescribed in these cases, according to MayoClinic.com.
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