Wellbutrin side effects are common among people who are prescribed Wellbutrin as treatment for depression.
About Wellbutrin
Scientific study has shown that depression is often a result of a chemical imbalance within the brain. Wellbutrin was developed to help balance two of the chemicals commonly known to cause problems, dopamine and norepinephrine. Research has shown that the active ingredient in Wellbutrin, bupropion HCl, is an effective antidepressant.
Although not every antidepressant is right for everyone, Wellbutrin has helped millions of people successfully combat depression. It is also thought that by taking Wellbutrin, these patients have lowered their chances of becoming depressed in the future. However, it must be noted that like other drugs used to treat depression, there are some side effects associated with taking Wellbutrin.
About Wellbutrin Side Effects
Wellbutrin side effects vary depending upon the person who is taking the drug, as well as the dose taken. The manufacturers of Wellbutrin indicate that side effects occur most often in patients who are taking more than 450 mg per day.
Some of the most common side effects include:
- Agitation
- Akathisia
- Akinesia/bradykinesia
- Anorexia
- Anxiety
- Arthritis
- Auditory disturbance
- Blurred vision
- Cardiac arrhythmias
- Confusion
- Constipation
- Cutaneous temperature
- Decreased appetite
- Decreased libido
- Delusions
- Diarrhea
- Difficulty sleeping
- Disturbed concentration
- Dizziness
- Dry mouth
- Dyspepsia
- Euphoria
- Excessive sweating
- Fatigue
- Fever/chills
- Flatulence
- Gustatory disturbance
- Headache/migraine
- Hostility
- Hypertension
- Hypotension
- Impotence
- Increased anxiety
- Increased salivary flow
- Increased urinary frequency
- Insomnia
- Menstrual complaints
- Muscle pain
- Muscle spasms
- Nausea/vomiting
- Palpitations
- Pruritus
- Pseudoparkinsonism
- Rash
- Sedation
- Seizures
- Sensory disturbance
- Stomach pain
- Syncope
- Tachycardia
- Tremor
- Upper respiratory complaints
- Urinary retention
- Weight gain
- Weight loss
While the side effects shown above have been experienced by patients who are on the drug, the most common Wellbutrin side effects tend to be loss of appetite and subsequent weight loss, stomach pain or nausea, muscle pain, increased anxiety, dry mouth, dizziness, and difficulty sleeping.
People who have had seizures or eating disorders shouldn't take Wellbutrin. Those who have recently quit drinking alcohol or taking sedatives may also want to avoid the drug, as will people who are taking MAOIs or other drugs that contain bupropion. Because some Wellbutrin side effects are severe, patients with liver, kidney, blood pressure, or heart problems will want to discuss the potential for damage prior to taking the medicine.
Controlling Wellbutrin Side Effects
When taking medication, it is very common to experience one or more of the side effects that are associated with the drug. If you are taking Wellbutrin, and experience any side effects, you should write them down when they occur and discuss them with your doctor. If necessary, your doctor can alter the dosage or prescribe something that may be more suitable to your situation.
Here are a few other tips that may prove helpful when attempting to monitor or control Wellbutrin side effects:
- Take only the prescribed amount of medication. Taking more can increase your risk of seizures and other side effects.
- Do not allow your prescription to run out. Make sure you have refills available or an appointment scheduled with your doctor long before your pills run out.
- Try to take your pill at the same time each day. This will get your body into more of a routine and decrease your chances of feeling adverse Wellbutrin side effects.
- Do not quit taking your medication without your doctor's approval.
