Bupropion, sold under the brand names
Wellbutrin and
Zyban among others, is a
medication primarily used as an
antidepressant and
smoking cessationaid.
[7]It is an effective antidepressant on its own, but is also used as an add-on medication in cases of incomplete response to first-line
SSRI antidepressants.
[7][8]Bupropion is taken in tablet form and is available only by prescription in most countries.
[7]
Common side effects include dry mouth, trouble sleeping, agitation, and headaches.
[7]Serious side effects include an increased
risk for epileptic seizuresand
suicide.
[7]The risk of seizures caused the drug to be withdrawn from the market for some time and then the recommended dose to be reduced.
[9]In comparison to some other antidepressants, it does not cause as much
sexual dysfunction or
sleepiness, and may result in
weight loss.
[9]