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Bupropion

Antidepressant

Brand names:

Wellbutrin SR®, Wellbutrin XL®, Aplenzin®, Forfivo XL®

Often used for:

Depression, smoking cessation, and attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD)

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What is bupropion?

Bupropion is a type of antidepressant medication. It is used to treat mental health conditions and behavioral issues. It works by changing the activity of certain natural chemicals in the brain to help regulate mood. 

This medicine may be given in the clinic, hospital, or at home.

Brain

Given as tablet by mouth

 
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Possible side effects

  • Dry mouth
  • Constipation
  • Nausea or vomiting
  • Weight loss 
  • Sleep problems
  • Headache 
  • Dizziness
  • Blurry vision 
  • Abdominal pain
  • Increased sweating
  • Tremors (shaking of the body)
  • Heart conditions, such as a fast or abnormal heartbeat  
  • High blood pressure
  • Sexual dysfunction
  • Suicidal thoughts or behaviors

 

Symptoms of an allergic reaction include: rash, hives, itching, chills, fever, headache, muscle ache, shortness of breath, coughing, tightness in the throat, swelling of the face or neck.

Not all patients who take bupropion will experience these side effects. Common side effects are bolded, but there may be others. Please report all suspected side effects to your doctor or pharmacist.

Find more information on side effects.

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Tips for patients and families

Be sure to discuss all questions and instructions with your health care provider or pharmacist. 

  • Watch for changes in your child’s mood or mental health, such as worsening depression, anxiety, agitation, irritability, panic attacks, and trouble sleeping. 
  • Seek medical help right away if your child has any suicidal thoughts or actions or signs of self-harm.
  • It may take several weeks to see the full effects of this medicine. Contact your health care provider or pharmacist if symptoms get worse or do not improve. 
  • Do not stop taking this medicine without talking to a health care provider.
  • This medicine may make your child dizzy or drowsy. Do not let your child do anything that could be dangerous, such as drive a car or ride a bike, until you see how this medicine affects them.
  • Bupropion can affect your child’s ability to get pregnant or father a child. Talk to your care provider about the risk of fertility problems. 
  • It is important that patients tell the care team if they are sexually active, pregnant, or breastfeeding. 

Bupropion at home:

  • Give this medicine with or without food. Take with food if stomach upset occurs. 
  • Tablets: Swallow tablets whole unless otherwise instructed. Do not crush, chew, or break long-acting or coated tablets.
    • Some tablets are short-acting while others are long-acting. They should not be substituted for each other.
    • The shell on the long-acting tablets may sometimes be seen in your child’s stool (poop). 
  • Give a missed dose as soon as possible. If it is near the time of the next dose, skip the missed dose. Do not give 2 doses at the same time. 
  • Store at room temperature in a dry place. Do not store in a bathroom.

Learn more about bupropion

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Always check the medication label. Many medicines look the same. Do not take any new medicine, including over-the counter medicines or supplements, without checking with your doctor or pharmacist. Talk to your doctor or pharmacist about what to do in the case of a missed dose, allergic reaction, or medical emergency. 

This information is not intended to be a complete guide and is not a substitute for talking with your provider. Medicine names, appearance, formulas, or availability may vary by clinic location. Always follow the instructions given by your care team.

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Reviewed: June 2025