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What is Wellbutrin?

Wellbutrin (generic name bupropion) is a commonly prescribed antidepressant. It also treats other conditions such as bipolar disorder and attention deficit disorder (ADD), and can help people quit smoking. Like other antidepressants, Wellbutrin works by affecting the levels of chemicals called neurotransmitters, which communicate messages throughout the brain. Antidepressants affect levels of neurotransmitters that govern mood, and Wellbutrin in particular is thought to elevate mood by lowering levels of the neurotransmitter dopamine. It may also affect levels of other neurotransmitters as well.

A key advantage of Wellbutrin over other antidepressants is its relative freedom from certain side effects. For example, the most popular class of antidepressants—the selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors, or SSRIs, which include the well-known Prozac—often cause unpleasant sexual side effects such as erectile dysfunction in men and inability to obtain orgasm in both sexes. But Wellbutrin rarely causes sexual problems.

It usually takes two to four weeks to notice the effects of Wellbutrin for depression. You can take Wellbutrin with or without food. If you take >Wellbutrin SR (sustained release), or Wellbutrin XL (extended release), be sure not to cut, crush or chew the tablets.

It's important to take every dose of Wellbutrin as prescribed by your doctor. Separate each dose of Wellbutrin by at least six to eight hours. Separate doses of Wellbutrin SR by at least eight to twelve hours. If you miss a dose, don't double up.

Sources:
Micromedex® Healthcare Series. Thomson Micromedex, 2006.
Drug Facts and Comparisons, Facts & Comparisons, 2006.
Wellbutrin Product Information, GlaxoSmithKline. Last accessed 11/2006.

This answer prepared 10/26/2000.
This information updated 2/8/2007.

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•	What is Wellbutrin?
•	Are there any interactions with Wellbutrin?
•	What are the side effects of Wellbutrin?
•	What's the difference between the drugs Zyban and Wellbutrin SR?
•	Are there any interactions with Zyban?
•	Are there any prescription treatments for attention deficit hyperactivity disorder?
•	Can tricyclic antidepressants cause sexual dysfunction?
•	Can selective serotonin-reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) cause sexual dysfunction?
•	Can monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs) cause sexual dysfunction?
•	Are there any prescription treatments for depression?
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