What is Wellbutrin Used For?

Wellbutrin is an anti-depressant medication used for the treatment of depression, anxiety and in some cases, to help people quit smoking. Wellbutrin is in a class of drugs known as selective norepinephrine and dopamine reuptake inhibitors (SNRIs). It was approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) in 1985.

What is Wellbutrin used to treat?

Wellbutrin is primarily used to help treat symptoms of depression, although it can be used as an aid in smoking cessation. It is also sometimes used to treat attention-deficit disorder (ADD) and seasonal affective disorder (SAD). Here is a list of the conditions Wellbutrin is used to treat:

• • Major depressive disorder

 

• • Chronic fatigue syndrome

 

• • Chronic pain

 

• • Bipolar disorder

 

• • Anxiety disorders

 

• • Attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD)

 

• • Season affective disorder (SAD)

 

• • Drug and alcohol addiction

 

It has also been used to reduce the symptoms associated with menopausal symptoms such as night sweats, hot flashes, and depression.

How does Wellbutrin work?

It works by increasing the levels of norepinephrine and dopamine in the brain, which are neurotransmitters that play an important role in mood regulation. Increased levels of norepinephrine and dopamine can help lift mood, reduce anxiety and help with other mood-related symptoms.

Wellbutrin and other selective norepinephrine and dopamine reuptake inhibitors (SNRIs) work by blocking the action of an enzyme called monoamine oxidase (MAO), which is responsible for breaking down certain neurotransmitters, including norepinephrine and dopamine. By blocking MAO, SNRIs keep these neurotransmitters in the brain for a longer period of time, thus increasing their effect on mood and other symptoms related to depression.

What are the side effects

Just like any other form of medication, this also does come with some side effects. Common side effects include:

• • Nausea

 

• • Headache

 

• • Weight gain

 

• • Insomnia

 

• • Dry mouth

 

• • Agitation

 

• • Decreased libido

 

• • Dizziness

 

• • Anxiety

 

• • Sweating

 

• • Confusion

 

It is important to report any side effects that you experience to your healthcare provider as some side effects can be serious.

Recommended Dosage

The dosage for Wellbutrin typically ranges from 100 to 400 mg per day depending on the condition being treated and the individual patient’s response to the medication. The dosage may be adjusted by your doctor to find the most effective dose with the least amount of side effects.

Conclusion

Wellbutrin is an anti-depressant medication that is used for the treatment of depression, anxiety, chronic fatigue syndrome, chronic pain, bipolar disorder, and attention-deficit disorder. It works by increasing the levels of norepinephrine and dopamine in the brain, which can help lift mood, reduce anxiety, and treat other symptoms of depression.

Although it is generally well-tolerated, Wellbutrin can have some side effects that can be serious, so it is important to report any side effects that you experience to your health care provider. The dosage for Wellbutrin typically ranges from 100 to 400 mg per day and may be adjusted by your doctor for treatment optimization.