Wellbutrin for Treating Mood Disorders

Wellbutrin belongs to a group of medications called anti-depressants which affect chemicals in the brain that nerves use to send messages to each other. It is thought that depression may be caused by an imbalance of these chemical messengers, also known as neurotransmitters.

Wellbutrin or generic Bupropion comes in pill form to be taken orally to treat mood disorders that include major depressive disorder and seasonal affective disorder (SAD) so you can return to being happy and enjoying life, family, friends, your job, and hobbies. The generic alternative is not manufactured by the company that makes the brand product.

How Wellbutrin Works for Symptoms of Depression

Bupropion, the active ingredient in Wellbutrin acts in such a manner that results in the availability of higher dopamine, serotonin, and norepinephrine levels circulating in your brain. When taken as directed, Wellbutrin is carried into your blood stream and to your brain where it acts to inhibit the reuptake (absorption) of dopamine and noradrenaline. This results in an increase in the availability of these neurotransmitters in your brain that will help improve your mood, focus, motivation, and sleep.

Wellbutrin is not a cure for mood disorders, but with its help and the support of your family, friends, and a psychologist/therapist, you will be able to understand your symptoms and be better equipped to know how to deal with them.

Conditions Treated by Wellbutrin

Major depressive disorder, or depression, causes persistent feelings of sadness or lack of interest that can affect the way you think, feel, and behave. It may interfere with every day activities and cause sleep disturbances, lack of energy, change in appetite, trouble concentrating and other physical and emotional symptoms. You may only experience depression once or have multiple episodes that require long term treatment.

Seasonal affective disorder (SAD) is a form of depression that is related to the change of seasons. Seasonal affective disorder symptoms most often appear during fall and winter months when there is less daylight and sunshine. In addition to medication and psychotherapy, light therapy (phototherapy) may be employed to treat SAD.

Before You Take Wellbutrin

Ask your doctor if Wellbutrin is safe to take if you are pregnant, trying to become pregnant, or are breast feeding. It is important for your doctor to review your complete medical record before you start taking Wellbutrin. In particular, they will need to know whether you have epilepsy, diabetes, glaucoma, or bipolar disorder. Tell your doctor about all OTC and Rx drugs, herbal remedies, and vitamin or dietary supplements you currently take or use to be certain Wellbutrin is the right medication for you.

Precautions for Wellbutrin

Wellbutrin can interact with several medications, especially MAO inhibitors, so you will want to avoid these while taking it. Avoid drinking alcohol as it can worsen potential side effects of Wellbutrin. You should not stop taking Wellbutrin without first consulting your doctor. It may be necessary to discontinue Wellbutrin gradually to avoid certain side effects.

Possible Side Effects of Wellbutrin

• Dry mouth
• Nausea and constipation
• Headache
• Changes in weight
• Decreased sex drive
• Skin irritation

Drugs Similar to Wellbutrin

• Trintellix
• Aplenzin ER
• Viibryd