Rankings / Mood, Anxiety & Stress
Bupropion (Wellbutrin)
Mood, Anxiety & Stress · NDRI
Tier B
Bottom line
Read Off Label grades Bupropion (Wellbutrin) as B (6.8/10) based on strong evidence, strong benefit magnitude, and a med-risk safety profile.
It is used when sexual adverse effects or weight gain limit SSRI tolerability.
Studied, labeled, or reported-use context: 150-450 mg/day XL; 100-300 mg/day SR divided — Rx; not individualized guidance.
What the evidence says
It is used when sexual adverse effects or weight gain limit SSRI tolerability. Component of Contrave (naltrexone+bupropion) for weight loss. Seizure risk historically cited is mainly with IR formulation or doses >450 mg/day. Often augments stimulants in refractory depression with executive dysfunction.
Mechanism
Norepinephrine-dopamine reuptake inhibitor; weak nicotinic acetylcholine receptor antagonist; unique among antidepressants for lack of sexual dysfunction or sedation; weight-neutral to weight-loss
Studied, labeled, or reported dose & route
150-450 mg/day XL; 100-300 mg/day SR divided
This records doses and routes described in studies, approved labeling, clinical practice, or documented use. It is not individualized guidance and does not establish safety; context changes with indication, formulation, health history, monitoring, and other medicines.
Citations
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Common questions
- What does the evidence show about Bupropion (Wellbutrin)'s effects?
- Read Off Label rates the evidence for Bupropion (Wellbutrin) as Strong and the benefit magnitude as strong, producing an overall grade of B (6.8/10). It is used when sexual adverse effects or weight gain limit SSRI tolerability.
- What safety findings are reported for Bupropion (Wellbutrin)?
- Bupropion (Wellbutrin) has a med risk profile in the database. Med (seizure risk dose-dependent — contraindicated in eating disorders or alcohol/benzo withdrawal due to seizure threshold; insomnia; anxiety; BP elevation) Legal status: Rx.
- What doses or routes are reported for Bupropion (Wellbutrin)?
- 150-450 mg/day XL; 100-300 mg/day SR divided This is context from studies, approved labeling, clinical practice, or documented use; it is not individualized guidance and does not establish safety.
- How does Bupropion (Wellbutrin) work?
- Norepinephrine-dopamine reuptake inhibitor; weak nicotinic acetylcholine receptor antagonist; unique among antidepressants for lack of sexual dysfunction or sedation; weight-neutral to weight-loss
This is an independent synthesis of published research by a non-clinician. Scores are opinions supported by citations, not prescriptions. See the full disclaimer and methodology for how this score was produced and what it does and doesn't mean.