What is Wellbutrin?
Wellbutrin is the brand name for the generic drug bupropion. It is a powerful prescription medication, meaning it cannot be purchased over-the-counter and must be prescribed by a healthcare provider. Bupropion is approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for several specific uses, solidifying its status as a pharmaceutical drug.
Unlike many other widely known antidepressants, Wellbutrin belongs to a different class of drugs called aminoketones. It is also known as a norepinephrine-dopamine reuptake inhibitor (NDRI), distinguishing its mechanism of action from selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) like Prozac or Zoloft. The medication comes in various forms, including immediate-release (IR), sustained-release (SR), and extended-release (XL) tablets. A version for smoking cessation is marketed under the brand name Zyban.
How Wellbutrin Works in the Body
Wellbutrin works primarily by affecting the levels of certain neurotransmitters in the brain. Neurotransmitters are chemical messengers that neurons use to communicate with each other. By influencing these chemicals, Wellbutrin helps regulate mood and alleviate symptoms of depression and nicotine withdrawal.
Here is how Wellbutrin acts on key neurotransmitters:
- Dopamine: Wellbutrin inhibits the reuptake of dopamine, allowing more of this neurotransmitter to remain in the brain's synapses. Dopamine is associated with pleasure, motivation, and reward. This effect is why Wellbutrin is thought to help with smoking cessation and is a factor in treating depression.
- Norepinephrine: The drug also blocks the reabsorption of norepinephrine. This neurotransmitter is involved in the body's 'fight or flight' response and is linked to alertness and energy levels. By increasing norepinephrine, Wellbutrin can help combat feelings of low energy and fatigue often associated with depression.
Is Bupropion a Controlled Substance?
An important distinction for Wellbutrin is its legal classification. In the United States, drugs with a high potential for abuse or dependence are placed on a controlled substance schedule by the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA).
- Wellbutrin is NOT a controlled substance.
- This is a key difference between Wellbutrin and many other psychotropic medications, some of which are controlled. For example, benzodiazepines (used for anxiety) are scheduled substances due to their potential for abuse.
- Despite not being controlled, Wellbutrin is still a prescription drug and can be dangerous if misused. High doses can lead to serious side effects, including seizures. It should always be taken exactly as prescribed by a healthcare provider.
Comparison: Wellbutrin (NDRI) vs. SSRI and SNRI Antidepressants
To better understand Wellbutrin, it helps to compare it with other common classes of antidepressants. This comparison highlights its unique pharmacological profile, which can influence a doctor's decision to prescribe it based on a patient's symptoms and side effects.
| Feature | Wellbutrin (Bupropion) NDRI | Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors (SSRIs) | Serotonin-Norepinephrine Reuptake Inhibitors (SNRIs) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Mechanism | Inhibits reuptake of norepinephrine and dopamine | Inhibits reuptake of serotonin | Inhibits reuptake of both serotonin and norepinephrine |
| Neurotransmitters Targeted | Norepinephrine, Dopamine | Serotonin | Serotonin, Norepinephrine |
| Common Side Effects | Insomnia, dry mouth, headache, agitation, weight loss | Nausea, sexual dysfunction, weight gain, fatigue | Nausea, dizziness, sexual dysfunction, increased blood pressure |
| Sexual Side Effects | Generally considered lower risk | Often associated with a higher risk | Intermediate risk |
| Weight Gain | Less likely to cause weight gain; may cause weight loss | More commonly associated with weight gain | Potential for weight gain |
| Common Brand Names | Wellbutrin, Zyban, Aplenzin | Prozac, Zoloft, Lexapro, Celexa | Cymbalta, Effexor XR, Pristiq |
Understanding the Risks and Side Effects
As with any prescription medication, Wellbutrin carries risks and potential side effects that must be carefully considered. A black box warning, the FDA's most stringent warning, highlights the increased risk of suicidal thoughts and behaviors in children, adolescents, and young adults (up to age 24) who take antidepressants.
Side effects of Wellbutrin can include:
- Dry mouth, nausea, and vomiting
- Insomnia and difficulty sleeping
- Dizziness, headaches, and tremors
- Agitation, anxiety, and changes in mood
- A very serious, but rare, side effect is seizures. The risk of seizures increases with higher than recommended doses, a history of head injury, or alcohol dependence.
Wellbutrin also has the potential for misuse, as high doses can produce stimulant-like effects. It is crucial to adhere strictly to the prescribed dosage to avoid these dangers. For more information on the proper use and potential side effects, authoritative resources are available, such as the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) on Bupropion.
Conclusion
In conclusion, Wellbutrin is considered a drug and, specifically, a prescription medication used to treat depression and help with smoking cessation. As an atypical antidepressant (NDRI) named bupropion, its mechanism of action differs from common SSRIs and SNRIs. It is not a controlled substance, but it is a powerful drug that requires careful use under a doctor's supervision due to potential side effects and risks. Patients should always follow their healthcare provider's instructions and be aware of its properties and potential interactions.
