What is Wellbutrin?

Wellbutrin is a new antidepressant medication which is classified as a dopamine reuptake blocking compound. Wellbutrin works by increasing levels of serotonin, dopamine, and norepinephrine, three of the neurotransmitter chemicals that carry messages between brain nerve cells. Wellbutrin is unique in that its major effect is on dopamine, an action which is not commonly shared by the other antidepressant types. Neurotransmitters like serotonin, dopamine, and norepinephrine are involved in the regulation of anxiety, pain, pleasure, panic, and sleep behavior.

The good thing about Wellbutrin is that you probably won't have weight gain,sexual problems and other side effects. The biggest risk associated with Wellbutrin is about the risk of seizure which is four times higher than with other antidepressants.But if you've had a head injury, prior seizures, brain or spinal-cord tumors, if you take anti-seizure medication then there's a greater risk of seizures. Because of the fact that Wellbutrin blocks dopamine, wellbutrin can rarely produce movement disorders and changes in the endocrine system of the patient.

Some patients may find Wellbutrin very sexually stimulating. Wellbutrin boost to the libido and can be great relief to many people.Some number of people who take Wellbutrin report some amount of agitation, anxiety, and insomnia, especially at the beginning of treatment. A new formulation of Wellbutrin, Wellbutrin SR, has a more side effect than the original wellbutrin version.

Side Effects of Wellbutrin:

Wellbutrin also has a different side effect profile compared to other antidepressants. Some of them are:

• Reverse or minimize sexual dysfunction.
• Weight gain/ loss.
• Shaking and sweating.
• Anticholinergic symptoms (blurred vision, dry mouth, indigestion, and constipation).
• Cardiac problems.
• Agitation or lack of energy.
• Orthostatic hypotension (low blood pressure occurring after standing up).
• Restlessness.
• Increased urination.
• Muscle soreness.
• Increase pulse rate.
• Loss of interest or pleasure in usual activities.
• Flatulence.
• Insomnia.
• High blood pressure.
• Irritability.
• Seizures.
• Skin rash.
• Sleep and appetite disturbances.
• Inability to concentrate.
• Increased depression.
• Dizziness.
• Sore throat.
• Constipation.
• Thoughts of suicide.
• Severe changes in mood or behavior.

Who Should Take Wellbutrin?

• Do not take Wellbutrin if you are sensitive to it or ever had an allergic reaction to it.
• Do not take it if you have any type of seizure disorder.
• Do not take it if you are taking another medication containing bupropion.
• Do not take Wellbutrin while abruptly giving up alcohol or sedatives.
• Stop taking Wellbutrin and call doctor immediately if you have difficulty in breathing or swallowing.
• Do not take it if you have had any kind of heart trouble or liver or kidney disease.
• Wellbutrin may affect your coordination and impair your ability to drive or operate things.
• Do not take if you currently have, or formerly had, an eating disorder.
• Do not take if you have a history of anorexia nervosa or bulimia.
• Use this drug with extreme caution if you have cirrhosis of the liver.