Bupropion, known by the brand name Wellbutrin, is an antidepressant medication that can influence weight. Wellbutrin XL and Wellbutrin SR are different formulations of the antidepressant bupropion. Both Wellbutrin XL and Wellbutrin SR may cause weight gain or weight loss, but weight loss is more common. Weight changes are considered a side effect for both Wellbutrin XL and Wellbutrin SR. This article explores the connection between Bupropion XL and weight loss, its mechanisms, and considerations for its use.
Bupropion: An Overview
Bupropion hydrochloride (HCL) is an antidepressant used for smoking cessation and to treat a variety of conditions, including depression and other mental/mood disorders. Wellbutrin - also known by the generic name bupropion - is a type of antidepressant in the norepinephrine-dopamine reuptake inhibitor (NDRI) class of drugs. It is also be used to prevent seasonal affective disorder (SAD), a type of depression that occurs each year at the same time (for example, during winter). This drug may also be used for binge eating disorder (BED) or other mental/mood disorders (such as attention deficit hyperactivity disorder-ADHD, depressive phase of bipolar disorder).
Like all medications, people who take Wellbutrin run the risk of experiencing side effects. Understanding the potential side effects of Wellbutrin or any new drug is important. It ensures you know what might be normal vs.
Wellbutrin XL vs. Wellbutrin SR
The difference between Wellbutrin XL and Wellbutrin SR lies in the dosing schedule. XL is an extended-release medication and only needs to be taken once a day. Wellbutrin XL is an extended release tablet which releases more slowly than the Wellbutrin SR tablet which is released faster. Both XL and SR formulations are approved to treat major depressive disorder.
Weight Changes as a Side Effect
Weight changes are considered a side effect for both Wellbutrin XL and Wellbutrin SR. Studies of Wellbutrin XL show that 23% of people taking a dose of 150 to 300 mg per day lost 5 pounds or more. Studies of Wellbutrin SR show that 14% of people taking a dose of 300 mg per day lost more than 5 pounds. At a dose of 400 mg, 19% of people lost more than 5 pounds.
Read also: Is Bupropion XL Right for Weight Loss?
Research shows that Wellbutrin is different from most antidepressants. Many people who take it find that weight loss is more common than weight gain. Talkspace psychiatrist Dr. Wellbutrin is one of the top medication choices for patients concerned about weight gain. The likelihood of weight gain with this medication is very low. If a weight change is seen, it is more likely to be weight loss. If you have lost more than 10 lbs. over a 4 - 6 weeks period (without change in diet or increase in exercise), consult your healthcare provider.
Mechanisms of Weight Loss with Bupropion
We don’t fully understand how or why Wellbutrin (or other antidepressants) work, but it’s widely accepted their efficacy is related to their ability to alter the levels of certain neurotransmitters in the brain that affect things like mood, sleep, and emotion regulation. Wellbutrin works by altering levels of dopamine and norepinephrine in the brain. Both of these neurotransmitters play a role in appetite regulation. Wellbutrin can have a stimulant effect on the central nervous system, increasing metabolic rate and allowing some people to burn calories faster. Because it has stimulant properties, Wellbutrin can cause an uptick in energy that might lead to increased physical activity. “The boost in energy level can lead to more physical activity. - Talkspace psychiatrist Dr.
Wellbutrin is sometimes prescribed for smoking cessation because it can reduce cravings. It’s believed that the same is true for food cravings. By altering the levels of dopamine and norepinephrine in the brain, Wellbutrin can regulate reward pathways linked to cravings.
Wellbutrin prevents the reuptake of dopamine and norepinephrine. Because the neurotransmitters aren’t reabsorbed as quickly, higher levels remain in the brain, offering benefits like added fatty acids into the bloodstream and improved mood, motivation, and metabolism. “Norepinephrine increases the rate of fat loss by releasing fatty acids into the bloodstream. This reduction of fat contributes to weight loss. Dopamine works directly with appetite. There is a connection between low dopamine levels and overeating. - Talkspace psychiatrist Dr.
Research and Studies on Bupropion for Weight Loss
In one study, almost 70% of participants saw weight loss of more than 5% of their body weight in 8 to 24 weeks - most of which came from lost body fat. Another study looked at the effects of Wellbutrin weight loss when the drug was taken in combination with nutrition counseling and exercise.
Read also: Weight Loss Guide Andalusia, AL
Abstract: The pooled findings showed that bupropion administration has an effect on lowering weight (WMD: -3.67 kg, 95% CI: -4.43 to -2.93) and WC (WMD: -2.98 cm, 95% CI -3.78 to -2.19) in compared with control groups. The analysis also showed that the effects of the present intervention on weight and WC during the intervention are > 26 weeks and ≤ 26 weeks compared to the other group, respectively.
Off-Label Use and Combination Therapies
It’s important to note that Wellbutrin is not FDA-approved as a weight loss medication, although the drug is sometimes prescribed off-label to help. Naltrexone: A chemical combination of Bupropion and naltrexone is available under the brand name Contrave. Phentermine: Healthcare professionals might suggest a combination of phentermine and bupropion to aid in weight loss.
Important Considerations
As we discuss Wellbutrin’s potential side effects and the timeline for weight loss, it’s essential to remember that Wellbutrin is primarily prescribed for treating mental health conditions, not as a sole solution for weight loss. Most people do not gain weight while taking Wellbutrin, which is typically prescribed for ADHD and depression, among other conditions.
Weight loss when taking Wellbutrin can depend on several factors, such as dose, lifestyle, and underlying medical concerns. As mentioned above, some clients may see weight loss within as little as 1-2 weeks, while for others it may take up to 8 weeks to see a noticeable reduction in weight.
Lifestyle considerations: Wellbutrin is not a magical weight loss solution. Lifestyle factors, including diet and physical activity, continue to play a substantial role in managing weight. Appetite regulation: Wellbutrin is believed to impact weight by suppressing appetite in certain people. Gradual transformations: Even if Wellbutrin does lead to weight loss, it typically occurs gradually rather than providing a quick fix. Personal differences: Wellbutrin’s influence on weight can differ significantly among individuals. Some may undergo weight loss, while others may not experience significant changes in their weight. The average weight loss on Wellbutrin is around 5-10 pounds. However some patients can lose up to 20 pounds, depending on the dosage and intended use.
Read also: Beef jerky: A high-protein option for shedding pounds?
Monitoring Weight and Maintaining a Healthy Lifestyle
If you’re taking Wellbutrin and have questions about weight loss or weight gain, openly discuss your questions or concerns with your family physician. A doctor or mental health professional can offer personal, holistic medical advice that considers everything.
Monitoring weight on Wellbutrin takes a well-defined plan that combines a healthy lifestyle, nutrition, and mindfulness. Being mindful of your portion sizes and eating regular, consistent meals will help stabilize your metabolism and make maintaining weight easier. A healthy diet is vital to maintaining a healthy weight for your body size and type. Focus on eating a balanced diet rich in fruits, vegetables, lean proteins, whole grains, and healthy fats. Studies show that working out regularly is great for establishing a healthy weight long-term. If you’re struggling with your weight or with making healthy lifestyle and diet changes, consider working with a dietician. Mindfulness simply means being aware of what you’re doing in the present. It’s an effective form of meditation that offers positive results, including weight loss. Paying attention to what - and how much - you’re eating can be a game changer in your weight loss journey.
Risks and Side Effects of Bupropion
Like most medications, bupropion can cause many side effects and health risks, such as:1,2TremorsVomitingNauseaHeadacheDry mouthSleep disturbancesNervousnessConstipationAgitationAnxietyConfusionDelusionsPsychosisHallucinationsParanoiaRapid heart rateDizzinessExcessive sweatingBlurred vision
Overdose Risks
It is possible to overdose on bupropion, especially in cases of misuse. When someone overdoses on Wellbutrin, they may experience a seizure, which occurs in about 33% of overdoses.1Other signs of a bupropion overdose include:1AgitationMental status changesHallucinationsCardiac arrhythmia
Bupropion and Eating Disorders
Using bupropion to lose weight could be indicative of disordered eating, especially when other abnormal eating behaviors are present. In fact, using medications like Wellbutrin for weight control significantly increases the risk of being diagnosed with an eating disorder like anorexia nervosa (AN) or bulimia nervosa (BN).7
Diet culture is popularizing weight loss drugsWeight loss drugs, like bupropion, are popular because of diet culture, which is responsible for many of the harmful and critical ideas we have about our bodies, our weight, and our self-worth. Diet culture communicates to us that there is an “ideal” body type, and it causes many people to engage in disordered eating behaviors in attempts to achieve this false ideal.
Important Safety Information
It is very important that your doctor check your progress at regular visits to make sure this medicine is working properly and to check for unwanted effects. Do not take bupropion with a monoamine oxidase (MAO) inhibitor (eg, isocarboxazid [Marplan®], linezolid [Zyvox®], phenelzine [Nardil®], selegiline [Eldepryl®], tranylcypromine [Parnate®]).
Check with your doctor before using this medicine with alcohol or other medicines that affect the central nervous system (CNS). Bupropion may cause some people to be agitated, irritable, or display other abnormal behaviors. It may also cause some people to have suicidal thoughts and tendencies, or to become more depressed.
Your blood pressure might get too high while you are using this medicine. This may cause headaches, dizziness, or blurred vision. This medicine may cause a serious allergic reaction, including anaphylaxis, which can be life-threatening and requires immediate medical attention.
Drinking alcoholic beverages should be limited or avoided, if possible, with bupropion. This will help prevent seizures. This medicine may cause some people to have a false sense of wellbeing, or to become drowsy, dizzy, or less alert than they are normally.
Do not stop taking this medicine without checking first with your doctor. Your doctor may want you to gradually reduce the amount you are taking before stopping it completely. Check with your doctor right away if you have pain or tenderness in the upper stomach, pale stools, dark urine, loss of appetite, nausea, unusual tiredness or weakness, or yellow eyes or skin. These could be symptoms of a serious liver problem.