Before consuming Wellbutrin for weight loss, You Must know the truth....!!
Does wellbutrin help with weight loss…?? How does wellbutrin help with weight loss….?? Does wellbutrin cause weight loss..?? These are the few questions evolving in our mind, when we want quick results in weight loss journey. But take a look on hidden truth behind the intake of “Wellbutrin”.
Wellbutrin is the brand name of “Bupropion”, formerly called “amfebutamone”.
Wellbutrin (bupropion) an antidepressant most commonly prescribed in United States and another name of Bupropion is ZYBAN, it’s inhibits the reuptake of a couple neurotransmitters known as dopamine and norepinephrine, so it works different than the SSRIs which affects serotonin.
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration approved uses of Wellbutrin are for:
- Major Depressive Disorder (MDD).
- Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD).
- Smoking Cessation Treatment.
Table of Contents
Does wellbutrin help with weight loss...??
There are 3 version of Wellbutrin available in the market named as:
- Wellbutrin immediate-release (IR)
- Wellbutrin sustained-release (SR)
- Wellbutrin extended-release (XL)
According to experts Clinical trials that done on several people who consumed Wellbutrin, results 14% to 22% have weight loss and it was documented as a side effect of Wellbutrin. Here are some trial results of versions of wellbutrin with their dosage given below:
- Wellbutrin IR tablet consumed by 28% people who lost approx 5lbs weight.
- Wellbutrin SR 300 mg tablet daily and Wellbutrin SR 400 mg daily tablet, consumed by 14% people and 19% people who lost approx 5lbs weight respectively.
- Wellbutrin XL tablets (150 mg to 300 mg daily) consumed by 23% people who lost more than 5lbs weight.
How does wellbutrin help with weight loss...??
As mentioned above, that Wellbutrine is an antidepressants which increases the levels of 2 major brain chemicals dopamine and norepinephrine.
Wellbutrin is “NOT” an appetite suppressant.
What is Dopamine?
Dopamine is a neurotransmitter (chemical messenger) that plays a key role in the brain’s reward system, motivation, pleasure, and movement control.
Key Functions of Dopamine:
Reward and Pleasure
- Released during pleasurable activities.
- Drives motivation and the desire to repeat rewarding behaviors.
Motor Control
- Regulates movement via the basal ganglia (especially in the brain’s substantia nigra).
- Low dopamine levels are linked to Parkinson’s disease (difficulty with movement).
Learning and Memory
- Helps reinforce positive behaviors and supports habit formation.
Focus and Attention
- Imbalance may lead to ADHD (attention deficit hyperactivity disorder).
What is Norepinephrine?
Also known as noradrenaline, it functions as both a hormone and neurotransmitter. It’s a key player in the body’s “fight or flight” stress response.
Key Functions of Norepinephrine:
Alertness and Arousal
- Acts on the Hypothalamus.
- Increases alertness and mental clarity.
- Helps you wake up, stay focused, and respond quickly to threats.
Stress Response (Fight or Flight)
- Released by adrenal glands during stress.
- Increases heart rate, blood pressure, and blood flow to muscles.
Mood Regulation
- Imbalances can contribute to depression and anxiety.
Attention and Focus
- Works with dopamine in attention and concentration; low levels are also associated with ADHD.
Important: Now, understand “How Norepinephrine Suppresses Appetite…??”
Norepinephrine Acts on the Hypothalamus.
The hypothalamus is the part of the brain that controls hunger.
- Norepinephrine affects appetite-regulating neurons (like POMC and NPY).
- It can inhibit hunger-promoting signals and boost satiety (fullness) signals.
“Increase norepinephrine levels to reduce hunger and food cravings.”
Does wellbutrin cause weight loss, Really...??
Wellbutrin is used off-label for weight loss, although it is not approved by the FDA for this purpose.
This sets it apart from many other antidepressants, particularly selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs), which are more commonly linked to weight gain.
🔍 What the Research Says:
Weight Loss Tendency: Wellbutrin is often chosen for patients concerned about weight gain because it tends to suppress appetite and may lead to weight loss. It’s even part of the FDA-approved weight management drug Contrave (a combination of bupropion and naltrexone).
Long-Term Effects: While short-term use of Wellbutrin is associated with weight loss, some studies have observed a modest weight gain over extended periods. For instance, a study published in the Annals of Internal Medicine found that bupropion users experienced an average weight gain of about 1.2 pounds over two years.
Wellbutrin Withdrawal Symptoms
While Wellbutrin is generally associated with milder withdrawal symptoms compared to other antidepressants, some individuals may still experience discomfort upon discontinuation.
But here are some Common Withdrawal Symptoms of Wellbutrin listed below:
May include headaches, dizziness, mood swings, irritability, sleep disturbances, Gastrointestinal discomfort and flu like symptoms.
Wellbutrin Warnings and Precautions
- Suicidal Thoughts: There’s a low but notable risk of suicidal ideation, especially during the initial treatment phase or dosage adjustments.
- Mood Swings: Unexpected mood swings or behavioral changes can occur. This is particularly relevant for individuals using Wellbutrin for smoking cessation, as they might experience mood alterations.
- Seizure Risk: Wellbutrin can lower the seizure threshold. Individuals with a history of seizures should use it cautiously, typically starting at a low dose and increasing gradually under medical supervision.
- Mania and Psychosis: In rare cases, especially among those with bipolar disorder, Wellbutrin may induce manic episodes or psychotic symptoms.
- Vision Changes: Some users might experience visual disturbances. Any noticeable changes in vision should prompt a consultation with a healthcare provider.
- Blood Pressure: Wellbutrin can lead to increased blood pressure. Regular monitoring is essential, especially for those with pre-existing hypertension or cardiac conditions.
- Sexual Dysfunction: While the risk is lower compared to other antidepressants, some individuals may still experience sexual side effects.
- Alcohol and Sedatives: Combining Wellbutrin with alcohol or sedatives (like benzodiazepines such as Valium or Xanax) can heighten the risk of adverse effects. It’s advisable to avoid or limit such combinations unless under strict medical guidance.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Does Wellbutrin help with weight loss?
Yes, Wellbutrin (bupropion) may support weight loss in some people, primarily by affecting dopamine and norepinephrine levels. However, it’s not FDA-approved specifically for weight loss.
How does Wellbutrin cause weight loss?
Is Wellbutrin approved for weight loss treatment?
No, Wellbutrin is approved for depression, seasonal affective disorder, and smoking cessation. Its weight loss effect is considered an off-label use
.
Which version of Wellbutrin is most effective for weight loss?
Clinical trials suggest all versions (IR, SR, XL) may lead to weight loss, with Wellbutrin XL showing slightly higher success among users.
How much weight can I lose with Wellbutrin?
Weight loss results vary person to person. Studies show 14% to 23% of users lost around 5 pounds or more, depending on the dosage and version.
Is Wellbutrin an appetite suppressant?
No, it is not classified as an appetite suppressant, but it may reduce appetite indirectly through neurotransmitter modulation.
What are the risks of using Wellbutrin for weight loss?
Can Wellbutrin cause weight gain in the long term?
Can Wellbutrin be combined with other weight loss drugs?
What should I know before stopping Wellbutrin?
Withdrawal symptoms may include headaches, irritability, and sleep issues. Tapering off under medical supervision is recommended.