Last reviewed 2026-04-20 · How we verify

Wellbutrin (bupropion)

Norepinephrine-dopamine reuptake inhibitor (NDRI) that treats depression and aids smoking cessation without serotonergic side effects.

Bupropion (Wellbutrin/Zyban) is the only NDRI antidepressant, developed by Burroughs Wellcome and approved in 1985. Unique in avoiding sexual dysfunction and weight gain. Also approved for smoking cessation. Available generically.

At a glance

Mechanism of action

Bupropion is unique among antidepressants as it inhibits norepinephrine and dopamine reuptake without affecting serotonin. This means it avoids the sexual dysfunction and weight gain common with SSRIs/SNRIs. It is also approved as Zyban for smoking cessation. Contraindicated in patients with seizure disorders due to dose-dependent seizure risk.

Approved indications

• Depressive disorder
• Major depressive disorder
• Nicotine dependence
• Obesity
• Seasonal affective disorder
• Smoking cessation assistance

Boxed warnings

• WARNING: SUICIDAL THOUGHTS AND BEHAVIORS SUICIDALITY AND ANTIDEPRESSANT DRUGS Antidepressants increased the risk of suicidal thoughts and behavior in children, adolescents, and young adults in short-term trials. These trials did not show an increase in the risk of suicidal thoughts and behavior with antidepressant use in subjects aged 65 and older [see Warnings and Precautions (5.1) ]. In patients of all ages who are started on antidepressant therapy, monitor closely for worsening, and for emergence of suicidal thoughts and behaviors. Advise families and caregivers of the need for close observation and communication with the prescriber [see Warnings and Precautions (5.1) ]. WARNING: SUICIDAL THOUGHTS AND BEHAVIORS See full prescribing information for complete boxed warning. Increased risk of suicidal thinking and behavior in children, adolescents, and young adults taking antidepressants. ( 5.1 ) Monitor for worsening and emergence of suicidal thoughts and behaviors. ( 5.1 )

Common side effects

• Headache
• Dry mouth
• Nausea
• Insomnia
• Dizziness
• Pharyngitis
• Abdominal pain
• Agitation
• Infection
• Anxiety
• Palpitation
• Myalgia

Serious adverse events

• Seizures
• Vomiting
• Sleep disturbances
• Rash
• Migraine

Key clinical trials

• A Randomized, Double-Blind 4-Week Study to Evaluate the Impact of AXS-05 on Smoking Behavior (Phase 2)
• Developing Medication For Tobacco Addiction: NMDA Agents (Phase 1)
• A Randomized Controlled Trial Evaluating the Effectiveness of Contrave (Naltrexone HCl and Bupropion HCl) in Patients Who Have Weight Recidivism Following Bariatric Surgery: Contrave Obesity Trials (C (Phase 4)
• Smoking-Cessation and Stimulant Treatment (S-CAST): Evaluation of the Impact of Concurrent Outpatient Smoking-Cessation and Stimulant Treatment on Stimulant-Dependence Outcomes (Phase 3)
• Use of Mysimba in Patients With Weight Regain After Bariatric Surgery (Phase 4)
• Leveraging EEG for Antidepressant Prediction With Duloxetine and Bupropion (LEAP-DB): A Multicenter, Randomized, Blinded Outcome Study of EEG-guided Treatment With Duloxetine Versus Bupropion in Adult (Phase 4)
• Use of Biomarker Risk Score to Optimize Therapy in Patients With Coronary Artery Disease: The Precision CAD Trial (NA)
• Improving Hispanic Retention in Antidepressant Therapy (NA)

Primary sources

Every claim on this page is sourced from regulatory or scientific primary sources. See our editorial policy for full methodology.

Competitive intelligence

For the full competitive landscape — auto-detected comparators, recent regulatory actions across the set, upcoming PDUFA, patent timeline, sponsor landscape:

• Wellbutrin CI brief — competitive landscape report
• Wellbutrin updates RSS · CI watch RSS
• GSK (GlaxoSmithKline) portfolio CI