PharmaceuticalStimulantAnorectic

Bupropion

Also known as Wellbutrin · Zyban · Contrave (with naltrexone) · Amfebutamone

Written by enwyReviewed 15 Jul 20262 sources0 comments

An atypical antidepressant and smoking-cessation aid (Wellbutrin, Zyban) that inhibits dopamine and noradrenaline reuptake. Combined with naltrexone in Contrave for weight management. Low abuse potential and no weight gain, but lowers seizure threshold and can cause insomnia and cardiovascular effects.

01 Overview

Bupropion is a noradrenaline-dopamine reuptake inhibitor used for major depression and smoking cessation, and as the stimulant component of the weight-loss combination Contrave (bupropion/naltrexone). Unlike many antidepressants it tends to be weight-neutral or cause modest weight loss and does not cause sexual dysfunction.

It is not a controlled substance and has low abuse potential, though misuse has been reported rarely. Its most important risk is a dose-dependent lowering of the seizure threshold, contraindicating it in seizure disorders, bulimia/anorexia and abrupt alcohol withdrawal. Insomnia, dry mouth, agitation and modest blood-pressure increases are common.

02 Mechanism

Inhibits reuptake of dopamine and noradrenaline and antagonises nicotinic acetylcholine receptors, without significant serotonergic activity.

03 Dosing

Tier	Dose	Route	Notes
Therapeutic (depression, XL)	150–450 mg/day	Oral	Extended-release once daily; max 450 mg/day. Immediate-release doses split to limit seizure risk.

04 Effects

Effect	Magnitude	Evidence
Antidepressant effectEffective for major depressive disorder, with a favourable weight and sexual side-effect profile.	Comparable to other antidepressants	Clinical
Aids smoking cessation and modest weight lossIncreases smoking quit rates; contributes to weight loss in the naltrexone combination.		Clinical

05 Side effects

Effect	Severity	Frequency	Evidence
Insomnia and agitationInsomnia, agitation and dry mouth are frequent, reflecting its stimulant-like activity.	Moderate	Common	Clinical
Increased blood pressureModest increases in blood pressure, particularly with the naltrexone combination.	Moderate	Uncommon	Clinical
Lowered seizure thresholdDose-dependent risk of seizures; contraindicated in seizure disorders and eating disorders.	Severe	Rare (dose-dependent)	Clinical

06 Legal status

United States

Prescription-only (not scheduled)

as of Jan 2026

07 References

Effect of naltrexone plus bupropion on weight loss in overweight and obese adults (COR-I): a randomised, placebo-controlled trialThe Lancet, 2010

Wellbutrin XL (bupropion hydrochloride) Prescribing InformationUS FDA

08 Discussion0 comments

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This page is reference information, not medical advice. Doses and protocols are documented as they appear in the clinical literature and in practice — describing them is not a recommendation to use them. Countermeasures listed here are not a substitute for a physician. Legal status varies by jurisdiction and changes.