Rankings / Mood, Anxiety & Stress
Bupropion (Wellbutrin)
Mood, Anxiety & Stress · NDRI
Tier B
What this is
Favored when sexual side effects or weight gain limit SSRI tolerability. Component of Contrave (naltrexone+bupropion) for weight loss. Seizure risk historically cited is mainly with IR formulation or doses >450 mg/day. Often augments stimulants in refractory depression with executive dysfunction.
Mechanism
Norepinephrine-dopamine reuptake inhibitor; weak nicotinic acetylcholine receptor antagonist; unique among antidepressants for lack of sexual dysfunction or sedation; weight-neutral to weight-loss
Dose & route
150-450 mg/day XL; 100-300 mg/day SR divided
Citations
- https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/14744460/
- https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/29477251/
- https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC5442424/
- https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/32205338/
Links go to the source. If a link is dead or you want something re-checked, let me know.
This is an independent synthesis of published research by a non-clinician. Scores are opinions supported by citations, not prescriptions. See the full disclaimer and methodology for how this score was produced and what it does and doesn't mean.