Introduction
Wellbutrin is a widely used drug for depression and smoking cessation, however, a lot of people after starting the medication notice that their body weight changes. There has been a great increase in interest in the topic of Wellbutrin weight loss, particularly by patients who have experienced weight gain as a side effect of other antidepressants. Wellbutrin is different from many drugs in its class, having a separate mechanism of action which can be responsible for changes in appetite, energy, and metabolism.
In this text, the impacts of Wellbutrin on weight will be explained; reasons why weights of different people change in different ways will be discussed; the results of studies will be summarized and you will also get an idea of what to expect if you are on this medication or considering taking it.
What Is Wellbutrin?
Wellbutrin is a trademark for bupropion, which is an antidepressant working differently than selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs). Rather than concentrating on serotonin, it mainly influences dopamine and norepinephrine which are neurotransmitters participating in motivation, concentration, and reward mechanisms.
Hence, due to such a mechanism, Wellbutrin is usually prescribed in cases when patients complain of tiredness, low drive, or sexual side effects caused by other antidepressants.
Does Wellbutrin Cause Weight Loss?
It is possible that weight loss might be one of the side effects of taking Wellbutrin for many people, although certainly, no one can be sure of this at first. Both clinical studies and practical experience have demonstrated that:
- Some patients experience mild to moderate weight loss
- Others maintain their current weight
- A smaller percentage may experience weight gain
The amount of weight loss generally seen with Wellbutrin is moderate rather than excessive. It is not a drug for weight loss, but the fact that it changes appetite and energy levels can have an effect on the body weight.
Why Wellbutrin May Lead to Weight Loss
The association between Wellbutrin and weight loss can be attributed to several factors.
Appetite Suppression
Some people taking Wellbutrin experience reduced appetite. Probably, the reason is that dopamine signaling influenced by this drug impacts the behaviors of reward-driven eating most directly.
Increased Energy and Activity
After starting Wellbutrin, some patients noticed that they have more energy and are more motivated. Hence, these patients are more physically active and with increased activity even when not regularly walking for exercise, weight loss can occur gradually.
Reduced Emotional Eating
Through mood improvement and the reduction of symptoms of depression, Wellbutrin may lessen emotional or stress eating, which is, for some people, a big factor in weight gain.
How Much Weight Loss Is Typical?
The extent of weight change is a very individual matter. Usually, the weight loss is minimal, amounting to a few pounds over several months, though for some it may be more visible. Generally, the following factors contribute to the final outcome:
- Starting weight
- Dosage and formulation
- Diet and activity level
- Individual metabolism
- Duration of use
Weight loss when taking Wellbutrin is hardly ever fast, most of the time it is slow and steady.
Wellbutrin Dosage and Weight Effects
The different formulations available for Wellbutrin are immediate-release, sustained-release (SR), and extended-release (XL). The amount of drug taken can change the list of side effects, among which changes in appetite and weight are to be expected.
Going for higher doses may mean higher chances of appetite suppression but at the same time, side effects like insomnia or anxiety may occur. Furthermore, it is very important to have your dosage done under medical supervision.
Who Is More Likely to Lose Weight on Wellbutrin?
There are certain groups of people who may experience weight loss more than others:
- Individuals who are changing their antidepressant medication from one that caused weight gain
- Depressed people who have very low energy or are tired all the time
- Those who notice their appetite decreases very early in the treatment
Nevertheless, the way each person reacts to the drug is different and there is no way to predict the result with certainty.
Possible Side Effects That Affect Weight
It is very common for people to see weight loss as a very positive thing and, at the same time, the drug can cause side effects that may make patients eat less without their knowledge, for example:
- Nausea
- Dry mouth
- Insomnia
- Anxiety
Sometimes, these side effects may lower the patient’s desire for food, but such methods are neither recommended nor can be considered as long-term plans for losing weight.
Is Wellbutrin Prescribed for Weight Loss?
Even though the main purpose of the drug is not to help patients lose weight, it has been one of the medications that are included in the combination therapies for the regulation of weight. Being able to suppress the patient’s appetite has made the drug an element of several treatment options for weight under the supervision of a professional.
Those who want to achieve weight loss results should talk frankly with their doctor about what they expect from the medication.
Comparing Wellbutrin to Other Antidepressants
The main reason why Wellbutrin is very different from many other antidepressants is that the latter usually cause the patients to gain weight. Because of this contrast, very often the patients get into direct medication comparisons.
For a detailed comparison, see: → wellbutrin vs effexor weight loss
What to Expect When Starting Wellbutrin
You might notice changes in your appetite and weight during the first several weeks while your body is getting used to the new drug. Some people experience decreased appetite right away which later becomes normal, while others have changes in appetite after some time.
One’s weight should not be the only measure to determine if the treatment has been successful since
Key Takeaways
- Wellbutrin may cause weight loss in some individuals
- Effects are usually modest and gradual
- It works differently from many antidepressants
- Not everyone will lose weight
- Medical supervision is essential
