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Can you take Wellbutrin for weight loss
Can you take Wellbutrin for weight loss?
Wellbutrin is an antidepressant that is sometimes prescribed off-label for weight loss
Key takeaways
- Wellbutrin, an antidepressant prescription drug, is sometimes prescribed off-label for weight loss in overweight or obese individuals.
- Unlike SSRIs, Wellbutrin functions as a norepinephrine-dopamine reuptake inhibitor. Its weight loss mechanism involves suppressing appetite and possibly altering the brain’s reward system.
- Clinical studies have indicated that Wellbutrin can lead to sustained weight loss over time, making it a viable option for overweight or obese patients who also suffer from depressive symptoms.
- While Wellbutrin is generally safe for use under medical supervision, it is not FDA-approved specifically for weight loss. Individuals with eating disorders, at risk of seizures, or those taking MAOIs should avoid it.
In this article:
- Does Wellbutrin cause weight loss?
- Efficacy
- Who can take Wellbutrin for weight loss?
- Dosage for weight loss
- Safety
- How to maximize the benefits
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Wellbutrin (bupropion) is a prescription antidepressant medication that can also help with weight loss. While it’s not FDA-approved specifically for this use, many people taking it report shedding pounds as a side effect. If you’re struggling with both depressive symptoms and an elevated body mass index (BMI), Wellbutrin might be a helpful option to discuss with your healthcare provider.
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Does Wellbutrin cause weight loss?
In pre-marketing clinical studies of brand-name Wellbutrin SR (sustained-release bupropion) in the treatment of major depressive disorder, mild weight loss of greater than five pounds occurred in 28% of all patients receiving the medication at either a dose of 300 mg per day or 400 mg per day. This was more than any weight loss observed in patients taking a placebo. This led to the medication being studied in overweight and obese adult women and showed that bupropion was more effective at achieving weight loss at eight weeks compared to placebo. What is even more profound with bupropion is its apparent ability to allow for weight loss sustained over time.
A 2012 study found that overweight or obese adults taking sustained-release bupropion in 300 mg or 400 mg doses lost weight in a dose-dependent manner when combined with a lifestyle intervention program.
According to a clinical trial published in the Journal of Clinical Medicine, conducted by Group Health researchers, when different antidepressants were examined to understand their relationship with long-term weight change, it was found that bupropion is the only antidepressant associated with long-term weight loss; others had modest effects on weight loss. In contrast, others were associated with weight gain. Given no known difference in efficacy on antidepressant effects, bupropion should be considered the best initial choice of antidepressant in depressed overweight and obese patients when no known contraindications are present.
How does Wellbutrin cause weight loss?
The exact science isn’t fully understood, but researchers believe Wellbutrin works by suppressing appetite. It targets norepinephrine and dopamine—chemicals in the brain that affect mood and cravings. By regulating these neurotransmitters, Wellbutrin may help curb emotional eating and alter the reward system related to food. This same rationale supports the active ingredient’s labeling under the brand name Zyban for assistance in smoking cessation. Some people also take a combination pill called Contrave, which includes bupropion and naltrexone. This blend further reduces cravings for high-fat and sugary foods, aiding in weight loss.
Who can take Wellbutrin for weight loss?
Wellbutrin SR and Wellbutrin XL do not have FDA-approved indications for weight loss, but they can be used off-label as weight-loss drugs. They may be particularly good choices in patients who also require antidepressant treatment. A dose of 400 mg/day was associated with a higher percentage of total body weight loss compared to a 300 mg/day dose.
The main ingredient of these brand-name medications, bupropion, is available in combination with naltrexone as Contrave extended-release tablets. Contrave was FDA approved in 2014 as an adjunct to a reduced-calorie diet and increased physical activity for chronic weight management in obese or overweight adults in the presence of at least one weight-related comorbid medical condition. The dose of Contrave is a titrated dose for adults at least 18 years of age, up to a maximum of two tablets (16 mg naltrexone/180 mg bupropion) taken twice daily, and clinical studies have demonstrated more weight loss with the combination compared to bupropion alone; with one of the randomized, controlled trials contributing to its FDA approval demonstrating up to 8.2% weight loss. .
| Wellbutrin dosage for weight loss | |
|---|---|
| Dosage | Average weight loss |
| Wellbutrin SR (bupropion sustained-release) 300 mg/day | 7.2% of initial body weight at 24 weeks |
| Wellbutrin SR (bupropion sustained-release) 400 mg/day | 10.1% of initial body weight at 24 weeks |
| Contrave extended-release (extended-release naltrexone/bupropion) 16mg/180 mg twice daily | 8.2% of initial body weight at 56 weeks |
Is it safe to take Wellbutrin for weight loss?
Wellbutrin and its active ingredient, bupropion, are generally safe when taken per the advice of a healthcare provider. Taking Wellbutrin for weight loss may also improve overall mood and reduce feelings of stress. However, there are certain patients for whom Wellbutrin should be avoided, including those with:
- A diagnosis of an eating disorder, like anorexia
- A seizure disorder
- Taking monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs)
- A known allergic reaction
Labeling for Wellbutrin, like most antidepressants, was updated in 2005 to add a warning that it may cause rare cases of depression and comes with a risk of suicidal thoughts, especially in young adults. Overall, despite some rare safety concerns, Wellbutrin is well-tolerated and safe.
Wellbutrin side effects
Common side effects of Wellbutrin are generally benign and include:
- Dizziness or headache
- Shakiness
- Feeling nervous and excitable
- Trouble sleeping
- Dry mouth
- Constipation
More serious side effects, like seizures, hallucinations, skin rash, high blood pressure, a fast heart rate, ocular effects, and suicidal thoughts, are possible. If any of these adverse effects arise, immediately contact your provider.
How to maximize Wellbutrin benefits
To get the most out of your prescription with Wellbutrin and shed those extra pounds, it is important to know some critical points. If taken only once a day, Wellbutrin is best taken in the morning as it can be a little stimulating, and combine with caffeine cautiously until you know how the two impact you. If taking a formulation prescribed more than once daily, the last dose should be limited to mid-afternoon, or else some insomnia may be experienced. Otherwise, Wellbutrin can be taken with or without food. You should swallow the medication whole; do not chew, break, or crush the tablets. Avoiding drinking alcohol while taking Wellbutrin, as the main ingredient, may result in a decreased tolerance during treatment.
While the side effect of weight loss has been described as dose-dependent, with more weight loss seen with higher doses, never take more than the prescribed dose and under the medical advice of a healthcare professional, since higher doses result in a higher risk of unwanted side effects.
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