About Weight Gain & Wellbutrin

Although weight gain is a common symptom of depression and a common side effect in most antidepressants, it is rarely seen in patients taking Wellbutrin. Learning more about Wellbutrin, examining other possible causes for the weight gain, thinking about dietary adjustments and talking with your doctor will help understand your weight gain on Wellbutrin.

Function and Active Ingredient

• Wellbutrin--or buproprion chloride--is an antidepressant that controls levels of dopamine and norepinephrine, two chemicals in the brain that regulate mood. Wellbutrin's active ingredient is a derivative of an appetite suppressant that chemically resembles amphetamine. In addition to prescribing it for depression and mood disorders, doctors also prescribe Wellbutrin to aid in smoking cessation and curb nicotine cravings.

Weight Loss is a Common Side Effect

• Because the active ingredients in Wellbutrin are related to commonly-used appetite suppressants, weight loss is more common in patients taking Wellbutrin than weight gain. In clinical studies of Wellbutrin, 28 percent of patients studied lost five pounds or more while on the drug. Weight loss is so common while taking Wellbutrin that prescription advice suggests not giving the drug to patients with a past history of consistent weight loss, anorexia or bulimia.

Other Possible Considerations

• Other considerations for weight gain while taking Wellbutrin could include potential drug interactions, lack of exercise, metabolic or nutritional problems or possible eating disorder. Although research has identified a specific list of drugs that patients should not take with Wellbutrin, scientists have yet to identify all possible interactions, and there could be drugs that cause weight gain while taking Wellbutrin. Problems that cause the patient's metabolism to slow could cause weight gain, as could improper nutrition or lack of exercise. And an underlying eating disorder--such as overeating--could be a contributing factor.

Weight Gain and Depression

• Weight gain is a common symptom of depression, and is also common in patients taking most antidepressants. Although weight loss is more common in patients taking Wellbutrin than weight gain, some studies have shown a very small group of patients taking Wellbutrin who gain weight. In these patients, and in patients who gain weight while taking other kinds of antidepressants, adjusting the diet to include a meal every evening that is low in protein and low in fat may help reverse weight gain.

Talk with Your Doctor

• As with most medical conditions, talk with your doctor if you have questions, unpleasant side effects or are confused about the medicine you are taking. Asking your doctor about weight gain while taking Wellbutrin can help ensure your optimal health.