Wellbutrin - what is it?
Wellbutrin, active ingredient bupropion hydrochloride, is a medication that is available only by prescription. It is used for the treatment of depression, which might also be called clinical or major depression.
Who Manufactures It?
Wellbutrin is made by a company called GlaxoSmithKline. Generic forms of this medication are made by many different companies.
How it works
Wellbutrin is what is called a "norepinephrine and dopamine reuptake inhibitor," also NDRI. This type of medication affects the brain chemicals called dopamine and norepinephrine. These are just two of many chemicals that the brain uses to send messages between the nerve cells.
At this time, the only NDRI antidepressants that have been approved to be used contain bupropion. Wellbutrin is a shorter acting form of it.
Potential side effects
As with all medications, there is the potential for side effects while taking Wellbutrin. Not all that take this medication will notice side effects as it is generally well tolerated. If side effects are noticed, they are usually minor and require little or no treatment. There is the risk for less common side effects that are serious.
Potential Drug Interactions
Wellbutrin has the potential to interact with many other medications. To learn more, visit Wellbutrin Drug Interactions.
Other treatments
Even at its worst, depression is very treatable. The earlier you get treatment for depression, the more effective that treatment will be and the less likely that it will recur.
Most people find that Wellbutrin is an effective treatment for their depression. It is considered to be well tolerated by most, but it is possible to experience side effects while taking this medication. It is possible that it is not as effective as necessary. In a case such as this, your doctor might recommend another treatment.
Generic Wellbutrin
At this time, there are both generic and brand name versions of Wellbutrin available for sale.
