Does Wellbutrin Cause Weight Loss

Wellbutrin (bupropion) is one of the most commonly prescribed antidepressants in the U.S. And it has a lower risk of certain side effects compared with other antidepressants. For example, it'sless likely to make you tired,cause sexual dysfunction, or make you gain weight.

But can taking Wellbutrin for depression cause you to lose weight? And is it recommended for this reason? Below, we discuss all things Wellbutrin and weight loss.

Wellbutrin is available as immediate-release (IR), sustained-release (SR) and extended-release (XL) tablets. Wellbutrin IR tablets are no longer available as a brand-name product, but we'll refer to all bupropion products as Wellbutrin throughout this article.

Does Wellbutrin cause weight loss?

If you're prescribed Wellbutrin, it's possible that you'll lose weight while taking it. You're more likely to lose weight if you are considered overweight or obese. This means that if your body mass index (BMI) is below 24.9, you're less likely to lose weight while taking Wellbutrin. But you probably won't gain weight either.

Clinical trials of Wellbutrin have documented weight loss as a side effect. Initial studies of the different Wellbutrin products have found that:

• 28% of people taking Wellbutrin IR tablets lost more than 5 lbs

• 14% of people taking Wellbutrin SR300 mg daily, and 19% of people taking Wellbutrin SR 400 mg daily, lost more than 5 lbs

• 23% of people taking Wellbutrin XL tablets (150 mg to 300 mg per day) lost more than 5 lbs

In these studies, people taking Wellbutrin were at least twice as likely to lose weight than those taking a placebo (a pill with no medication in it). Other studies also support these findings. For example, a long-term study found that non-smokers with depression lost an average of 7 lbs within 2 years of taking Wellbutrin. The majority of patients in this study were considered overweight or obese.

It's important to note that Wellbutrin isn't approved for weight loss on its own. It's only FDA approved for depression. Wellbutrin SR is also approved to help people quit smoking. And Wellbutrin XL is approved for seasonal affective disorder.

Still, there's a lot of evidence showing weight loss in people taking Wellbutrin for depression. In fact, Wellbutrin's active ingredient - bupropion - is one of two medications in the combination pillContrave (bupropion / naltrexone), which is taken for weight loss.

How does Wellbutrin cause weight loss?

Wellbutrin is thought to work as an appetite suppressant. But the way that Wellbutrin causes weight loss isn't fully understood. Still, we know that Wellbutrin works by increasing levels of two key neurotransmitters (brain chemicals) in the body:

• Dopamine, a chemical that's released while engaging in pleasurable experiences. It's part of the "reward center" of the brain that affects behavior. Increasing dopamine may suppress hunger.

• Norepinephrine, a chemical that increases energy and focus. Its stimulating effects can also contribute to anxiety, insomnia, or agitation in some people. Higher norepinephrine levels may suppress appetite.

Although the weight-loss pill Contrave contains bupropion, it also contains another medication called naltrexone. Bupropion and naltrexone have a "synergistic" effect. This means they work together to promote weight loss.

Can Wellbutrin cause weight gain?

It's unlikely. Most research shows that if Wellbutrin affects your weight, it causes weight loss. For example, a 2016 review of several studies including over 8,000 people didn't link Wellbutrin to weight gain.

Although weight gain with Wellbutrin is unlikely, depression itself can affect your appetite and weight. Some people have less of an appetite and may lose weight when they're depressed. So starting an antidepressant like Wellbutrin can improve your depression symptoms and help your appetite return. This means you may gain weight after starting it. But this doesn't mean the weight gain is from Wellbutrin itself.

Is Wellbutrin more likely to cause weight loss than other antidepressants?

Yes, Wellbutrin is more likely to cause weight loss than other antidepressants. In fact, other antidepressants are typically more likely to cause weight gain, though it may be minimal.

For example, a 2024 study compared eight common antidepressants and their effects on weight. The study included three types of antidepressants: selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs), serotonin and norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors (SNRIs), and Wellbutrin (considered an atypical antidepressant). Over the course of 2 years, researchers found:

• Wellbutrin was the least likely antidepressant in the study to cause weight gain. The antidepressants most likely to cause weight gain were Lexapro (escitalopram), Paxil (paroxetine), and Cymbalta (duloxetine).

• Wellbutrin was 15% less likely to cause weight gain than Zoloft (sertraline), the most commonly used antidepressant. However, Zoloft has a low risk of weight gain itself (though it hasn't been associated with weight loss).

• At 6 months, people were more likely to still be taking Wellbutrin compared to other antidepressants. However, overall adherence to antidepressants is low, including with Wellbutrin (less than 50%). Weight gain may be one reason why people stop taking antidepressants.

This study wasn't a randomized controlled trial (the best type of study to look for cause and effect). So it has limitations. But the study was well-designed and included more than 180,000 people. This is a large study, and larger studies generally produce more reliable findings.

Are there factors that affect weight gain or loss with antidepressants?

In general, women may be more likely to report weight gain from antidepressants than men. Genetic differences may also explain why some people experience weight gain or loss with antidepressants, but others don't. Your initial weight, and the type of antidepressant you take, can also play a large role in how much weight you lose or gain.

Sometimes, the only way to find out which antidepressant works best for you (while causing the least side effects) is by trial and error. This requires working closely with your prescriber.

Should you take Wellbutrin to lose weight?

As mentioned, Wellbutrin isn't FDA approved for weight loss. And it's not the most effective medication to help you lose weight. Other oral and injectable medications are likely better options. If you meet eligibility criteria for weight-loss medications, most FDA-approved options are more effective than Wellbutrin.

However, Wellbutrin may be a good treatment option for depression if you're concerned about gaining weight from antidepressants. However, weight loss isn't desirable for everyone. Talk with your prescriber about how Wellbutrin's possible weight-loss effects could impact you.

Wellbutrin also has other possible side effects and drug interactions. So it isn't a good option for everyone. For example, if you have a history of seizures or an eating disorder, Wellbutrin may not be the best antidepressant for you. Your prescriber can help you find the best antidepressant for you based on your medical history and other personal factors.

Will you gain weight if you stop taking Wellbutrin?

It's possible, but we don't have a lot of research on this. However, if taking Wellbutrin causes you to eat less, and then you return to previous eating patterns after stopping it, it's possible that you'll regain the weight you lost.

Whether you're taking Wellbutrin or not, some general tips for maintaining a healthy body weight include:

• Eat foods that help you feel full for longer. Consider adding more fiber and water-rich foods, healthy fats, and lean protein to your daily meals.

• Avoid crash dieting and undereating, which can take a toll on your body and be hard to maintain long term.

• Getting 60 to 90 minutes of moderate physical activity on most days can help you keep weight off. This might sound like a lot, but it doesn't have to be all at once. For example, three to four 20-minute sessions of brisk walking each day can help you meet your goals.

• Incorporate weight or resistance training to protect and strengthen your muscles.

• Practice mindful eating.

• Get at least 7 hours of sleep each day.

Talk with your prescriber about any concerns you have when stopping Wellbutrin. They can then guide you and come up with a plan to manage any weight concerns during this transition.