Wellbutrin (Bupropion) is a novel, atypical antidepressant, and is a NDRI (norepinephrine dopamine reuptake inhibitor). It works by blocking the reuptake of norepinephrine and dopamine. Dopamine helps control movement and posture, regulate memory, and helps drive sexual and reward-seeking behavior. Norepinephrine deals with attentiveness, emotions, sleeping, dreaming, and learning. That's all just fyi, but you can see why decreased levels of these two neurotransmitters would have effects noted in depression.
Some major advantages to Wellbutrin are that #1, sexual dysfunction is rare when using this drug! Also, very important #2, weight gain is NOT a side effect of this drug. Both are good things :)
Side effects of Welbutrin include agitation, insomnia, headache, nausea and vomiting. The usual dose is 50-300mg/day, and a major side effect in overdose is medication induced seizures. If the patient is already a high seizure risk, watch them very carefully! And last but not least, MAOIs should not be taken while taking Wellbutrin.
**Importnat to note: Wellbutrin can be used as smoking cessation aid.**
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