Does Wellbutrin Cause Weight Loss? A Medical Guide

Wellbutrin belongs to a class of antidepressant medications known as norepinephrine-dopamine reuptake inhibitor NDRI. Wellbutrin is the brand name for Bupropion, a generic version of the active ingredient in Wellbutrin. Many times, the question that people ask is, does Wellbutrin cause weight loss? We will find out about this and much more about the drug Wellbutrin on this blog.

If you are suffering from obesity and want to get rid of that extra weight but are hesitant to visit the healthcare professionals, contact Therapy Fleet and get an online prescription for weight loss drugs now.

What is Wellbutrin?

Wellbutrin is one of the FDA-approved prescription medications used for treating major depressive disorder, social anxiety, anxiety, depression, and seasonal affective disorder. Wellbutrin is available in two forms. Wellbutrin XL and Wellbutrin SR. Along with managing depressive symptoms, bupropion is used off-label for weight management.

It works to restore the natural balance of neurotransmitters dopamine and norepinephrine. Read about common signs that Wellbutrin is working for you.

How Does Wellbutrin Cause Weight Loss?

Different research shows that, unlike the other antidepressants, Wellbutrin does not cause weight gain. So, the question remains: Does Wellbutrin cause weight loss? The answer is yes! Although it is not a weight loss medication, Wellbutrin aids in weight loss. The exact mechanism of action that leads to weight loss has yet to be discovered. 

Still, experts suggest that similar to how it alters the efficiency of the neurotransmitters in the brain ( like increasing norepinephrine and adrenaline), it also modulates appetite and speeds up metabolism, leading to weight loss. The increase in the neurotransmitters influences the regulation of weight loss. Let’s look at both these factors in detail now;

Suppression of the Appetite

As mentioned, Wellbutrin alters the levels of norepinephrine and dopamine in the brain. These neurotransmitters regulate the appetite by suppressing hunger. Unlike the other antidepressants that lead to weight gain, Wellbutrin leads to weight loss.

Increased Metabolism

With the right drug administration, Wellbutrin acts as a stimulant on the CNS, increasing the metabolism and allowing people to burn more calories quickly. So people asking if Wellbutrin causes weight loss should know that taking Wellbutrin makes it difficult to gain weight and easier to lose.

Increase in Energy Levels

The stimulating effect of Wellbutrin makes the person energized and alert. High energy levels make the person go out and about more, indulging in more physical exertion. All this high activity leads to weight loss when on a bupropion treatment plan.

Reduced Food Cravings

The FDA approves Wellbutrin for smoking cessation as it reduces cravings. It also has a similar effect on food cravings. All this is possible because bupropion alters the levels of norepinephrine and dopamine in the central nervous system by regulating the reward pathways linked to cravings. Once the drug settles in the body, so do the cravings, resulting in lesser food consumption and eventually leading to weight loss.

Neurotransmitters Effects

Wellbutrin belongs to a class of drugs called NRDIs, which prevents the reuptake of norepinephrine and dopamine. Slower absorption of these neurotransmitters makes them available in the brain for longer, allowing benefits like more fatty acids in the blood and enhanced mood, motivation, and metabolism. 

This enhanced metabolism burns the fats faster, allowing for weight loss. This is exactly how Wellbutrin causes weight loss. Scientists have found a link between low levels of dopamine and overeating. A boost in dopamine levels can subside the urge to eat more.

How Fast Does Wellbutrin Cause Weight Loss?

The answer depends on individual responses. Several clinical studies were conducted. Some showed significant changes in weight loss, and others didn’t.

According to one study, about 70% of the people who took bupropion lost about 5% of their body weight in 8 to 24 weeks. Other clinical trial experts say that people who lost 5% of their body weight in about 16 weeks and continued Wellbutrin for a year or more succeeded in keeping that weight off. 

Other clinical trials were conducted where Wellbutrin was combined with exercise and nutrition counseling, and the results showed that obese individuals lost between 7 and 10% of their body weight over 24 weeks.

Even if Wellbutrin does cause weight loss, it is important to mention that, unlike Phentermine, Saxenda, and Wegovy,  bupropion is not approved by the FDA. However, some mental healthcare providers still prescribe it for off-label use to shed that extra weight. If you suffer from medical conditions like heart disease or kidney disease, tell your doctor.

Note- not everyone on Wellbutrin will lose weight.

Common Factors That Impacts Weight Loss With Wellbutrin

If your healthcare professional prescribed you Wellbutrin for major depressive disorder or seasonal affective disorder, and you notice a weight change, rapid weight loss, or weight gain, do not hesitate to discuss the matter with a professional. Losing >10 pounds in a month or so needs to be managed by a doctor. Common factors are:

• Metabolism
• Dosage
• Lifestyle
• Dosage adherence
• Starting weight.

Your prescribing doctor will offer you medical advice and help you accordingly. They will continuously monitor your progress and change Wellbutrin dosage if the weight loss persists.

Ways to Manage Changes in Weight While on Wellbutrin

Keeping a constant check on your weight changes while on Wellbutrin is crucial. Your mental health provider will develop treatment options combining 

• a healthy lifestyle, 
• mindfulness practice, 
• and eating healthy nutrition. 

We just discovered how Wellbutrin causes weight loss; let’s see how to manage this weight loss keeping the following points in mind;

Monitor Your Eating Habits

Be mindful of your portion sizes and eat regularly. Consistency in meals will help stabilize your metabolism and help you maintain your weight easily. Keeping a constant check on eating habits will enable you to identify problematic behaviors that may cause weight loss or weight gain. A balanced diet is what you need.

Indulge in Eating Healthy

We all have heard the old saying, an Apple a day keeps the doctor away. Indulging in eating healthy is important to maintain your weight and body size. Eat more vegetables, fruits, whole grains, and lean proteins. 

Say goodbye to processed food, refined sugar, carbohydrates, and saturated fats. If you are on a weight loss plan with Wellbutrin, following these steps is important. Although Wellbutrin does cause weight loss, the results are better when combined with the steps.

Engage in More Physical Activity

Research shows that regular exercise is a great way to establish long-term goals for staying healthy. If you’re taking Wellbutrin for major depressive disorder, exercising will help improve your mood and help you treat the disorder better.

Consult a Dietician

Many times, we have heard people go to dieticians asking if Wellbutrin causes weight loss. The answer is yes. If you want to maintain weight, consult your dietician. Also, consult your mental healthcare provider and ask them to adjust the dosage of Wellbutrin if there’s a significant weight loss.

The Bottom Line

Wellbutrin is an effective antidepressant used by millions of people around the world. If you are looking for an antidepressant without causing weight gain, share your concern with your doctor, and they might prescribe you Wellbutrin, as it does not lead to excessive weight gain. In contrast, the opposite is true. However, all antidepressants have side effects; if you suffer from constant high blood pressure or have suicidal thoughts, contact your doctor right away. 

Every small step brings you closer to your goal. Stay committed, stay positive, and watch the transformation unfold!

FAQS

1. How Much Weight Do You Lose on Wellbutrin?

On average, about 5 to 10 pounds. However, it depends on the individual; some have also reported that they have shed about 20 pounds. The factors that affect weight loss are dosage and intention of usage. However, the final weight loss depends on the present Body mass index.

2.   How Does Wellbutrin Cause Weight Loss?

Wellbutrin increases metabolism, allows faster burning of calories, and suppresses appetite. However, the exact mechanism of weight loss is still not understood. But, experts believe it has to do with the alterations of the neurotransmitters in the brain.

3.   Does Wellbutrin Have Serious Side Effects?

All antidepressants have side effects. As for bupropion, some possible side effects are agitation, irritability, abnormal behavior, and, rarely, suicidal behaviors and tendencies. 

4. Does Wellbutrin Cause Depression?

It is a rare side effect, but yes, Wellbutrin can cause depression in some people. If you have symptoms of depression, contact a doctor.

5. Is Wellbutrin a Potent Drug?

Unlike tricyclic antidepressants, tetracyclic, and selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors, Wellbutrin belongs to the NDRIs class of drugs. In contrast to all the above categories of antidepressants, Wellbutrin is a weak inhibitor of the neuronal uptake of dopamine and norepinephrine.