Does Wellbutrin XL/SR cause weight gain or loss?
Wellbutrin XL and Wellbutrin SR are different formulations of the antidepressant bupropion. Both Wellbutrin XL and Wellbutrin SR may cause weight gain or weight loss, but weight loss is more common. Not everyone taking these drugs will experience a change in weight.
Weight changes are considered a side effect for both Wellbutrin XL and Wellbutrin SR. Studies of Wellbutrin XL show that 23% of people taking a dose of 150 to 300 mg per day lost 5 pounds or more. In the same studies, 11% of people gained more than 5 pounds.
Studies of Wellbutrin SR show that 14% of people taking a dose of 300 mg per day lost more than 5 pounds. At a dose of 400 mg, 19% of people lost more than 5 pounds. In the same studies, a small percentage of people gained more than 5 pounds: 3% taking 300 mg and 2% taking 400 mg.
Bupropion may also be used to help people stop smoking. A study of sustained-release (SR) bupropion for smoking cessation found that people using this medication were less likely to gain weight after they stopped smoking.
The reason bupropion causes some people to lose weight is not known, but it may have to do with its mechanism of action to treat depression.
Bupropion increases the level of the brain chemical dopamine. Some studies suggest that lower levels of dopamine may be linked to obesity.
The difference between Wellbutrin XL and Wellbutrin SR lies in the dosing schedule. XL is an extended-release medication and only needs to be taken once a day. SR stands for sustained release, and it may be taken twice a day.
Both XL and SR formulations are approved to treat major depressive disorder. Wellbutrin XL has an additional approval for seasonal affective disorder (SAD), which is depression that occurs with the changing of seasons, usually in the fall and winter.
References
- Food and Drug Administration (FDA). Wellbutrin XL Prescribing Information. May 2017. Available at: https://www.accessdata.fda.gov/drugsatfda_docs/label/2017/021515s036lbl.pdf. [Accessed March 2, 2021].
- Food and Drug Administration (FDA). Wellbutrin SR Prescribing Information. October 2020. Available at: https://gskpro.com/content/dam/global/hcpportal/en_US/Prescribing_Information/Wellbutrin_SR/pdf/WELLBUTRIN-SR-PI-MG.PDF. [Accessed March 2, 2021].
- Anderson JW, Greenway FL, Gadde KM, et al. Bupropion SR Enhances Weight Loss: A 48-Week Double-Blind, Placebo-Controlled Trial. Obes Res. 2002;10:633-641. https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/full/10.1038/oby.2002.86. [Accessed March 2, 2021].
Read next
Can I stop taking Wellbutrin suddenly or should I taper off?
Stopping Wellbutrin (brand name for bupropion) suddenly may cause withdrawal symptoms. If you want to stop taking Wellbutrin, it’s important to talk to your doctor first. Your doctor can help you slowly lower your dose if needed and stop taking Wellbutrin safely. Continue reading
How long does it take Wellbutrin XL/SR (bupropion) to work?
You may notice an improvement in your sleep, energy and appetite in the first week or two of taking Wellbutrin and this can be an important sign that the drug is working. But, like other antidepressants, improvements in your mood or motivation may take 6 to 8 weeks to develop. Continue reading
What's the difference between Wellbutrin XL and SR?
Wellbutrin XL is an extended release tablet which releases more slowly than the Wellbutrin SR tablet which is released faster. Wellbutrin SR is only used for major depressive disorder (MDD), whereas Wellbutrin XL can be used for both MDD and seasonal affective disorder (SAD) Continue reading
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