What is bupropion XL used for? The medication has been approved to depression and seasonal affective disorder in adults. Because it can take several weeks to see the full beneficial effects, it is important to give bupropion XL a chance to work before becoming discouraged. Occasionally, bupropion XL is used for off-label purposes, including the treatment of ADHD and helping people to quit smoking.
Bupropion XL (Wellbutrin XL®) is a prescription medicine used for the treatment of depression (also known as major depression or clinical depression). It is also used to treat seasonal affective disorder (SAD).
Changes in sleep (sleeping too much or not enough)
Eating too much or too little (and weight gain or weight loss)
Having little interest in things that you used to enjoy
Physical pain
Feeling hopeless or worthless
Suicidal thoughts.
Bupropion XL has been proven in large clinical trials to help adults with depression. However, keep in mind that many antidepressants (including bupropion XL) can take several weeks to begin working. Sometimes, other people will notice an improvement in your symptoms before you do. Often, the physical symptoms of depression (such as pain or changes in sleep) will improve first -- sometimes within the first few weeks of treatment. It can take several weeks before significant changes in mood occur, so it is important to give bupropion XL a chance to work before becoming discouraged.
Counseling and therapy (see Psychotherapy for Depression) are often used along with antidepressant medication to treat depression. Ask your healthcare provider if either of these would be good options for you (see Depression Treatment).
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