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Bupropion and Weight Loss
Some people may experience weight loss as a side effect of bupropion. This medicine has several side effects that can contribute to weight loss, including nausea and a loss of appetite. Although weight loss can be a good thing for some people, it can be a problem for others. If weight loss becomes a problem during treatment, let your healthcare provider know.
Bupropion hydrochloride (Wellbutrin®) is a prescription medicine used for the treatment of depression (also known as major depression or clinical depression). There are a number of possible side effects of bupropion, and weight loss appears to be one of them. For some people, this may be a good thing. For a lot of people, however, unintended weight loss can be a problem.
In previous studies, up to 28 percent of people taking bupropion lost more than five pounds. Although weight loss may be a desirable side effect for some people, too much weight loss can be a problem.
It is not entirely clear why weight loss can occur with bupropion. Bupropion often causes a loss of appetite, nausea, and vomiting, which may contribute to weight loss. Often, these side effects go away with time. However, you should be sure to let your healthcare provider know if these side effects do not go away. Also, since weight gain can be a symptom of depression, treating the depression can lead to weight loss.
If you are experiencing too much weight loss with bupropion, be sure to let your healthcare provider know.
Written by/reviewed by: Kristi Monson, PharmD; Arthur Schoenstadt, MD
Last reviewed by: Kristi Monson, PharmD