An Introduction to Bupropion Side Effects
As with any medicine, side effects are possible with
bupropion hydrochloride (
Wellbutrin®). However, not everyone who takes the drug will experience side effects. In fact, most people tolerate it well. If bupropion side effects do occur, in most cases, they are minor and either require no treatment or can easily be treated by you or your healthcare provider.
(This article covers many, but not all, of the possible side effects with bupropion. Your healthcare provider can discuss a more complete list of bupropion side effects with you.)
Common Side Effects of Bupropion
Bupropion has been studied thoroughly in clinical trials.
In these studies, the side effects that occur in a group of people taking the drug are documented and are then compared to side effects that occur in another group of people not taking the medicine. As a result, it is possible to see what side effects occur, how often they appear, and how they compare to the group not taking the medicine.
In these studies, the most common side effects of bupropion included:
- Agitation -- in up to 31.9 percent of people
- Weight loss -- up to 28 percent of people (see Bupropion and Weight Loss)
- Dry mouth -- up to 27.6 percent of people (see Wellbutrin and Dry Mouth)
- Constipation -- up to 26 percent of people
- Headaches -- up to 25.7 percent of people
- Nausea or vomiting -- up to 22.9 percent of people
- Dizziness -- up to 22.3 percent of people
- Increased sweating -- up to 22.3 percent of people
- Shakiness (tremors) -- up to 21.1 percent of people
- Insomnia -- up to 18.6 percent of people (see Wellbutrin and Insomnia)
- Appetite loss -- up to 18.3 percent of people
- Blurred vision -- up to 14.6 percent of people
- A rapid heart rate (tachycardia) -- up to 10.8 percent of people
- Confusion -- up to 8.4 percent of people
- Hostility -- up to 5.6 percent of people
- Irregular heart rhythms (arrhythmias) -- up to 5.3 percent of people
- Hearing changes -- up to 5.3 percent of people.
Some other common bupropion side effects (occurring in 1 percent to 5 percent of people) include:
