QUESTION: Wellbutrin long term side effects 

ANSWERS: Wellbutrin is a medication that you physician may prescribe to treat your depression and works in your brain to help treat your depression. How it works in not exactly known. It can be used to treat other conditions as well such as to help you stop smoking and as an appetite depressant. It is known that antidepressant medications can increase the risk of suicidal actions or thoughts in young adults, teenagers, and even children so make sure that you talk with your physician about the benefits of this medication to see if the benefits outweigh the risks.

Dosage Form

  • Twenty-four hour extended release tablet
  • Twelve hour extended release tablet
  • Regular tablet
  • Extended release tablet

General Side Effects

There is a chance that all medications can cause side effects but there are many people who have no side effects or just minor ones. Here are some of the common side effects of Wellbutrin.

  • Changes in your appetite
  • Constipation
  • Dizziness
  • Headache
  • Dry mouth
  • Increased sweating
  • Nervousness, restlessness
  • Nausea, vomiting
  • Weight changes
  • Changes in taste
  • Having trouble sleeping

If you feel you are having an allergic reaction, you should call your physician immediately. Some of those symptoms can include having a rash or hives, trouble breathing, face, lips, tongue, or mouth swelling, or tightness in your chest.

Long Term Side Effects of Wellbutrin

At this time there are only a few long term side effects known but they may be others that have not been reported yet. The ones that are known include:

  • A significant amount of weight is gained
  • They have some type of sexual dysfunction
  • There may be drug interactions with the other medications they are taking.
  • There may symptoms associated with discontinuing this medication.

Safety Information

  • Taking this medication could cause, in addition to dizziness, blurred vision or drowsiness so make sure how you react to the medication before you drive.
  • May increase your risk of having seizures.
  • Make sure that you do not take any other diet pills, decongestants, or stimulants without checking with your physician first.
  • Do not take it too close to bedtime because it may cause you to have trouble sleeping.
  • Make sure that you take the medication with food if you find it irritates or upsets your stomach if you take it on an empty stomach
  • Make sure that you take your medication at the same time each day.

General Information

Make sure that if you have any questions that you talk with your physician. It may take several weeks before you notice that the medication is working so give it time. Do not stop taking it without checking with your physician. You should continue taking it even if you start to feel better.

Before considering taking Wellbutrin talk to your physician about your past medical history, especially if you have kidney problems, high blood pressure, diabetes, and heart or liver problems or have had a heart attack recently. Your physician already knows what medications you are on but if you are taking any over-the-counter or herbal supplements, make sure that you let your physician know.