Bupropion (Wellbutrin/Zyban) Side Effects & Uses in Addiction Treatment

New research has found that the antidepressant and smoking cessation drug bupropion may also be used to treat stimulant use disorder.¹

This article will discuss bupropion, its uses for treating psychiatric disorders and addiction, as well as the potential side effects.

What Is Bupropion?

Bupropion—brand name Wellbutrin—is a medication used widely for mental health disorders. However, it is also emerging as a medication in the addiction treatment space.

Scientists developed bupropion to avoid side effects like sexual dysfunction, weight gain, and somnolence common in other antidepressants.^1,2 Originally marketed to treat major depressive disorder, this antidepressant has found success as a smoking cessation medication and, more recently, as a stimulant use disorder treatment.¹

Further studies indicate that bupropion may aid in other conditions including:²

• ADHD.
• Weight loss.
• Seasonal affective disorder.³
• Bipolar disorder.⁴
• Post-traumatic stress disorder.⁴
• Stimulant use disorder.

How Does Bupropion Work?

Bupropion works in the brain differently from other antidepressants. Instead of affecting serotonin like Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors (SSRIs), it works on dopamine and norepinephrine transporters (DAT and NET). Bupropion inhibits the reuptake of these neurotransmitters, which results in their increased availability.⁵

How Bupropion Is Used in Addiction Treatment

Bupropion is also showing promise in treating stimulant use disorder (StUD), which has become a growing area of focus. Some research has found bupropion combined with other treatment interventions increased abstinence in people recovering from cocaine or amphetamine-type stimulant use disorder.⁶

Dopamine—one of the neurotransmitters affected by bupropion—is heavily involved in the brain’s motivation and reward circuits. Scientists think that the increased dopamine activity from drug use may explain why someone continues to want to use harmful substances despite them causing significant problems in their life. After prolonged drug use, the brain becomes less able to produce or access dopamine and other neurotransmitters naturally.⁷

As a dopaminergic agent, bupropion could target the same neurotransmitter system affected by stimulants and stimulant addiction. However, research on this topic is still in its infancy and results on bupropion treatment for stimulant addiction have been mixed.⁶

Using Bupropion to Quit Smoking

Under the name Zyban, bupropion has been shown to help with tobacco cessation, easing cravings, and reducing relapse rates among healthy adults with tobacco dependence.^1(efficacy) 

A long-term study found that most people tolerated it well, had no major side effects, and didn’t relapse after one year.^1(efficacy)

How Can Bupropion Help Treat Stimulant Addiction?

Bupropion is being researched as a possible treatment medication for stimulant use disorder (StUD), such as meth addiction.^2,5

The infrequent and relatively mild side effects make it an increasingly popular off-label prescription for patients with stimulant addictions, especially those with certain co-occurring disorders, including depression and PTSD.^4,6

Patients struggling with cocaine or low to moderate amphetamine-type use disorders may be prescribed bupropion in addition to evidence-based therapies like cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), contingency management, and community reinforcement approaches.⁶ It may also be paired with naltrexone, for those also struggling with problematic alcohol use.⁶

Side Effects of Bupropion (Wellbutrin/Zyban)

The common side effects associated with Wellbutrin include:³

• Dry mouth.
• Headache.
• Sore throat.
• Sweating.
• Dizziness.
• Constipation.
• Nausea.
• Fast heartbeat.
• Insomnia.
• Weight loss.

These symptoms often resolve after the first 1-2 weeks.³

Finding Addiction Treatment That Works For You

If you are experiencing any type of substance use disorder, comprehensive addiction or mental health treatment can help you. In many instances, this treatment program may include medications for substance use disorder.

AAC treatment centers across the United States can help you or your loved one get sober and remain in long-term recovery. Call our admissions navigators at to begin treatment.

Alternatively, you can opt to text with a caring professional if you are not ready to chat on the phone or verify your insurance online.