{"id":57066,"date":"2023-02-09T13:22:29","date_gmt":"2023-02-09T18:22:29","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.singlecare.com\/blog\/?p=57066"},"modified":"2026-03-22T20:50:28","modified_gmt":"2026-03-23T00:50:28","slug":"wellbutrin-weight-loss","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.singlecare.com\/blog\/wellbutrin-weight-loss\/","title":{"rendered":"Can you take Wellbutrin for weight loss?"},"content":{"rendered":"

Wellbutrin<\/span><\/a> (bupropion) is a prescription <\/span>antidepressant medication<\/span><\/a> that can also help with weight loss. While it’s not FDA-approved specifically for this use, many people taking it report shedding pounds as a side effect. If you’re struggling with both depressive symptoms and an elevated body mass index (BMI), Wellbutrin might be a helpful option to discuss with your healthcare provider.<\/span><\/p>\n\t\t

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\n\t\t\t\t\tWellbutrin 150 mg (60 t)\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t\t23666 - Hampton, VA\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t
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\n\t\t\t\t\t$6.20\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t\ti<\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\tPrice with signup<\/a>\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t
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\n\t\t\t\t\t$6.20\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t\ti<\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\tPrice with signup<\/a>\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\tGet free coupon<\/a>\n\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\tSee Wellbutrin prices at all pharmacies<\/a>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\n\t\t\n

Does Wellbutrin cause weight loss?<\/span><\/h2>\n

In pre-marketing clinical studies of brand-name <\/span>Wellbutrin SR<\/span><\/a> (<\/span>sustained-release bupropion<\/span><\/a>) in the treatment of major depressive disorder, mild weight loss of greater than five pounds occurred in 28% of all patients receiving the medication at either a dose of 300 mg per day or 400 mg per day. This was more than any weight loss observed in patients taking a placebo. This led to the medication being studied in <\/span>overweight and obese adult women<\/span> and showed that bupropion was more effective at achieving weight loss at eight weeks compared to placebo. What is even more profound with bupropion is its apparent ability to allow for weight loss sustained over time.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

One\u00a0study <\/span>found that overweight or obese adults taking sustained-release bupropion in 300 mg or 400 mg doses lost weight in a dose-dependent manner when combined with a lifestyle intervention program.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

According to a clinical trial published in the <\/span>Journal of Clinical Medicine,<\/span><\/a> conducted by Group Health researchers, when different antidepressants were examined to understand their relationship with long-term weight change, it was found that bupropion is the only antidepressant associated with long-term weight loss; others had modest effects on weight loss. In contrast, others were associated with weight gain. Given no known difference in efficacy on antidepressant effects, bupropion should be considered the best initial choice of antidepressant in depressed overweight and obese patients when no known contraindications are present.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

How does Wellbutrin cause weight loss?<\/span><\/h2>\n

The exact science isn\u2019t fully understood, but researchers believe Wellbutrin works by suppressing appetite. It targets norepinephrine and dopamine\u2014chemicals in the brain that affect mood and cravings. By regulating these neurotransmitters, Wellbutrin may help curb emotional eating and alter the reward system related to food. This same rationale supports the active ingredient\u2019s labeling under the brand name Zyban for assistance in smoking cessation. Some people also take a combination pill called Contrave, which includes bupropion and naltrexone. This blend further reduces cravings for high-fat and sugary foods, aiding in weight loss.<\/span><\/p>\n

Who can take Wellbutrin for weight loss?<\/span><\/h2>\n

Wellbutrin SR and Wellbutrin XL do not have FDA-approved indications for weight loss, but they can be used off-label as weight-loss drugs. They may be particularly good choices in patients who also require antidepressant treatment. A dose of 400 mg\/day was associated with a higher percentage of total body weight loss compared to a 300 mg\/day dose.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

The main ingredient of these brand-name medications, bupropion, is available in combination with naltrexone as <\/span>Contrave<\/span><\/a> extended-release tablets. Contrave was FDA approved in 2014 as an adjunct to a reduced-calorie diet and increased physical activity for chronic weight management in obese or overweight adults in the presence of at least one weight-related comorbid medical condition. The dose of Contrave is a titrated dose for adults at least 18 years of age, up to a maximum of two tablets (16 mg naltrexone\/180 mg bupropion) taken twice daily, and <\/span>clinical studies<\/span><\/a> have demonstrated more weight loss with the combination compared to bupropion alone; with one of the <\/span>randomized, controlled trials<\/span><\/a> contributing to its FDA approval demonstrating up to 8.2% weight loss. .<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n
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Wellbutrin dosage for weight loss<\/b><\/h2>\n<\/th>\n<\/tr>\n<\/thead>\n

Dosage<\/span><\/td>\nAverage weight loss<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Wellbutrin SR (bupropion sustained-release) 300 mg\/day<\/span><\/td>\n7.2% of initial body weight at 24 weeks<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Wellbutrin SR (bupropion sustained-release) 400 mg\/day<\/span><\/td>\n10.1% of initial body weight at 24 weeks<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Contrave extended-release (extended-release naltrexone\/bupropion) 16mg\/180 mg twice daily<\/span><\/td>\n8.2% of initial body weight at 56 weeks<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n

Is it safe to take Wellbutrin for weight loss?<\/span><\/h2>\n

Wellbutrin and its active ingredient, bupropion, are generally safe when taken per the advice of a healthcare provider. Taking Wellbutrin for weight loss may also improve overall mood and reduce feelings of stress. However, there are certain patients for whom Wellbutrin should be avoided, including those with:<\/span><\/p>\n