{"id":631626,"date":"2025-03-25T09:30:48","date_gmt":"2025-03-25T13:30:48","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.singlecare.com\/blog\/?p=631626"},"modified":"2026-04-21T23:05:24","modified_gmt":"2026-04-22T03:05:24","slug":"how-long-does-it-take-bupropion-to-work","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.singlecare.com\/blog\/how-long-does-it-take-bupropion-to-work\/","title":{"rendered":"How long does it take bupropion to work?"},"content":{"rendered":"

Bupropion<\/span><\/a>, commonly marketed under the brand names Wellbutrin SR, Wellbutrin XL, and Zyban, is an oral medication used for treating adult depression and <\/span>seasonal affective disorder<\/span><\/a> (SAD). SAD is a form of depression that occurs in a recurrent seasonal pattern and is more common or severe during winter.<\/span>
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Bupropion is also approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) as a medication for aiding smoking cessation. It usually starts improving some symptoms within the first one to two weeks of taking it. However, it may take longer to effectively treat all symptoms of <\/span>depression<\/span><\/a>.<\/span>
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\u201cBupropion works by increasing the activity of two chemicals in the brain (dopamine and norepinephrine), which are important for mood,\u201d says Shaina Schwartz, Pharm.D., an assistant professor of pharmacy clinical studies in High Point University’s Fred Wilson School of Pharmacy. She explains that one of the theories behind why people develop depression is that their levels of these chemicals are too low, so bupropion can be used to treat depression by restoring these levels.<\/span><\/p>\n\t\t

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How long does it take for bupropion to work?\u00a0<\/span><\/h2>\n

\u201cBupropion typically takes about one to two weeks to start showing effects, but it can take up to six weeks to feel the full benefits,\u201d says <\/span>Brian Zachariah<\/span><\/a>, MD, a board-certified psychiatrist at Mindpath Health. While symptoms like energy, sleep, and appetite <\/span>may improve earlier<\/span><\/a>, others, like lack of interest in day-to-day activities and depressed mood, may take longer to improve.\u00a0<\/span>
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Dr. Zachariah also explains that the onset of action can vary depending on the dosage and the form of the medication taken. Bupropion is available in three forms: immediate-release (IR), sustained-release (SR), and extended-release (XL).<\/span><\/p>\n

The IR form starts to show effects within a few hours and is taken multiple times a day. The SR form begins to show effects within three to four hours and is taken twice a day. The XL form starts to show effects within five to six hours and is taken once a day to provide a steady level of the drug throughout the day.<\/span>
\n<\/span>Improvement in certain symptoms is an indication that bupropion is working for you. \u201cIndividuals should notice a gradual improvement in their symptoms of depression or other conditions being treated, such as a better mood, increased energy levels, and improved focus and motivation,\u201d Dr. Zachariah says.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Additionally, he notes that after starting bupropion, some people may experience some common side effects, such as constipation, dry mouth, <\/span>insomnia<\/span><\/a>, and headaches, which often improve over time.<\/span><\/p>\n

What can affect how long bupropion takes to work?<\/span><\/h2>\n

Different factors can affect bupropion\u2019s absorption, or how long it takes to work. According to Dr. Zachariah, this includes food intake, age, liver function, and concurrent use of other medications. He explains that:<\/span><\/p>\n