How and When to use Bupropion? (Wellbutrin, Zyban) - Medical Doctor Explains

Fri, 15 Aug 2025 21:58:54 +0000

This is an informational overview video on Bupropion. Bupropion is available under several brandnames: Wellbutrin and Zyban. It is only available as a tablet.

When to use it?
Bupropion can be used to treat a depression, and secondly bupropion can also be used to support stoping smoking.
And for those of you watching, planning to quit smoking, I have already made a more general video on “how to quit smoking”, that provides you with all the necessary tips and tricks! You can find it here: https://youtu.be/WSUbXPGOBdw

How to use it?
Swallow it tablet whole, with a glass of water. Do not chew on it or crush it.
And always take it at fixed times; preferably in the morning (if you need to take 1 tablet) or in the morning and afternoon (if you need to take it twice a day). Prevent taking it in the evening.

What is the correct dosage?
Wellbutrin: to treat depressions.
Starting dose: 150 mg 1x/day

Zyban: to quit smoking.
Quit smoking: Zyban:
Starting dose: 150mg 1/day, and after 4 weeks it can be increased to 150mg 2/day.

If you forget to take a dose, than skip it, and take the next tablet when you usually do so.

If you are looking for a video on nicotine substitutes, like the nicotine patches, check it out here:
https://youtu.be/VHbbZyUDFzw.

If you are looking for a video on Varenicline, than you can find it here:
https://youtu.be/osVTf4Un_3c

What are the side-effects?
(Very) common (≥ 10%):
Insomnia, headache, dizziness, shaking of your hands, concentration problems, sadness, agitation, anxiety, nausea, vomiting, loss of appetite, belly pain, constipation, dry mouth, fever, skin irritations (itching, red spots).

Uncommon (0.1-1%):
Weight loss, fast beating heart, increased blood pressure, chest pain, confusion, hearing of a squeaky sound.

Rarely (0,01-0,1%):
Low blood pressure, muscle twitching, cramps, and an allergic reactions.

Stay safe while using Bupropion:
Avoid driving your car the first week you are using bupropion. This is because you might experience some side effects like dizziness and confusion. Which do not exactly make driving very safe. The same is true every time your dose is increased.
Now after 1 week most people are used to the effects, and than it is safe again to drive. However only do so if indeed your are not experience these side effects.
Secondly, I would also advice you to avoid alcohol, as it may increase the side effects of bupropion.

Pregnancy and Lactation:
Try to avoid bupropion, if possible.
It is unclear if it is harmful for you baby, but there are signs it could. So my advice would be to avoid it, and try to use other medicines which are not harmful for your child.

- Disclaimer: this video is meant purely informational! This is not medical advice! If you are looking for medical advice always contact your own doctor. -

Literature:
1: Farmacotherapeutisch Kompas. (2019). Bupropion.
2: Apotheek.nl. (2019). Bupropion.
3. Sinha S. (2018). Bupropion.

* The images in this video are used for educational purposes only.

Music:
Huma-Huma, Crimson Fly, https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qpxhg...
Vibe Tracks, Beat your competition
Unicorn heads, Boardroom theme

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