How Long Does Wellbutrin Take to Work?

Bupropion, released as Wellbutrin, was synthesized by American chemist Nariman Mehta in 1969. Over the years, its unique antidepressant properties were revealed. It resulted in its legal permission of use in 1985 in the USA. Wellbutrin is in great demand, with more than 25 million packages of this medicine sold in the United States in 2022. [1]

Studies showed the efficacy of Wellbutrin in treating major depressive disorder, attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), and seasonal affective disorder. Besides this, it’s used as an add-on drug when the first-line selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI) antidepressant isn’t entirely practical. Scientists also observe the possibility of supporting smoking cessation with the help of Bupropion. [2]

This medicine is an atypical antidepressant. It means it acts in different ways than other antidepressants. Its distinction is in the neurotransmitter it impacts. Conventional antidepressants increase the serotonin level to achieve the therapeutic effect. At the same time, Wellbutrin affects dopamine and norepinephrine. It allows this medication to avoid some side effects inherent in conventional analogs. Therefore, unlike them, Wellbutrin usually doesn’t cause sexual dysfunction and weight gain. [3]

Effects of Wellbutrin include diminishing depressive symptoms in the first place. That’s why it’s helpful to define symptoms inherited from this condition. It doesn’t mean they must all be present at once, but common signs are the following:

• Persistent sadness. It’s crucial for diagnosis that sufferers experience feelings of sadness and hopelessness for extended periods.
• Significant lack of motivation. It’s especially noticeable when patients have no desire to pursue hobbies and other pleasurable activities they used to like.
• Changed everyday habits. Depressive persons may eat and sleep more or less than usual.
• Concentration problems. Such conditions may lead to trouble focusing and remembering details.
• Low nervous energy. Lack of personal resources is combined with irritability over minor issues. [4]

How Long Does it Take for Wellbutrin to Work?

One of the most important questions about this medication is how long it will take for Wellbutrin to kick in. It doesn’t start to act from the very beginning. Usually, it takes within 1-2 weeks for patients to notice the first effect. At this early stage, they only begin to feel relief from their symptoms. Gradually, as patients continue to use the medication, the climax comes in 4-6 weeks. In this period, they may experience the maximum benefit of a particular dose. More significant lasting changes in mood and motivation are typically observed slightly later in 6 to 8 weeks.

Remember that finding the dosage right for you may require some additional time. Experienced and caring specialists usually start to treat you with lower doses. And only later, they boost them slowly. Such a decision reduces the risk of side effects, which every drug has. It may be irritating to take it slowly with much-anticipated treatment. [4][5]

Signs Wellbutrin is Working

The brain works with subtle differences in every individual.  Wellbutrin’s impact is no exception. Its onset of action, time to feel first signs of relief, and how long it will last vary from person to person. However, there are some clear signs which demonstrate that the medicine is working:

• Improved mood. As it’s one of the primary reasons to take Wellbutrin, your emotional state will be a perfect indicator of working medication. If it improves significantly, you’ll definitely know about the positive effects of the antidepressant. For instance, patients used to be urged toward new achievements in their professional careers. But they lost this dedication because of depression. Returning interest to the job will show successful treatment.
• Increased energy levels. One of the symptoms of depression is a lack of motivation. Such people experience the absence of motivation in performing daily routines. Hence, when Wellbutrin begins to work, users notice the desire to solve everyday things. An example would be household chores such as laundering or dishwashing. Depressive people tend to avoid them because of their condition. With the medication course, the ability to perform housework comes back.
• Enhanced focus and concentration. These cognitive processes suffer significantly due to mental health conditions, which Wellbutrin helps with. The treatment allows sufferers to experience increased concentration and a more effortless flow of demanding tasks. Therefore, improved overall productivity will be another sign of the medication’s efficiency.
• Different sleep patterns. Depression and anxiety inevitably lead to a lack of rest. With treating the symptoms, Wellbutrin may affect sleep patterns. There is the possibility of aggravation, though, because of the drug’s stimulating effect.
• Enhanced interest in activities. While the medicine reveals the therapeutic effect, users find returned urges to social interactions and hobbies. [4]

Factors That Affect How Long It Takes Wellbutrin to Work

As we mentioned before, the reaction of an organism to Wellbutrin action is individual. It’s also about the time for wellbutrin to start working and the duration of effect. However, we can highlight some objective factors that impact it. They are the following:

• It’s a pure math factor. The higher doses a patient takes, the quicker the onset of action begins. They can be prescribed if the current dose isn’t effective. Missed, decreased, or mistaken doses undoubtedly also influence the progress. That’s why you shouldn’t self-medicate. Follow the doctor’s instructions to get the desired effect from the antidepressant.
• Individual factors. They’re the most unpredictable. Still, the main individual characteristics affecting the duration of the drug work could be genetics, history of mental issues, and physical parameters. Genetic factors influence other ones. They play the primary role in body reaction to Wellbutrin. Nevertheless, not only does it impact various physical parameters, like weight and metabolism rate and a history of mental issues. They’re partly a consequence of our life choices and are significant for medication treatment results.
• Concurrent medications. Any drug may interact with others. Results can be neutral, beneficial, or harmful. For instance, Wellbutrin is often used with SSRIs. However, it’s not recommended to combine this medicine with nicotine replacement therapy. Simultaneous administration may lead to increased blood pressure. That’s why you should warn your medical team about your medication.
• Symptom severity. More severe depressive symptoms might require more time to be treated. Whereas patients with milder symptoms feel the difference earlier. [6]

Wellbutrin is an effective antidepressant. As with any antidepressant, one of the most urgent concerns is how long it takes for Wellbutrin to start working. The answer is contingent on many factors. But typically the first signs show within 1-2 weeks. During the climax after 6-8 weeks, people may notice improved mood, increased energy, and focus enhancement. If you`re struggling with depression now, contact our professionals from URP Behavioral Health. We help you with the proper treatment, will it be with drug use, therapy, or both.

References:

1. Bupropion. https://clincalc.com/DrugStats/Drugs/Bupropion
2. Krisna Patel, Sophie Allen, Mariam N Haque, Ilinca Angelescu, David Baumeister, Derek K Tracy. Bupropion: a systematic review and meta-analysis of effectiveness as an antidepressant. https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC4837968/. Feb 18, 2016
3. Kyle Lakey. Atypical Antidepressants An Alternative Treatment. https://psyclarityhealth.com/atypical-antidepressants-an-alternative-treatment/. Jun 19, 2023
4. Carmen Pope. How long does it take Wellbutrin XL/SR (bupropion) to work? https://www.drugs.com/medical-answers/long-wellbutrin-xl-sr-work-3557497/. Aug 12, 2024
5. Austin Lin, MD. How long does it take for Wellbutrin to work? 5 signs it’s working. https://www.talkiatry.com/blog/how-long-for-wellbutrin-to-work. Nov 8, 2024
6. Dion Metzger. How Long Does It Take for Wellbutrin to Work? https://www.talkspace.com/blog/how-long-for-wellbutrin-to-work/. May 16, 2024