bupropion (Wellbutrin)

Meet with a licensed provider online to explore an antidepressant medication like bupropion (Wellbutrin) may be right for you.

Treatment for:
depression, anxiety disorders, obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), panic disorder

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What is an NDRI?

A norepinephrine–dopamine reuptake inhibitor (NDRI) is a class of medication commonly used to treat mental health conditions like depression.

How does an NDRI work?

NDRIs increase the availability of norepinephrine and dopamine in the brain. Norepinephrine is a naturally-occurring brain chemical that supports focus, attention, and energy; dopamine is also a naturally occurring brain chemical that plays an important role in our brain's reward center and in motivation.

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How prescribing works

  • 1

    Find a provider who meets your needs

    Browse our providers online or call our scheduling team for matching assistance — find a provider who accepts your insurance and meets your needs, whether that’s a clinical specialty or a shared life experience. Choose a date and time that works for you and how you’d prefer to pay (using insurance or self-pay).

  • 2

    Meet 1:1 to begin treatment

    Meet online with your provider to begin treatment. At your first session, share any symptoms or struggles you’re experiencing along with your goals. Together, you and your provider will discuss if medication may be a good next step. Your provider may write you a prescription to be filled at your local pharmacy.

  • 3

    Attend sessions and start feeling better

    Once your treatment plan is created, your provider will regularly check in and encourage feedback to ensure any medication you may be prescribed is effective for you.

FAQs

What is bupropion (Wellbutrin) used for?

Bupropion (Wellbutrin) is an antidepressant medication used to treat a variety of mental health disorders, including major depressive disorder (MDD) and seasonal affective disorder (SAD).

Does bupropion (Wellbutrin) cause weight gain or loss?

Changes in weight are a common side effect of antidepressant medication — bupropion (Wellbutrin) is more likely to cause weight loss than gain. If you have concerns about managing your weight while taking antidepressant medication, consult with your provider.

Is bupropion (Wellbutrin) a controlled substance or stimulant?

No, bupropion (Wellbutrin) is a norepinephrine and dopamine reuptake inhibitor (NDRI) and is not classified as a controlled substance.

Does bupropion (Wellbutrin) help with anxiety?

Bupropion (Wellbutrin) is most often prescribed to treat depression, but in some cases may be used to treat symptoms of anxiety or other mental health conditions.

How long does bupropion (Wellbutrin) take to work?

Unlike some other medications, which can take 4 to 8 weeks to have a full effect, bupropion is often effective within days of starting the medication.

Does bupropion (Wellbutrin) make you sleepy?

As with all medications, side effects can occur (or not) for everyone differently. With bupropion (Wellbutrin), fatigue is uncommon. In fact, it’s usually recommended to take bupropion (Wellbutrin) in the morning due to its common activating effects.

How long does bupropion (Wellbutrin) stay in your system?

Bupropion (Wellbutrin) has a half-life of approximately 21 hours — this means that your body will have processed half of the medication’s dosage within 21 hours of taking it. It will take close to 5 days for bupropion to be fully out of your system.

Can I get a prescription online?

You can meet online with a licensed provider at Thriveworks — if it’s clinically appropriate, they may prescribe you medication for the treatment of a diagnosed mental health condition. Your Thriveworks provider will send your prescription to a local pharmacy to be filled.

Can I use my health insurance for online prescriptions and refills?

Thriveworks accepts most major insurance plans for our online psychiatry and therapy services. Your insurance may also cover the cost of any medication prescribed to you by your Thriveworks provider, which can be filled at a local pharmacy. Check with your insurance provider to confirm your medical and prescription coverage information.

How do I get a prescription at Thriveworks?

Schedule an online appointment with a licensed psychiatric provider at Thriveworks. After meeting with you and discussing your symptoms and treatment plan, your provider may recommend a prescription medication and/or additional services to help you reach your goals.

This information has been reviewed for accuracy and approved by our licensed psychiatric team. Published October 3, 2024

We offer psychiatry in these select states

Our psychiatry services are done completely online, so you can schedule with any psychiatric provider in your state.

Dr. Scott Gordon

Accepting medication as part of your mental health care plan is an individual and often deeply personal decision. At Thriveworks, we’re here to help you understand your care options and support you on the path toward wellness. We prioritize treating the whole patient, whether through medication, therapy, or a combination of both — guided by clinical best practices and rigorously developed treatment strategies to help clients safely and efficiently resolve their symptoms.

Dr. Scott Gordon Chief Medical Officer

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