Many medications can cause side effects. A side effect is an unwanted response to a medication when it is taken in normal doses. Side effects can be mild or severe, temporary or permanent.

The side effects listed below are not experienced by everyone who takes Wellbutrin XL (Bupropion). If you are concerned about side effects, discuss the risks and benefits of Wellbutrin XL (Bupropion) with your doctor.

The following side effects have been reported by at least 1% of people taking Wellbutrin XL (Bupropion). Many of these side effects can be managed, and some may go away on their own over time.

Contact your doctor if you experience these side effects and they are severe or bothersome. Your pharmacist may be able to advise you on managing side effects.

• appetite changes
• bloating
• Constipation
• dizziness
• dryness of mouth
• headache
• migraine
• nausea or vomiting
• trouble sleeping
• weight changes

Although most of the side effects listed below don't happen very often, they could lead to serious problems if you do not check with your doctor or seek medical attention.

Check with your doctor as soon as possible if any of the following side effects occur:

• aggression
• agitation
• anxiety
• confusion  
• false beliefs that cannot be changed by facts
• hallucinations (seeing, hearing, or feeling things that are not actually there)
• inability to urinate
• increased blood pressure
• low sodium levels in the blood (e.g., tiredness; weakness; confusion; with achy, stiff, or uncoordinated muscles)
• new or worsened emotional or behavioural problems
• signs of liver problems (e.g., nausea, vomiting, Diarrhea, loss of appetite, skin itching, weight loss, yellowing of the skin or whites of the eyes, dark urine, pale stools)
• symptoms of high blood sugar (e.g., frequent urination, increased thirst, excessive eating, unexplained weight loss, poor wound healing, infections, fruity breath odour)
• skin rash, Hives or itching

Seek immediate medical attention if any of the following occur:

• seizures (convulsions)
• signs of a severe skin reaction such as blistering, peeling, a rash covering a large area of the body, a rash that spreads quickly, or a rash combined with Fever or discomfort
• signs of a serious allergic reaction (i.e., hives, blistering skin rash, difficulty breathing, fainting, severe muscle or joint pain, or swelling of the face and throat)
• thoughts of harming yourself or others

Some people may experience side effects other than those listed. Check with your doctor if you notice any symptom that worries you while you are taking Wellbutrin XL (Bupropion).

150 mg
Each creamy-white-to-pale-yellow, round, extended-release tablet printed with "WXL 150" in purple ink contains 150 mg of Wellbutrin XL (Bupropion) hydrochloride. Nonmedicinal ingredients: denatured ethyl alcohol, ethylcellulose, glyceryl behenate, isopropyl alcohol, methylacrylic acid co-polymer dispersion, polyethylene glycol, polyvinyl alcohol, povidone, silicon dioxide, triethyl citrate, N-butyl alcohol, propylene glycol, shellac glaze, titanium dioxide, and red and blue FD&C dyes.

300 mg
Each creamy-white-to-pale-yellow, round, extended-release tablet printed with "WXL 300" in gray ink contains 300 mg of Wellbutrin XL (Bupropion) hydrochloride. Nonmedicinal ingredients: denatured ethyl alcohol, ethylcellulose, glyceryl behenate, isopropyl alcohol, methylacrylic acid co-polymer dispersion, polyethylene glycol, polyvinyl alcohol, povidone, silicon dioxide, triethyl citrate, N-butyl alcohol, propylene glycol, shellac glaze, titanium dioxide, and iron oxide black.

Do not take Wellbutrin XL (Bupropion) if you:

• are allergic to Wellbutrin XL (Bupropion) or to any of the ingredients of the medication
• are having abrupt withdrawal issues from alcohol, benzodiazepines (e.g., Diazepam, Clonazepam, Lorazepam) or other sedatives (e.g., Phenobarbital)
• are taking another medication that contains Wellbutrin XL (Bupropion) (e.g., Zyban® or Wellbutrin® SR)
• have a seizure disorder or a history of seizures
• have or have had an eating disorder (bulimia or anorexia nervosa)
• have taken a monoamine oxidase inhibitor (MAOI; e.g., Phenelzine, Tranylcypromine) within the last 14 days
• have taken thioridazine (an antipsychotic medication) within the last 14 days

There may be an interaction between Wellbutrin XL (Bupropion) extended-release tablets and any of the following:

• alcohol
• amphetamines (e.g., amphetamine, Dextroamphetamine, Lisdexamfetamine)
• antihistamines (e.g., doxylamine, Diphenhydramine, Hydroxyzine)
• anti-malarial medications (e.g., chloroquine, Mefloquine, Primaquine)
• anti-Parkinson medications (e.g., amantadine, Apomorphine, Bromocriptine, levodopa, Pramipexole, Ropinirole) – dopamine agonists
• antipsychotics (e.g., Chlorpromazine, Clozapine, Haloperidol, Risperidone)
• Atomoxetine
• beta-blockers (e.g., Metoprolol, Propranolol, Timolol)
• caffeine
• Carbamazepine
• Clopidogrel
• codeine
• Cyclophosphamide
• Dabrafenib
• dexmethylphenidate
• Dextromethorphan
• Digoxin
• Doxorubicin
• Duloxetine
• efavirenz
• Eliglustat
• Fesoterodine
• Flecainide
• Galantamine
• Gefitinib
• Hydrocodone
• Linezolid
• lithium
• lumacaftor and Ivacaftor
• Meperidine
• Methylphenidate
• Metoclopramide
• Mexiletine
• mifepristone
• Mirtazapine
• monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOI; e.g., phenelzine, tranylcypromine, Moclobemide, Rasagiline, Selegiline) – Wellbutrin XL (Bupropion) should not be started until at least 14 days after MAO inhibitors are stopped
• nelfinavir
• Nicotine replacement therapy (e.g., nicotine patch)
• phenobarbital
• Phenytoin
• primidone
• promethazine
• Propafenone
• rifampin
• ritonavir
• selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs; e.g., Citalopram, Escitalopram, Fluoxetine, Paroxetine, Sertraline)
• Tamoxifen
• Tamsulosin
• Tetrabenazine
• theophylline
• Ticlopidine
• Tolterodine
• Tramadol
• tricyclic antidepressants (e.g., Nortriptyline, Imipramine, Desipramine)
• Venlafaxine
• Vilazodone

If you are taking any of these medications, speak with your doctor or pharmacist. Depending on your specific circumstances, your doctor may want you to:

• stop taking one of the medications,
• change one of the medications to another,
• change how you are taking one or both of the medications, or
• leave everything as is.

An interaction between two medications does not always mean that you must stop taking one of them. Speak to your doctor about how any drug interactions are being managed or should be managed.

Medications other than those listed above may interact with Wellbutrin XL (Bupropion). Tell your doctor or prescriber about all prescription, over-the-counter (non-prescription), and herbal medications you are taking. Also tell them about any supplements you take. Since caffeine, alcohol, the nicotine from cigarettes, or street drugs can affect the action of many medications, you should let your prescriber know if you use them.

Before you begin using a medication, be sure to inform your doctor of any medical conditions or Allergies you may have, any medications you are taking, whether you are pregnant or breast-feeding, and any other significant facts about your health. These factors may affect how you should use Wellbutrin XL (Bupropion).

Drowsiness/reduced alertness: Wellbutrin XL (Bupropion) may affect the mental or physical abilities needed to drive or operate machinery. Avoid driving, operating machinery, or performing other hazardous tasks until you have determined how Wellbutrin XL (Bupropion) affects you.

Glaucoma: Wellbutrin XL (Bupropion) may cause the symptoms of glaucoma (increased pressure in the eye) to become worse. If you have glaucoma, discuss with your doctor how Wellbutrin XL (Bupropion) may affect your medical condition, how your medical condition may affect the dosing and effectiveness of Wellbutrin XL (Bupropion), and whether any special monitoring is needed. Report any changes in vision to your doctor as soon as possible while you are taking Wellbutrin XL (Bupropion).

Heart disease: It is not known whether Wellbutrin XL (Bupropion) is safe for use by people with a recent history of Heart Attack or unstable heart disease. Wellbutrin XL (Bupropion) may cause increases in blood pressure. If you have heart problems, discuss with your doctor how Wellbutrin XL (Bupropion) may affect your medical condition, how your medical condition may affect the dosing and effectiveness of Wellbutrin XL (Bupropion), and whether any special monitoring is needed.

Identical medications: Wellbutrin® XL, Wellbutrin® SR, Zyban®, and several other medications contain the same active ingredient (Wellbutrin XL (Bupropion)). If you are taking one of these medications, do not take the other or any other product containing Wellbutrin XL (Bupropion), as the risk of seizures increases with an increased dosage. To reduce the risk of seizures, the total daily dose of Wellbutrin XL (Bupropion) should not be greater than 300 mg.

Kidney function: Wellbutrin XL (Bupropion) is removed from the body by the kidneys. Decreased kidney function can cause Wellbutrin XL (Bupropion) to build up in the body, causing side effects. If you have Kidney Disease, discuss with your doctor how Wellbutrin XL (Bupropion) may affect your medical condition, how your medical condition may affect the dosing and effectiveness of Wellbutrin XL (Bupropion), and whether any special monitoring is needed.

Liver function: Wellbutrin XL (Bupropion) is removed from the body by the liver. Decreased liver function can cause Wellbutrin XL (Bupropion) to build up in the body, causing side effects. If you have liver disease, discuss with your doctor how Wellbutrin XL (Bupropion) may affect your medical condition, how your medical condition may affect the dosing and effectiveness of Wellbutrin XL (Bupropion), and whether any special monitoring is needed.

Wellbutrin XL (Bupropion) may also cause a decrease in liver function. If you experience symptoms of liver problems such as fatigue, feeling unwell, loss of appetite, nausea, yellowing of the skin or whites of the eyes, dark urine, pale stools, abdominal pain or swelling, and itchy skin, contact your doctor immediately.

Seizure risk: Wellbutrin XL (Bupropion) may increase the risk of seizures.  If you are at risk of seizures, discuss with your doctor how Wellbutrin XL (Bupropion) may affect your medical condition, how your medical condition may affect the dosing and effectiveness of Wellbutrin XL (Bupropion), and whether any special monitoring is needed.

Things which increase the risk of seizures include:

• addiction to cocaine, stimulants (e.g., amphetamines), or opiates (e.g., Morphine, Codeine, Oxycodone)
• Diabetes treated with oral medications or insulin
• excessive alcohol use
• history of head trauma or seizures (including Epilepsy)
• severe liver problems
• tumours of the brain or spinal cord
• use of other medications that make seizures more likely (e.g., antipsychotics, antidepressants, lithium, Theophylline, steroids)
• use of over-the-counter stimulants or appetite suppressants

Stopping the medication: Stopping Wellbutrin XL (Bupropion) suddenly may lead to side effects. If you are thinking of stopping the medication, check with your doctor first.

Serotonin syndrome: Severe reactions are possible when Wellbutrin XL (Bupropion) is combined with other medications that act on serotonin, such as tricyclic antidepressants and serotonin reuptake inhibitors, other medications used to treat depression. Similar effects occur when too much Wellbutrin XL (Bupropion) is taken or is allowed to build up in the body. Symptoms of a reaction may include muscle rigidity and spasms, difficulty moving, and changes in mental state including delirium and agitation. These reactions should be treated as a medical emergency and immediate medical treatment should be obtained as coma and death are possible.

Suicidal or agitated behaviour, or other behaviour changes: Especially in the first few weeks or when doses are changed, a small number of people may feel worse instead of better when taking Wellbutrin XL (Bupropion). People may feel agitated (restless, anxious, aggressive, emotional, and feeling not like themselves), or they may want to hurt themselves or others. If you experience these side effects or notice them in a family member who is taking Wellbutrin XL (Bupropion), contact your doctor immediately. Your doctor will monitor you closely for these side effects while you are taking Wellbutrin XL (Bupropion).

Pregnancy: Wellbutrin XL (Bupropion) should not be taken during pregnancy unless the benefits outweigh the risks. It has been reported that babies born to pregnant women who have taken medications of this kind during pregnancy may be adversely affected. If you become pregnant while taking Wellbutrin XL (Bupropion), contact your doctor immediately.

Breast-feeding: Wellbutrin XL (Bupropion) passes into breast milk. Because Wellbutrin XL (Bupropion) presents risks to breast-feeding infants, a decision should be made whether to discontinue breast-feeding or to discontinue Wellbutrin XL (Bupropion), taking into account the importance of the medication to the mother. Talk to your doctor about whether you should continue breast-feeding.

Children: The safety and effectiveness of using Wellbutrin XL (Bupropion) have not been established for children and adolescents under 18 years of age. The use of Wellbutrin XL (Bupropion) in children under 18 may cause behavioural and emotional changes, such as suicidal thoughts and behaviour.

Seniors: Because Wellbutrin XL (Bupropion) is removed from the body by the kidneys and liver, seniors may be at an increased risk of side effects, including seizures, if they use Wellbutrin XL (Bupropion). If you are over 65, discuss with your doctor whether any special monitoring is required.