Wellbutrin (bupropion hydrochloride) is in the aminoketone class of anti-depressants. The most recent version is Wellbutrin XL, an extended release version of bupropion. Bupropion was initially developed in 1966 and first approved by the FDA as Wellbutrin in 1985. The drug was almost immediately recalled because of a high rate of seizures, the risk of which was reduced by cutting the dosage in half. Bupropion was additionally approved by the FDA for smoking cessation. GlaxoSmithKline then marketed the drug under the name Zyban as treatment for smoking withdrawal symptoms and cravings. Despite nearly 25 years of Wellbutrin health problems, bupropion is being studied for treatment of ADHD, Restless Leg Syndrome, Seasonal Affective Disorder, increased sex drive in women and weight loss.

Wellbutrin Side Effects

Wellbutrin side effects can be severe, one of which is seizure. Some medical professionals have estimated that the Wellbutrin side effect of seizures may be four times that of other antidepressants. Similarly, birth defects, particularly cardiac birth defects, are not considered to be increased by other antidepressants, such as Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors (SSRIs). The primary advantage of Wellbutrin over other antidepressants is that it doesn't cause sexual dysfunction in men and may even increase sex drive in both men and women.

There have been serious concerns in the UK over Wellbutrin health problems (the UK typically leads the US in removing dangerous drugs from the market). Zyban, which was only allowed as a one-time prescription for stopping smoking, has been linked to suicides, severe and sometimes permanent psychological disorders including depression, anger control and memory issues, psychosis and mania. Stroke and other cardiovascular health problems were also reported.

Wellbutrin Suicide Risks

Certain groups of persons experienced much more severe Wellbutrin health problems than others. It was first noted that children under 18 were much more likely to become suicidal while taking Wellbutrin. In 2006 the FDA finally acknowledged the serious risk of suicide in young adults aged 18 – 24 that have taken these anti-depressants.   Even though individual FDA officials and even clinical studies by outside entities such as Columbia University confirmed that these anti-depressants almost doubled the rate of suicide in children, it was not until the FDA heard the testimony of parents directly impacted by suicides of their children that the agency took action, and then it was only a warning regarding the risk of deepening depression and possible suicide that appeared on the product label.

Wellbutrin Cardiovascular Problems

For persons with coronary artery disease using anti-depressants like Wellbutrin, the risks truly become matters of life and death.  A steady by Duke University looked at the survival rate of persons with heart disease using anti-depressants, which showed 21.4% of users died within the 3 year study period compared to only 12.5% of those not on anti-depressants.   After considering all possible factors, the Duke University anti-depressant health problems study determined that anti-depressant use for persons with heart disease increased the risk of death by 62%.