Bupropion (Wellbutrin) treats depression. It helps regulate your mood by increasing norepinephrine and dopamine hormones in your brain. What is Wellbutrin? Wellbutrin is the brand name for bupropion and the active ingredient in Wellbutrin is bupropion hydrochloride (bupropion HCl). It’s commonly used to treat major depression and seasonal affective disorder or SAD. It’s also used to aid in smoking cessation. Bupropion is the active ingredient in Wellbutrin and Zyban, Auvelity contains bupropion and dextromethorphan, and Contrave contains bupropion and naltrexone. Bupropion improves mood regulation and nicotine cravings and, when combined with naltrexone, helps reduce food intake. The FDA investigated these complaints and concluded that Budeprion XL is equivalent to Wellbutrin XL regarding bioavailability of bupropion and its main active metabolite hydroxybupropion. Bupropion is used to treat major depressive disorder (MDD) and to prevent seasonal affective disorder (SAD), which is sometimes called autumn-winter seasonal depression. It is also used as part of a support program to help people stop smoking. Bupropion is sold under different brand names. Wellbutrin (bupropion) is used to treat major depressive disorder and seasonal affective disorder. Includes Wellbutrin side effects, interactions and indications. Wellbutrin (bupropion) is a prescription drug that treats depression. Its exact mechanism of action isn’t known, but it affects certain chemical messengers in your brain involved in mood and. Wellbutrin (bupropion) is an antidepressant sometimes prescribed for people with anxiety. Learn how it works, possible side effects, and if it helps. Wellbutrin (bupropion) is an FDA-approved antidepressant medication that treats health conditions such as depression and seasonal affective disorder. Common Wellbutrin side effects include tremors, agitation, and dry mouth. Find patient medical information for Bupropion (Wellbutrin, Zyban, and others) on WebMD including its uses, side effects and safety, interactions, pictures, warnings, and user ratings.