Overview: Bupropion is used to treat depression, seasonal affective disorder (SAD), and to help you quit smoking. It works by regulating chemicals in your brain called norepinephrine and dopamine. Wellbutrin (bupropion) is a drug approved to treat depression, but, in certain cases, it might also help with anxiety. Learn how this medication works and its possible side effects. Wellbutrin is a prescription antidepressant primarily used to treat major depressive disorder and to prevent seasonal affective disorder. Wellbutrin (bupropion) is used to treat major depressive disorder and seasonal affective disorder. Includes Wellbutrin side effects, interactions and indications. Bupropion, formerly called amfebutamone, [17] and sold under the brand name Wellbutrin among others, is an atypical antidepressant that is indicated in the treatment of major depressive disorder and seasonal affective disorder and to support smoking cessation. [18][19] It is a norepinephrine–dopamine reuptake inhibitor (NDRI). Wellbutrin is used to treat major depressive disorder and seasonal affective disorder. Common side effects of Wellbutrin include headaches, dry mouth, nausea, dizziness, insomnia, and constipation. Call your doctor if you experience serious side effects such as difficulty breathing or swelling. Wellbutrin XL: side effects, dosage, interactions, FAQs, reviews. Used for: depression, major depressive disorder, seasonal affective disorder Wellbutrin treats depression and aids smoking cessation, with benefits like fewer sexual side effects and less weight gain than many antidepressants. 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 available as immediate-release tablets (Wellbutrin), sustained-release tablets (Wellbutrin SR, Zyban), and extended-release tablets (Forfivo, Wellbutrin XL). What is the Dose? The typical dosage for bupropion, used for depression and smoking cessation, ranges from 150-300 mg per day.