NSTK · 01.2026Independent supplement reference
NutriStack
Edition 1.0Updated July 13, 2026

Bupropion

Prescription ·Exploratory record · not publication-reviewed ·Updated July 13, 2026

Prescription norepinephrine-dopamine reuptake inhibitor (NDRI) approved for major depressive disorder, seasonal affective disorder, and smoking cessation (marketed as Zyban). Unique among antidepressants for its lack of significant sexual side effects and weight-neutral to weight-loss profile. Also used off-label for ADHD. Carries a dose-dependent seizure risk. Dosage must be determined by your prescribing physician.

Evidence tier
Strong
Indexed sources
10 2018–2024
Interactions
0
Category
Prescription
Read the sources → Compare profiles
Publication status

Exploratory record, not a reviewed medical publication.

See the editorial and medical-review policies for the publication gate.

This generated database record has not completed a claim-level review by a qualified human medical reviewer. Bibliography links and evidence labels are not approval. The page remains available for reference and is excluded from search indexing.

In short

What the research says.

A quick, data-only summary. The full evidence, dosing, and sources are below.

Prescription norepinephrine-dopamine reuptake inhibitor (NDRI) approved for major depressive disorder, seasonal affective disorder, and smoking cessation (marketed as Zyban). NutriStack rates the supporting evidence as strong. Common adult dosing is 150–450 mg daily (as prescribed by your physician), though a prescriber sets the actual dose. This profile indexes 10 sources.

What it's good for
  • Depression symptom relief1,3
  • No sexual side effects10
  • Smoking cessation aid9
  • Weight-neutral to weight-loss effect
  • Improved motivation and energy
What to watch for
  • Insomnia
  • Dry mouth
  • Agitation or anxiety
  • Seizure disorder1,2
  • Current or prior diagnosis of bulimia or anorexia nervosa

The bottom line

Evidence rating strong. Most-documented uses: depression symptom relief, no sexual side effects, smoking cessation aid. 10 sources indexed (2018–2024), with 0 interaction records on file.

The science

How it works, mechanistically.

Core mechanism

Inhibits the reuptake of norepinephrine (NE) and dopamine (DA) by blocking the norepinephrine transporter (NET) and dopamine transporter (DAT). Does not significantly affect serotonin reuptake, which accounts for its distinct side effect profile. Also acts as a nicotinic acetylcholine receptor antagonist, contributing to its efficacy for smoking cessation.10

Class
Atypical Antidepressant (NDRI)
Dosing

Dosing & protocol.

Common range
150–450 mg daily (as prescribed by your physician)
Recommended form
Sustained-release or extended-release tablet

Can be taken with or without food. Do not crush, chew, or divide sustained/extended-release tablets. Space doses at least 8 hours apart for SR formulation.

Safety

Full safety detail.

Side effects

  • Insomnia
  • Dry mouth
  • Agitation or anxiety
  • Headache
  • Nausea
  • Tachycardia
  • Seizure risk (dose-dependent)
  • Tremor

Contraindications

  • Seizure disorder1,2
  • Current or prior diagnosis of bulimia or anorexia nervosa
  • Concurrent MAOI use (within 14 days)
  • Abrupt discontinuation of alcohol or sedatives2
  • Known hypersensitivity to bupropion1,2
  • Concurrent use of other bupropion-containing products1,2
Sources

Sources, by evidence tier.

Numbered references. Citations throughout the page link here.

Meta-analyses & systematic reviews

7

Reference material

3
FAQ

Common questions.

Quick answers about Bupropion, drawn from the data on this page.

What is Bupropion?

Prescription norepinephrine-dopamine reuptake inhibitor (NDRI) approved for major depressive disorder, seasonal affective disorder, and smoking cessation (marketed as Zyban). Unique among antidepressants for its lack of significant sexual side effects and weight-neutral to weight-loss profile. Also used off-label for ADHD. Carries a dose-dependent seizure risk. Dosage must be determined by your prescribing physician.

What is Bupropion used for?

Commonly cited benefits of Bupropion include: Depression symptom relief; No sexual side effects; Smoking cessation aid; Weight-neutral to weight-loss effect; Improved motivation and energy. NutriStack rates the overall evidence as strong.

What is a typical dose of Bupropion?

A typical adult dose of Bupropion is 150–450 mg daily (as prescribed by your physician). The commonly recommended form is Sustained-release or extended-release tablet. These are general ranges, not personalized advice; confirm the right dose with a clinician.

What are the side effects of Bupropion?

Reported side effects include insomnia, dry mouth, agitation or anxiety, headache, nausea, tachycardia. This is educational information; check with a healthcare professional before use.

How strong is the evidence for Bupropion?

NutriStack rates this as Strong, meaning multiple high-quality meta-analyses or systematic reviews converge on the same finding. Full tier criteria are at https://nutristackapp.com/methodology/evidence-tiers.

Use this with your stack

Bupropion in NutriStack.

Add it to your stack, see how it interacts with everything else you take, and get a Stack Score that updates the moment it does.

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NutriStack is an informational and organizational tool, not a medical service, and not a substitute for professional advice. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional before starting, stopping, or changing any supplement or medication.