Although weight gain is a potential side effect of Wellbutrin, the medicine is more likely to cause weight loss. If you are taking Wellbutrin and weight gain does become a problem, be sure to talk with your healthcare provider. I have to agree with Briards. I take 100mg of Bupropion Sr twice daily. I started out taking plain Bupropion then went to Sr. I haven't experienced weight gain at all. Bupropion, sold under the brand names Wellbutrin and Zyban among others, is a medication primarily used to treat major depressive disorder and to support stopping smoking. It is an effective antidepressant on its own, but is also used as an add-on medication in cases of incomplete response to first-line SSRI antidepressants. Hi 4N Substances, I just read the article, thank you so much! I'm gonna see if my insurance covers the Wellbutrin, I don't want it for weight loss, I just want a pill that will help with my panic attacks and anxiety without making me gain a substantial amount of weight. DESCRIPTION. WELLBUTRIN SR (bupropion hydrochloride), an antidepressant of the aminoketone class, is chemically unrelated to tricyclic, tetracyclic, selective serotonin re-uptake inhibitor, or other known antidepressant agents. I was on Paxil for anxiety for about 2 years and gained almost 40 pounds. The Paxil was initially very helpful, however, the weight gain was not something that I was willing to deal with and the drugs effectiveness waned. A: Changes in weight and appetite are common side effects of Wellbutrin (bupropion). Some patients find that switching to another antidepressant can help with weight gain. Antidepressants have long been associated with weight gain. When Prozac (fluoxetine) first arrived on the scene in 1988, many doctors and patients were hopeful that it might alleviate this problem. Describes the medication bupropion (Wellbutrin, Wellbutrin SR, Wellbutrin XL, Zyban, Aplenzin, Forfivo XL) an antidepressant drug used to manage depression, and also to help with smoking cessation. Article includes descriptions, uses, drug interactions, and side effects. Wellbutrin SR (bupropion hydrochloride) is an antidepressant used to treat major depressive disorder and seasonal affective disorder. At least one brand of bupropion (Zyban) is used to help people stop smoking by reducing cravings and other withdrawal effects.