How To Relieve Wellbutrin Constipation

Antidepressants may make you happier. But the list of side effects at the end of every commercial for these medications may not.

It might seem ridiculous to take a medication to fix your brain and have it affect your stomach. But if you’re a Wellbutrin^® user, there’s a chance you’ve dealt with one of the least favorite side effects: Wellbutrin constipation.

Yes, the medication that’s supposed to help you feel less depressed and anxious can also bum you out with backed-up pipes. That said, most people who take Wellbutrin experience only mild side effects — and sometimes none at all.

Maybe this is your first rodeo with Wellbutrin constipation symptoms, or perhaps you’re about to take the medication for the first time and doom-scrolling all the worst-case scenarios. In any case, we’re here to offer some help so you can get regular again.

First, some quick facts about this antidepressant drug. Wellbutrin — the brand-name version of generic bupropion hydrochloride — was approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) in 1985 to treat major depressive disorder (MDD) and other depressive disorders.

It can also be used for various medical conditions and needs, including: 

• Obesity

• Bipolar disorder

• Smoking cessation

• ADHD (attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder)

When bupropion says it’s “not like the others,” it’s actually telling the truth to a certain extent. Many antidepressant drugs — most notably selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors, or SSRIs — work on the neurotransmitter serotonin. 

But Wellbutrin’s active ingredient affects the reuptake (reabsorption) of the neurotransmitters (brain chemicals) dopamine and norepinephrine, which are associated with pleasure and stress, respectively.

So bupropion is a type of antidepressant called a norepinephrine and dopamine reuptake inhibitor, or NDRI. It can be very effective when serotonin medications fail or even as a first-line choice for people who want to avoid the serotonin side effects.

Okay, it’s a great medication — you get it. But what about the poop stuff? Both Wellbutrin and Wellbutrin XL (the extended-release version) can cause a medley of side effects.

The side effects of Wellbutrin reported by some participants in clinical trials include:

• Dry mouth or sore throat

• Headache

• Anxiety

• Drowsiness

• Weight loss

• Sweating

• Skin rash

• Frequent urination

• Changes to sense of taste

• Loss of appetite

• Nausea or vomiting

• Stomach pain

• Constipation (the reason you’re here)

Bupropion is mildly anticholinergic, meaning it makes the parasympathetic nervous system slightly less active. The parasympathetic nervous system is involved in moving food through the digestive tract (sometimes called the body’s “rest and digest” functions). This drug slows things down, which is why constipation might happen.

Constipation is a significant enough side effect that people have taken note. Like you, many have Googled “Wellbutrin and constipation.”

In terms of research, one particularly bad experience resulted in a case study. A 38-year-old man on sustained-release bupropion had such severe issues with constipation that it led to bleeding, hemorrhoids, and eventually surgery for the hemorrhoids. The problems only went away once he discontinued the medication. 

But this is just a single incident. Constipation doesn’t happen to everyone taking Wellbutrin.

Wellbutrin constipation may not always be avoidable — at least, judging from the single case mentioned above. The man did everything he could, including dietary changes, suppositories, and medications, and it still only resolved when he switched medications.

But whether or not you’ll experience constipation is hard to say. Medications affect everyone differently, and side effects are risks, not guarantees. It’s unlikely you’ll experience severe constipation, but even mild constipation can be unpleasant.

The fact is that every medication — from tricyclic antidepressants (TCAs) to monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs) — comes with side effect risks. It’s ultimately up to you whether you can live with those side effects.

If you do experience constipation from Wellbutrin — or any constipation, for that matter — there are some ways to address the condition and relieve your backed-up plumbing.

Let’s explore those.

Constipation caused by the adverse effects of Wellbutrin can usually be alleviated by following some general guidelines for constipation relief.

According to the Mayo Clinic, you may benefit from any of these strategies for treating ongoing constipation:

• Increase your fiber intake with fruits and vegetables. This will speed up your stool passage and add weight to your stools, which helps them pass through your intestines more efficiently. Other good sources of fiber include whole-wheat bread, oatmeal, lentils, beans, seeds, and nuts.

• Drink plenty of water. Besides keeping you hydrated, water can help soften your stool, get things moving, and make it easier to have a bowel movement when the time comes.

• Exercise more. Physical activity is great for your entire body. It can even lead to better muscle function in your digestive system, specifically your intestines — which can help relieve constipation.

• Don’t hold it. If it strikes, the urge to take a bowel movement shouldn’t be ignored, as this can lead to strain and stress on your system.

You may also want to consider products like over-the-counter laxatives. These can come in several forms, including:

• Fiber supplements to add bulk to stool

• Stimulants, which cause intestines to contract

• Lubricants to enable easier movement

• Stool softeners to, well…soften stool

The Mayo Clinic also suggests enemas and suppositories, which can help with several of these issues as well. And the National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases (NIDDK) suggests avoiding foods that have little to no fiber, like:

• Meat

• Chips 

• Fast food 

• Prepared foods, like some frozen meals or snacks 

There are also medications that can help with chronic constipation. But if you’re considering taking another medication just to treat the adverse effects of a different medication, it might be time to seek medical advice about whether Wellbutrin is the right choice for you.

And if other side effects — Wellbutrin stomach pain or nausea — have been plaguing you alongside constipation, a healthcare professional can help you find alternative treatment options that may suit you better. 

Wellbutrin may be exactly the medication you need to treat depression symptoms and get the quality of life you want. Despite common side effects — it may offer additional benefits to your life, like reducing sexual side effects caused by other antidepressant medications or preventing weight gain.

Here’s what to keep in mind about Wellbutrin constipation:

• Like most prescription drugs, Wellbutrin can cause some uncomfortable side effects, including gastrointestinal issues like constipation and upset stomach.

• Although it’s rare, severe constipation can lead to serious issues (like for that guy we mentioned earlier), and not treating the problem can make constipation worse, especially if the medication is to blame.

• You might be able to alleviate constipation from Wellbutrin by increasing your fiber and water intake, trying a fiber supplement, or exercising regularly.

• If those approaches don’t help, it may be time to talk to a healthcare provider about other options.

• When in doubt, always let your provider know about your symptoms. They might adjust your dosage, recommend a different drug, or have recommendations for managing uncomfortable side effects or worsening symptoms.

Chances are, your mental health isn’t being made better by painful pooping — we can’t think of any part of life that is.

If you’re ready to treat your mental health online — and unclog those mental pipes — we have the resources you need.