Bupropion, sold under the brand name Wellbutrin, is an antidepressant and an FDA-approved treatment for depression, seasonal affective disorder (SAD), and nicotine addiction. It is sometimes also used to treat obesity, ADHD, sexual problems, and bipolar disorder.
Wellbutrin works by re-balancing chemicals in the brain to fix issues caused by the imbalance. It comes in tablet form (extended-release, sustained-release, and immediate-release) and is intended to be swallowed whole. Under the brand name Zyban, bupropion has successfully been used to help people quit smoking. When it is used for this purpose, it reduces nicotine cravings and eases the symptoms of withdrawal.