Wellbutrin is the market name of Bupropion, a medicine used in the treatment of depression and seasonal affective disorder. It is also retailed as Zyban, a medicine which aids non-smoking. Bupropion belongs to the class norepinephrine-dopamine reuptake inhibitors (NDRI), which are antidepressants thatregulate norepinephrine and dopamine levels in the brain.

The bug question however is,is Wellbutrin safe during pregnancy?

If you have already been taking this medicine for a while, sudden withdrawal during pregnancy might cause varied physical and psychological symptoms, like dizziness, nervousness or anxiety, and stomach problems. Thus, it should be stopped gradually, over a period of time. It’s better to consult your doctor, weigh the pros and cons, and then decide if you want to continue with the medication or stop with it.

Issues Related to Wellbutrin:-

• The use of Wellbutrin before pregnancy, might be an issue as it might delay the fertilization due to irregular menstrual cycles.
• Wellbutrin during pregnancy can also increase the chances of miscarriage as has been observed. Although it is much lower than background rate for miscarriage, it is still not worth the risk.
• Use of this medication doesn’t increase the chances for birth defects, although rarely heart defects have been observed in the new born child.

  See More:Citalopram In Pregnancy

See More: Citalopram In Pregnancy

Wellbutrin- To Continue or not to Continue?

In pregnant women with untreated depression, miscarriage and preterm delivery, as well as babies born with complications or low birth weight have been often observed. Untreated depression during pregnancy can still continue after childbirth as postpartum depression, a serious condition that requires urgent attention and should be treated at the earliest.

If the medication can be stopped after thorough consultation with the doctor, it should be done by some experienced physician. The medicine should be stopped gradually, over a span of time, in order to reduce the risk symptoms like nausea and vomiting.