Wellbutrin

/ˈwɛlbjutrɪn/ noun

Definition

A brand name for the antidepressant medication bupropion, used to treat depression and help with smoking cessation. It works differently from other antidepressants by affecting dopamine and norepinephrine levels.

Etymology

Brand name created by combining 'well' (suggesting wellness/health) and 'butrin' (likely derived from bupropion, its chemical name). The medication was developed in the 1960s and marketed under this name to suggest positive health outcomes.

Kelly Says

Wellbutrin is unusual among antidepressants because it doesn't typically cause weight gain or sexual side effects - in fact, it's sometimes prescribed specifically to counteract these side effects from other antidepressants. This unique profile made it popular as both a depression treatment and smoking cessation aid.

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