Clinical decision-support only. For use by licensed dental professionals. Not a substitute for professional judgment or a complete drug reference. Always verify with primary sources.
← Back to search
Medication

Bupropion

Antidepressant (NDRI)

Brand names: Wellbutrin, Zyban

Oral health effects

  • Xerostomia (dry mouth)

    Dry mouth is among the more common side effects.

    Clinical management: Hydration, sugar-free gum/xylitol, salivary substitutes, high-fluoride products; reinforce caries prevention.

  • Bruxism

    Antidepressant-associated jaw clenching/grinding can occur or worsen.

    Clinical management: Assess for wear; consider an occlusal guard; discuss with prescriber if severe.

  • Taste disturbance (dysgeusia)

    Altered taste is reported in 2–4% of patients ("taste perversion") in the FDA label.

    Clinical management: Ask about altered or metallic taste, which can reduce appetite and oral comfort; reassure that it is drug-related and often fades. Rule out oral candidiasis or poor hygiene as contributors and encourage sugar-free options rather than sweet foods/drinks used to mask the taste.

Sources

  1. A Guide to Medications Inducing Salivary Gland Dysfunction, Xerostomia, and Subjective Sialorrhea: A Systematic Review Sponsored by the World Workshop on Oral Medicine VI. Wolff A, Joshi RK, Ekström J, et al. Drugs in R&D, 2017.
  2. Association between psychotropic medications and presence of sleep bruxism: A systematic review. Melo G, Dutra KL, Rodrigues Filho R, et al. Journal of oral rehabilitation, 2018.
  3. Bupropion prescribing information (FDA label) A-S Medication Solutions / DailyMed, 2026.
  4. A review and guide to drug-associated oral adverse effects-Dental, salivary and neurosensory reactions. Part 1. Teoh L, Moses G, McCullough MJ. Journal of oral pathology & medicine : official publication of the International Association of Oral Pathologists and the American Academy of Oral Pathology, 2019.