How does Wellbutrin work to negatively effect memory?

Question

Wellbutrin can cause memory problems. How does it do this?

Answer 1

There's no info about memory problems in the PI sheet or any of the research done on this medication, no case studies either. In fact it usually tends to be a bit of a cognitive perk, because it shares minor similarities with other stimulating meds like Ritalin and Adderall (though this is minor).

While an antidepressant drug can do many odd things in the brain, there's no clear mechanism or Wellbutrin to do this - it's simply operating in the wrong areas. Memory problems are a symptom of depression however, and it's possible that a severely depressed person could not have this be alleviated by the medication. Combine with Wellbutrin's perk-you-up potential and it might make a person more aware of it, but I can't see this being a direct cause of this medication in and of itself.