Side Effects of Bupropion: Can Wellbutrin Cause Anxiety?
Wellbutrin is the brand name for the generic version of bupropion hydrochloride. It is commonly used for treating major depressive disorder and seasonal affective disorder. Wellbutrin is an antidepressant medication; however, it is not the first line of treatment for depression. Some people experience side effects like worsening anxiety while using Wellbutrin.
Mainly, we will be looking at Whether Wellbutrin causes anxiety. Learn more about the drug Wellbutrin, what conditions it treats, how long Wellbutrin stays in the system, and much more. In the meantime, if you or a family member is suffering from any mental illnesses, like panic disorders, GAD, or depression, get in contact with us at Therapy Fleet.
What is Wellbutrin Most Used For?
Wellbutrin is a prescription medication used for treating different medical conditions of the brain, like depression and anxiety disorders. It contains the chemical bupropion hydrochloride. According to the FDA, Wellbutrin helps with social anxiety and is also used for major depressive disorder and seasonal affective disorder. Apart from that, people who want to quit smoking use it; it is available under the brand name Zyban. Wellbutrin is available in the sustained-release form, Wellbutrin SR, or extended-release Wellbutrin XL. Unlike other antidepressants, Wellbutrin does not cause weight gain; it aids in weight loss.
Note-Anxiety if not treated on time, causes psychogenic fever and anxiety vomiting. Treatment is a must for anxiety.
Off-label Use of Bupropion
Some off-label use of Wellbutrin include;
- Treating sexual dysfunction associated with the use of antidepressant
- Treating depression associated with bipolar disorder, obesity, or reducing weight gain using psychiatric medications
- Treating symptoms of attention deficit hyperactivity disorder and children
Wellbutrin increases the levels of dopamine and norepinephrine in the brain, hence offering a decrease in depressive symptoms. You can notice signs that Wellbutrin is working for you in about two weeks of regular use.
Can Wellbutrin Cause Anxiety/ or Reduce Anxiety?
It would be wrong to say that Wellbutrin does not treat anxiety disorders. Can Wellbutrin cause anxiety? Yes, but it is also effective in treating generalized anxiety disorders. It is mainly prescribed for depression. There is only limited data to support the use of Wellbutrin for anxiety, but having that, it’s not the first line of treatment for anxiety disorders. Wellbutrin is a second or third-line treatment option for GAD. We need research to confirm this analysis.
So, if you suffer from depressive disorder and feel anxiety as a result of that, Wellbutrin will enhance your mood and provide energy. However, it is not recommended to use Wellbutrin to treat anxiety disorders because it causes anxiety. Now, how can Wellbutrin cause anxiety? The increase in norepinephrine in the brain leads to fear and alertness.
According to the FDA, Wellbutrin develops symptoms of anxiety in some individuals. Some other side effects are;
- Restlessness
- Anxiety
- Insomnia
- And agitation
How Wellbutrin can cause anxiety is not apparent, but these symptoms are harsh during the initial days of the treatment. If you have severe depression and crippling anxiety, which does not go away, contact your doctor. Maybe an alternative would be recommended.
Other Side Effects of Wellbutrin
Although Wellbutrin can cause anxiety, some other side effects are as follows;
- blurred vision
- sinusitis
- dry mouth
- nausea
- dizziness
- throat inflammation
- headache
- Unexplained loss of weight
- Constipation
- Insomnia
- Muscle tremors
- skin rashes
- agitation
- fast heartbeat
Although rare, side effects like suicidal thoughts and an increase in the frequency of seizures are possible. People with liver illness should not use Wellbutrin as it can increase stress on the organ.
Contact 911 or medical emergencies if you notice the above symptoms.
How Fast Does Wellbutrin Work for Anxiety?
Unlike SSRIs, Wellbutrin starts to work right away. But, we do not recommend using it for anxiety. People with anxiety have a constant fear of the unknown; they are always on the flight and fight response, worrying about the unknown. If you use Wellbutrin on top of that, it will increase your alertness, making you more agitated and restless.
Does Bupropion Help Panic Attacks?
However, some research confirms it helps with panic disorder. According to this case study, using 150mg of Wellbutrin/ day improved the symptoms of panic and anxiety in a person who has panic disorder.
In a case study back (clinical trials) in 2011, Wellbutrin was given to a 47-year-old man with panic disorders. A mid-range dosage helped the panic disorder, while other traditional medications didn’t help him much.
Another study in 2020 on anxiety drugs shows evidence that Wellbutrin helped with panic disorder, while another pilot study again in 2008 supported its use for GAD. Research also supports using Wellbutrin along with other drugs to treat panic disorder. However, we need more evidence to confirm this.
When to Consult a Medical Professional
We just saw how Wellbutrin can cause anxiety. If you suffer from increased anxiety after taking Wellbutrin, and the symptoms do not resolve after a week, contact a medical professional. The side effects usually subside. Your doctor will adjust the dosage or change the medication depending on the seriousness of the symptoms.
If you suffer from other mental health conditions like bipolar disorder or other health conditions that include liver disease or heart illness, talk to your doctor about the conditions and write down all the medications you are using regularly.
If you are visiting mental healthcare for the second time, make sure you ask them the following questions to clear your mind of any doubts.
- Why do you need Wellbutrin? Why Wellbutrin and not SSRIs like Zoloft or Lexapro?
- What are the benefits and risks of Wellbutrin?
- Do the benefits bypass the risks?
- Can Wellbutrin cause anxiety?
- How long will I be using Wellbutrin?
- How will I know it’s effective?
- What serious side effects should I be aware of?
- When can I contact you?
- Can I drink alcohol with Wellbutrin?
- Ask about the drug interactions.
When to Avoid Wellbutrin?
Do not use Wellbutrin in the following cases;
- If you have a history of seizures. Bupropion has a lower threshold and increases the risk of seizures. If you already suffered from seizures in the past, it will increase the frequency of seizures for you. Other than that, it elevates the risk of stroke, brain tumor, and head injury.
- Do not use Wellbutrin if you are diagnosed with eating disorders. Research shows people with eating disorders using Wellbutrin are more inclined to have seizures. So, if you are diagnosed with bulimia nervosa or anorexia Nervosa, don’t forget to mention it to your doctor.
- Mania or bipolar disorder- if you have any one of the two, Wellbutrin will increase the frequency of inducing more episodes. People with mania should use Wellbutrin with caution. Your doctor will recommend a mood stabilizer along with Wellbutrin if needed.
- Finally, if you are allergic or sensitive to bupropion or have an allergic reaction to the chemical bupropion, avoid Wellbutrin.
Drugs to Avoid When on Wellbutrin
When your doctor puts you on Wellbutrin, make sure you discuss your present health condition with them. Do not forget to provide them with a list of other vitamins, supplements, or prescription medications you use.
Wellbutrin can cause adverse reactions when combined with the following;
1. Certain Antidepressants
Wellbutrin can lead to potentially high blood pressure when combined with monoamine oxidase inhibitors or MAOIs. Try avoiding sertraline, venlafaxine, and imipramine, too, as they can increase the risk of seizures when used in combination with Wellbutrin.
2. Antipsychotic medication
Excessive use of Xanax for sleep when using Wellbutrin for anxiety can increase the risk of seizures. Do not forget to talk to your doctor if you are using Xanax for sleep.
3. Heart medication
Avoid using beta blockers or antiarrhythmics when using Wellbutrin for anxiety. It can lead to severe low blood pressure and impact the heartbeat. If you’re on heart medication, tell your doctor, and they may decrease the dosage of Wellbutrin.
4. Corticosteroids
Combining corticosteroids with Wellbutrin increases the risk of seizures. Your doctor may recommend an adjustment of the doses for the two.
5. Blood thinners
Wellbutrin combined with blood thinners increases the impact of the medicine, leading to serious side effects of Wellbutrin. Talking with your doctor helps as they may lower your Wellbutrin dosage.
6. HIV medication
Specific HIV medicines decrease the efficiency of Wellbutrin. Maybe increasing the Wellbutrin dose offers the same result. Discuss with your medical professional.
7. Anti-seizure drugs
Do not use anti-seizure drugs with Wellbutrin, as the effectiveness of the latter gets disturbed. Consult with your doctor. Anti-seizure medications can also impact the effectiveness of Wellbutrin. Your doctor may alter your dosage if you take anti-seizure medications and Wellbutrin.
Alternatives to Wellbutrin for Mental Health
Alternatives to Wellbutrin are considered when and if Wellbutrin leads to anxiety. If the side effects do not resolve, your mental healthcare professional will discuss the other treatment options.
1. Lexapro
Lexapro belongs to selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors. This antidepressant is the first line of treatment for depression. Lexapro, better known as escitalopram, is used for anxiety, depression, or generalized anxiety disorder. Most times, doctors will prescribe a combination of Lexapro and Wellbutrin. Find out how the combination helps with stress. Lexapro takes time to show results.
Lexapro can lead to the following side effects;
- Difficulty in sleeping
- Suicidal thought
- Drowsiness
- Irritation
- Diarrhea
- Headache
- Erectile dysfunction
- Weight gain
- Muscle tremors
If your doctor prescribed you Lexapro, do not stop taking the medicine on your own. It can cause discontinuation syndrome and severe withdrawal effects.
2. Prozac
Prozac is another SSRI, also known as fluoxetine. Prozac is used for treating depression, obsessive-compulsive disorder, and panic disorder. How long does Prozac take to work depends on the dosage and other factors. The side effects of Prozac are similar to Lexapro.
3. Zoloft
Zoloft is another SSRI. Its chemical name is sertraline. It works by increasing the levels of serotonin in the brain. Serotonin is responsible for regulating mood and anxiety, thus helping individuals with major depressive disorder.
At times, your doctor will prescribe Zoloft and Wellbutrin together for treating major depressive disorder. Zoloft is approved to treat different mental health illnesses like;
- OCD
- Depression
- PTSD
- Panic disorder
- Premenstrual dysphoric disorder PMDD
- Social anxiety disorder
Conclusion
Wellbutrin is a common alternative to SSRIs used for treating social anxiety disorders and depression. With the proper dosage and correct drug administration, Wellbutrin eases the symptoms of anxiety. Common signs Wellbutrin is working for you include increased motivation and reduced anxious thoughts.
Like other anti-anxiety medications, Wellbutrin has side effects. Some people ask, can Wellbutrin cause anxiety? Yes, it can. If you are on a Wellbutrin treatment plan and notice an increase in anxiety symptoms, contact your healthcare provider. They may reduce the dosage to lower the side effects. Keep in constant contact with them, and keep track of your symptoms.
You are stronger than the waves of anxiety; every breath you take is a step towards calm and peace.
FAQs
1. Does the anxiety from Wellbutrin go away?
Eventually, yes. However, during the initial period, people using Wellbutrin noticed an increase in their anxiety symptoms. However, these symptoms resolve once the medication settles in the body. About 2% of individuals stop the treatment because of it, so can Wellbutrin cause anxiety? Yes, but it resolves on its own. Do not stop the treatment without prior consultation
2. Does Wellbutrin cause panic attacks?
Wellbutrin is a prescription drug used for treating depression and anxiety. However, a small percentage of people experience panic attacks initially as a side effect.
3. Is Wellbutrin good for anxiety?
Wellbutrin or bupropion is an effective antidepressant. People using it for depression and anxiety noticed a decrease in their symptoms after regular use. Unlike other antidepressants, Wellbutrin does not cause weight gain.
