Wellbutrin, also called bupropion, is a medication mainly prescribed for treating seasonal affective disorder and depression in adults. In 1985, Wellbutrin was approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for treating these conditions. Since then, it has become well-regarded for its effectiveness in managing these mental health issues.
Interestingly, it is also FDA-approved to help people quit smoking, expanding its range of uses. In certain situations, doctors might prescribe the use of Wellbutrin for anxiety. This is considered an “off-label” use, which means the FDA hasn’t officially approved it for anxiety, but some doctors find it beneficial for this purpose.
As an antidepressant, Wellbutrin works by balancing specific brain chemicals that influence mood. In this article, we will explore the use of Wellbutrin to alleviate anxiety symptoms in detail.
The Basic Concept of Wellbutrin
Wellbutrin is a well-known brand name for bupropion, a medicine commonly prescribed for treating mood disorders like seasonal affective disorder and depression. Interestingly, Wellbutrin also finds its use in treating other health conditions, like anxiety, ADHD, and smoking cessation.
The way Wellbutrin works is by elevating the levels of specific chemicals, such as norepinephrine and dopamine, in the brain to control your mood. Norepinephrine and dopamine are two crucial neurotransmitters that often become imbalanced in individuals with specific mental health issues. Wellbutrin works to restore this balance, easing symptoms of depression.
Available in oral form, Wellbutrin comes as either an extended-release or immediate-release tablet. You might also recognize bupropion under other brand names like Forfivo XL and Aplenzin.
Wellbutrin for Anxiety: Is It Good?
For some individuals, Wellbutrin can be quite helpful in lessening or relieving anxiety symptoms. It might be especially effective for those dealing with anxiety and depression. For people who struggle with staying motivated due to their anxiety, specific medications like Wellbutrin might offer relief by lowering anxiety levels.
Although research on bupropion’s effectiveness for anxiety disorders is limited, a 2008 pilot study showed promising results. In addition, a recent 2021 study suggested that bupropion could be a viable option for individuals with generalized anxiety disorder who do not respond well to other medications such as SSRIs.
While Wellbutrin does have some side effects, they typically don’t include weight gain or fatigue. This is why it might be preferred over some other medicines to treat anxiety. There’s a common belief that medications like Wellbutrin could worsen anxiety symptoms.
This is because they increase norepinephrine (noradrenaline) levels, which naturally rise during anxious moments. However, a 2023 research debunked this notion, showing no increase in anxiety symptoms among those taking bupropion compared to individuals who are taking other antidepressants. Furthermore, this research found that bupropion helped decrease anxiety symptoms in individuals who have major depressive disorder (MDD).
How Long Does Wellbutrin Take to Work for Anxiety?
For those dealing with depression, Wellbutrin might take up to four weeks to show its full effects. It likely follows a similar timeline for patients treating anxiety, though there is limited evidence available. Your doctor will work with you to create a plan for monitoring and assessing how well Wellbutrin is working for you.
They might recommend keeping a daily or weekly log of your symptoms to help measure the medication’s effectiveness. If the medication isn’t meeting your expectations, it’s crucial to continue taking it as your doctor prescribed.
Stopping this medication suddenly can be risky and may cause harmful side effects. Some studies suggest that individuals taking Wellbutrin may notice improvements in appetite, energy, and sleep within one to two weeks.
Side Effects of Wellbutrin for Anxiety
When you first start taking Wellbutrin, you might experience some common side effects during the initial weeks. These usually diminish as your body adjusts. Possible side effects include:
- Restlessness or nervousness
- Difficulty sleeping
- Tremors
- Rapid heartbeat
- Dizziness
- Headaches
- Constipation
- Dry mouth
- Nausea
Wellbutrin can also cause some serious or rare side effects, with seizures being one of them. The likelihood of experiencing a seizure is higher for individuals who:
- Had an injury in the brain or a brain tumor
- Are on higher doses of Wellbutrin
- Are taking other medicines that could raise the risk of seizures
- Have eating disorders like bulimia or anorexia
- Are dependent on alcohol or drugs
- Have a history of seizures
- Have suffered from liver conditions like cirrhosis
Other serious or rare side effects of Wellbutrin can include:
- Experiencing paranoia, delusions, or hallucinations
- An increase in suicidal ideation in both children and adults
- Elevated blood pressure (hypertension)
- Serious allergic reactions
- Manic episodes, especially in individuals with bipolar disorder
- Eye issues, such as eye swelling, pain, or redness
If you notice any of the symptoms mentioned above, immediately contact a healthcare provider or doctor or seek emergency medical help. One major advantage of Wellbutrin is that it doesn’t have many of the side effects that frequently discourage people from sticking with their antidepressant treatment. For instance, changes in sexual performance or desire and weight gain aren’t typically associated with Wellbutrin.
Wellbutrin for Anxiety: Recommended Dosage
When using Wellbutrin for anxiety, doctors typically start with a low dose and gradually increase it over time. Unlike with depression, there is not a standard or clear-cut dosage for anxiety treatment with Wellbutrin. For treating depression, doctors may begin with doses ranging from 75 milligrams to 150 milligrams daily, but anxiety doses are usually much lower.
Adjustments are made based on how you respond and tolerate the medication. As with any medication, it is crucial to follow your healthcare provider’s dosing instructions precisely. Make sure to record and report any side effects if there are changes in your dosage. Make sure to record and report any side effects if there are changes in your dosage recommendations.
Substances You Need to Avoid While on Wellbutrin
Various substances can interact badly with Wellbutrin or intensify its side effects, so it’s best to avoid them. Things you need to avoid are given below:
- Specific over-the-counter medicines: Certain OTC medicines, such as allergy or cold remedies containing pseudoephedrine.
- Alcohol: It can heighten the risk of seizures and make side effects such as dizziness worse.
- Grapefruit juice: It can interfere with the metabolism of some medications, including Wellbutrin.
- Illegal drugs: Especially drugs or stimulants that impact brain chemistry.
- Caffeine: Consuming too much caffeine can worsen side effects such as insomnia and anxiety.
The Bottom Line
Wellbutrin, also called bupropion, is a proven antidepressant that effectively lowers anxiety levels. There are many advantages to using Wellbutrin as a treatment for anxiety. One of the advantages is that it typically doesn’t cause common side effects associated with mood medications, such as sexual issues and weight gain.
Although Wellbutrin has some side effects, this is similar to most other antidepressants. Before you begin taking this medication, your healthcare provider or doctor should go over the risks and benefits with you and explain the evidence supporting its potential advantages. If you are prescribed Wellbutrin for anxiety, make sure to follow your doctor’s instructions precisely and report any severe side effects right away.