Wellbutrin is one of the brand names for bupropion, a medicine that is used to treat major depressive disorder and seasonal affective disorder (SAD). Wellbutrin is generally not considered addictive; however, it can be misused.
Being aware of the capacity to misuse Wellbutrin, as well as its possible side effects, can help you recognize when there’s a problem and find the right treatment to get back to a healthier life.
What Is Wellbutrin?
Wellbutrin is an antidepressant. It’s only available with a prescription and is used to treat major depressive disorder, seasonal affective disorder (SAD), and as part of treatment to help people stop smoking. Wellbutrin belongs to a group of medications called Norepinephrine and Dopamine Reuptake Inhibitors (NDRIs). The drug works by increasing norepinephrine and dopamine levels in the brain, which helps regulate mood.
Besides Wellbutrin, other brand names for bupropion include:
- Aplenzin
- Budeprio
- Buproban
- Forfivo
- Zyban
Wellbutrin is distributed in pill form, available as immediate release (75-100 mg), sustained release (100-200 mg), or extended release (150-450 mg).
Wellbutrin is sometimes prescribed ‘off-label’ for attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and for sexual dysfunction due to SSRI antidepressants. Wellbutrin is FDA-approved, but ‘off-label’ means that the FDA hasn’t approved it for prescription in these specific scenarios. Wellbutrin should only be prescribed for one condition at a time.
What Are The Side Effects of Wellbutrin?
Wellbutrin can have possible side effects. These include:
- Higher blood pressure
- Constipation
- Dry mouth
- Loss of appetite
- Insomnia
- Anxiety and irritability
- Blurry vision
- Hallucinations
- Suicidal thoughts
- Allergic reactions
- Tremors
- Seizures
The most commonly reported side effects are headache, dry mouth, nausea, insomnia, constipation, and dizziness and do not require medical attention. Allergic reactions and seizures are rare but can be life-threatening and need immediate medical attention [1].
There are a number of considerations you should take into account before taking Wellbutrin. There are many drugs that should not be taken with Wellbutrin and many medical conditions that may affect Wellbutrin, including:
- Mental health disorders (bipolar disorder, psychosis, schizophrenia)
- Substance use disorders (alcohol or illegal drugs)
- Eating disorders
- History of seizures
- Sleeping or anxiety medicine
- Brain tumor
- Diabetes
- Head injury
- Kidney or liver disease
- Stroke
- Glaucoma
It is possible to overdose on Wellbutrin. Exceeding the prescribed dose can cause recurrent seizures, hypoxia (when the body doesn’t receive sufficient oxygen to function well), and death [2].
Can You Misuse Wellbutrin?
Yes, you can misuse Wellbutrin. In fact, studies suggest that Wellbutrin misuse is increasing and that people are crushing then sniffing tablets or injecting Wellbutrin. Users report feeling a ‘high’ similar to the effects of cocaine, but to a lesser degree [3].
In one case, a 13-year-old ingested 4 Wellbutrin tablets (600 mg total) in an attempt to get high. Other reports show that people have intentionally misused Wellbutrin in suicide attempts [4].
Indicators of Wellbutrin misuse include:
- Using Wellbutrin that has been prescribed for someone else
- Using Wellbutrin without a prescription or from a non-medical source
- Using higher amounts of Wellbutrin than prescribed
- Taking Wellbutrin for non-medical purposes
- Manipulating healthcare providers to get prescriptions for Wellbutrin
Wellbutrin misuse can manifest in physical health and behavior. Signs include:
- Weight loss
- Changes in energy levels
- Growing irritability and mood swings
- Impulsivity
- Social isolation
- Unexplained changes in finances
Is Wellbutrin Addictive?
Wellbutrin is not addictive. However, it can be misused, especially by people who have a history of substance use or people who have a mental health disorder. Misuse can create a pattern of regular consumption where the dose increases over time.
Misuse is not the same as addiction, which is characterized by:
- Experiencing overwhelming cravings
- Engaging in harmful behavior to find or use a substance
Due to misuse, an individual may develop a dependency on Wellbutrin, which is characterized as:
- Needing higher doses to achieve the same effects as previously obtained
- Experiencing withdrawal effects after stopping use
Wellbutrin Withdrawal Symptoms
Generally speaking, addiction and dependency both involve withdrawal symptoms, which is why they are mistakenly confused. Withdrawal symptoms for Wellbutrin can be uncomfortable and serious, but they do not mean that a person is addicted to Wellbutrin. Symptoms include:
- Anxiety
- Fatigue
- Increased appetite
- Trouble sleeping
- Headache
- Muscle aches
In rare, severe instances, a 27-year-old woman said she wanted to “crawl out of her skin” during bupropion withdrawal [5]. A 47-year-old man developed a neurological disorder that causes involuntary movements while withdrawing from bupropion [6].
Treatment For Wellbutrin Misuse
Wellbutrin misuse often occurs with other substance use disorders such as alcohol and opioid addiction. Treatment is available and effective. Medically-supervised detox programs help safely remove substances from the body in a controlled, monitored environment. In severe cases, Medication-Assisted Treatment (MAT) alleviates withdrawal symptoms and reduces cravings.
Residential programs, Partial Hospitalization Programs (PHPs), and outpatient programs are structured levels of care to facilitate recovery from misuse. These typically consist of evidence-based therapies, medication, and wellness activities to nurture physical and mental health and ensure long-term abstinence from substances.
Heal From Substance Misuse at Red Rock Recovery, Denver, CO
Substance misuse can be a slow burner. You may not realize you have a problem until harmful behaviors are already ingrained. But help is available, whatever stage you’re at right now.
We provide a non-judgmental space where you can access high-quality care. Our team are all compassionate and empathetic licensed clinical professionals. Our programs combine evidence-based therapies, medically-assisted treatment, and holistic activities. We also place a strong focus on community building to ensure you have a consistent support system during and after treatment.
You’re worthy of healing, and you can heal. Start by speaking with our admissions team.
Sources
[1] Fava, M. et al. (2005). 15 Years of Clinical Experience With Bupropion HCl: From Bupropion to Bupropion SR to Bupropion XL. The Journal of Clinical Psychiatry.
[2] Harris, C. Stark, J. (1997). Fatal bupropion overdose. Clinical Toxicology.
[3] Stall, N. et al. (September 2014). Bupropion abuse and overdose. Canadian Medical Association Journal.
[4] McCormick, J. (January 2020). Recreational bupropion abuse in a teenager. British Journal of Clinical Pharmacology.
[5] Berigan, T. (2002). Bupropion-Associated Withdrawal Symptoms Revisited: A Case Report. The Journal of Clinical Psychiatry.
[6] Tuman, T. et al. (May 2017). Tardive Dyskinesia Associated with Bupropion. Clinical Psychopharmacology and Neuroscience.