What Other Information Should I Know
Keep all appointments with your doctor and the laboratory.
Before having any laboratory test, tell your doctor and the laboratory personnel that you are taking the combination of naltrexone and bupropion.
Do not let anyone else take your medication. Ask your pharmacist any questions you have about refilling your prescription.
It is important for you to keep a written list of all of the prescription and nonprescription medicines you are taking, as well as any products such as vitamins, minerals, or other dietary supplements. You should bring this list with you each time you visit a doctor or if you are admitted to a hospital. It is also important information to carry with you in case of emergencies.
Efficacy In Major Depressive Disorder
Bupropion has been shown to be effective in the treatment of major depressive disorder in numerous double-blind controlled trials. Efficacy has been demonstrated relative to placebo in both inpatients and out-patients.19,20 Additionally, in comparative studies, bupropion has been found to have efficacy comparable to other antidepressants . Seven studies employed an SSRI as the active control , and 4 of these also included a placebo control . Thase et al.32 conducted a pooled analysis using the original data from all 7 SSRI studies and found that bupropion and SSRIs produced identical remission rates, and both treatments were statistically superior to placebo. Clinical trial data show bupropion is an appropriate selection for depressed patients with comorbid anxiety. Bupropion is efficacious in decreasing symptoms of depression-related anxiety relative to placebo and does so at a magnitude and time course similar to that seen for other antidepressants, including SSRIs.19,26,33 However, bupropion has not been extensively evaluated for specific anxiety disorders, and use for these disorders would be considered off-label.
How Long Do Side Effects Last
With a half-life of 14 hours when taken as a single dose and 21 hours when taken on a consistent basis, bupropion and its active metabolites can remain in the body for three or four days. However, side effects are usually mild and temporary. Side effects of bupropion can last a couple of days or weeks as the body gets used to the drug. Consult a healthcare provider if side effects last longer than two to three weeks, or if side effects are particularly bothersome or severe.
Some side effects may take longer to resolve or require medical attention. Serious adverse effects, such as severe allergic reactions, angle-closure glaucoma, irregular heartbeat, heart attack, seizures, severe high blood pressure, and severely low blood sodium levels will require medical attention. Some of these side effects, such as angle-closure glaucoma or heart attack, may have lifelong complications.
Suicidality, worsening of depression, mood changes, mania, hostility, and other neuropsychiatric events can occur with the use of bupropion. In many cases, Wellbutrin will be discontinued. However, these symptoms may be due to pre-existing mental health problems, so long-term psychiatric treatment for other mental health problems may be recommended.
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Can An Overdose Of Wellbutrin Cause Any Side Effects
Yes, an overdose of Wellbutrin can cause side effects.
Examples of side effects caused by an overdose of Wellbutrin include:
Be sure to take only the Wellbutrin dosage that your medical professional recommends. This should prevent an overdose and may help you avoid side effects of Wellbutrin.
If you think youve taken too much Wellbutrin, its important to tell your medical professional right away. If your symptoms are severe, its vital to call 911 immediately.
Using Wellbutrin For Anxiety: Can It Help
Wellbutrin is the brand name for bupropion, which is a medication commonly prescribed to treat depression, though it can also be prescribed for those with anxiety.
Medications can have different effects on different people, which may leave you with some questions.
For some, Wellbutrin may cause worsened anxiety symptoms, but for others, it can actually be a highly effective treatment. It all comes down to the fact that everyones body and brain chemistry is different.
The FDA has approved bupropion for use in treating seasonal affective disorder as well as helping those trying to quit smoking. These usages that have been approved are referred to as on-label uses, but Wellbutrin has several off-label uses as well.
These off-label uses include treating:
- Sexual dysfunction that has been caused by previous use of antidepressants
- Depression associated with bipolar disorder and obesity
- Weight gain linked to the previous use of psychiatric medications
- Symptoms of attention deficit hyperactivity disorder in adults and children
- Generalized anxiety disorder
If your doctor has recommended that you start treatment with Wellbutrin and you are looking to learn more, or if you are curious about the medication before heading into your consultation, we have you covered.
Gaining a better understanding of psychiatric medications can help you make more informed decisions when it comes to your health and treatment plans.
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What Should I Watch For While Using This Medicine
Tell your doctor if your symptoms do not get better or if they get worse. Visit your doctor or healthcare provider for regular checks on your progress. Because it may take several weeks to see the full effects of this medicine, it is important to continue your treatment as prescribed by your doctor.
This medicine may cause serious skin reactions. They can happen weeks to months after starting the medicine. Contact your healthcare provider right away if you notice fevers or flu-like symptoms with a rash. The rash may be red or purple and then turn into blisters or peeling of the skin. Or, you might notice a red rash with swelling of the face, lips or lymph nodes in your neck or under your arms.
Patients and their families should watch out for new or worsening thoughts of suicide or depression. Also watch out for sudden changes in feelings such as feeling anxious, agitated, panicky, irritable, hostile, aggressive, impulsive, severely restless, overly excited and hyperactive, or not being able to sleep. If this happens, especially at the beginning of treatment or after a change in dose, call your healthcare provider.
Avoid alcoholic drinks while taking this medicine. Drinking excessive alcoholic beverages, using sleeping or anxiety medicines, or quickly stopping the use of these agents while taking this medicine may increase your risk for a seizure.
Do not take this medicine close to bedtime. It may prevent you from sleeping.
Severe Side Effects Of Wellbutrin
As part of this guide on Wellbutrin XL side effects, it is important also to consider the fact that in some cases, more serious adverse reactions may occur. The chances of someone having these severe side effects depend on the individual patient, their metabolism, age, previous medical conditions, and any idiosyncrasy due to drug interactions. In these cases, it is usually advised that the patient contacts their doctor or visits an emergency room for medical assistance without wasting time. Although these dangers to health are extremely uncommon and happen in less than 5% of patients taking Bupropion still, having information about these effects is necessary to make an informed emergency decision. Some of the serious side effects of Wellbutrin are mentioned below.
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Does Wellbutrin Cause Withdrawal Side Effects When You Stop Taking It
No, Wellbutrin isnt known to cause any side effects when you stop taking it.
Other antidepressants can cause withdrawal side effects if you suddenly stop taking the drug. But these side effects werent reported in studies of Wellbutrin SR or Wellbutrin XL.
Its important that you dont stop taking Wellbutrin unless your medical professional says its safe to do so. If they tell you its safe, they may slowly lower your Wellbutrin dosage over time. This can help decrease your risk for side effects after stopping treatment.
Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors
These include fluoxetine , paroxetine , sertraline , fluvoxamine , citalopram , and escitalopram . They tend to be the first line choice for multiple anxiety disorders and depression. They are technically classified as antidepressants .
Sertraline is FDA approved for multiple conditions including: Major Depression, OCD, PTSD, Social Anxiety, Panic Disorder, and Premenstrual Dysphoric Disorder. While not all SSRIs have this many FDA approved indications, we often use the other ones for the same conditions. Pharmacy companies do not always bother pursuing FDA approvals due to cost reasons and the realization that the meds will be used off-label. It is completely legal and ethical to use medications for off-label purposes, but ideally the patient and provider should have a discussion about this first.
While SSRIs can have an immediate effect, the full effect can take anywhere from 3-8 weeks depending on the person. They are generic and cheap. I tend to prefer generic meds b/c they have been around longer with a proven track record, and the risks are known too . This is my style, and there is certainly nothing wrong with those who do prescriber newer meds .
While they are overall fairly well tolerated and arguably with less side effects than older classes of antidepressants, some people may be more sensitive to side effects of this class and may do better with older classes like tricyclic antidepressants or MAOIs .
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Your Heart Is Going A Mile A Minute
Some people may experience heart palpitations, called tachycardia , while on Wellbutrin, says Ackerman. If this happens, tell your doctor ASAP. They’ll likely order an electrocardiogram , a test that measures the electrical activity of your heartbeat to check for underlying heart issues, says Ackerman.
Wellbutrin For Addiction My Experience
Despite having major depressive disorder and being on other antidepressants, I actually took Wellbutrin because I wanted to quit smoking. The fact that it could help to treat my depression was just a bonus.
I canât remember the dose of Wellbutrin I was on, but it would have been just an average dose. I started taking it and set my quit date for a short time in the future. It worked perfectly, as I was able to stop smoking on the day I planned to and was able to stay off the smokes with minimal cravings.
Unfortunately, a short time later I became suicidal. I was in a bad way and didnât know why. I had no idea it was a possible side effect of Wellbutrin. Once I worked out that it could be the Wellbutrin causing me to feel suicidal, I stopped taking it and the suicidal thoughts went away fairly quickly.
My doctor had never explained this to me as a potential side effect, however she had given me all of the information about the drug for me to read before taking it. I made the choice not to read it, so I didnât realize that Wellbutrin could make me suicidal until after taking it. I learned an important lesson there, and now I always read the information before taking a drug and I ask my doctor questions about potential side effects as well.
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Wellbutrin And Weight Loss
Weight loss is a common side effect of Wellbutrin, affecting 14% to 23% of people who take the medication. Anorexialoss of appetiteis also commonly experienced, with an incidence between 1% and 18%. For this reason, some healthcare professionals may prescribe bupropion off-label for weight loss or weight loss maintenance, while others consider it the antidepressant of choice for patients diagnosed with both depression and obesity. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration has approved at least one bupropion drug for weight loss: Contrave, a combination of bupropion and naltrexone, a drug normally used to treat opioid or alcohol abuse.
Warnings: Wellbutrin Vs Lexapro
In terms of pregnancy, neither medication is considered fully safe since neither have had enough human studies to ensure their safety. But the FDA does categorize Wellbutrin in a more secure class than Lexapro, so it is potentially safer for use in those who are pregnant. Both antidepressants can help with postpartum depression, quite common, especially in those with a history of depression. Recall, as noted above, that both pass in the breast milk to the nursing child. Be sure to talk to your doctor about the risks of using Lexapro vs Wellbutrin if breastfeeding your infant.
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Does Bupropion Help Panic Attacks
Its unclear whether bupropion is effective for panic attack management. Bupropion isnt approved by the FDA for the treatment of anxiety or panic attacks, and research into this application of use is limited.
In 2011, a case study found a mid-range dose of bupropion effectively reduced panic disorder symptoms in a 47-year-old man who had previously seen minimal improvement on traditional medications.
A 2020 review into anxiety medications noted evidence for the use of bupropion in panic disorder was conflicting and noted only one pilot controlled trial from 2008 existed to support its use for generalized anxiety disorder .
A Closer Look: Lexapro
Lexapro, the brand name of the generic drug escitalopram, was approved in 2002. It is an SSRI. It is mainly used for depression and major depression, as well as anxiety and generalized anxiety disorder .
People who take Lexapro report improvements in energy, sleep quality, mood, and appetite, often within 1-2 weeks. With more serious conditions, improvements may take 6-8 weeks. The typical dosage for Lexapro is 10-20 mg per day, depending on your age, weight, any medical problems you may have, and other medications you may be taking. Off-label uses of Lexapro include treatment for obsessive-compulsive disorders and panic disorders.
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When To Talk To A Healthcare Provider
If youre struggling with anxiety, talk to a healthcare professional to determine a diagnosis and proper course of treatment. You dont need to suffer.
If youre currently taking Wellbutrin for depression or anxiety, seek medical care if side effects become unmanageable.
If you experience serious adverse effects like suicidal thoughts or worsening depression, or if you believe that you or someone you know may harm themselves or others, call 9-1-1, a suicide crisis line like 1-800-273-TALK, or immediately visit the nearest emergency department.
Rated For Sexual / Libido Enhancement Report
It was suggested I take this medication for my severe lack of libido. It almost immediately increased 100 fold and significantly improved my sex to mind blowing levels… I have noticed I am much less inclined to chat – but it did not come with social anxiety or anything… I have been taking it for less than a month and I am worried about side effects that I have read reviews about – but i have not experienced any besides dry mouth… I suffer from depression and I seem to have leveled out a bit too… overall I am very satisfied.
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Strategy No : When Needed Use Inexpensive Treatments
One barrier to adequate treatment of panic disorder is the potentially high cost of therapy .1,46 The monthly cost of SSRI therapy can exceed $100 for the higher dosages of medication that are often required.21 Imipramine has proven efficacy in treating panic disorder, depression, and generalized anxiety disorder. The monthly cost of therapy can be as low as $8.21 Generic benzodiazepines are also inexpensive .1,46
Formal CBT programs can cost more than $1,000 for one course of treatment. Anecdotally, self-help groups like Agoraphobics in Motion, 1719 Crooks Rd., Royal Oak, MI 48067 telephone: 248-547-0400, can be inexpensive and helpful.
Physical Side Effects Of Wellbutrin
Bupropion is mainly prescribed as an antidepressant. As one starts using Bupropion, one may notice some unwanted reactions on physical and mental health. These physical adverse reactions are not dangerous and they usually go away once the body is used to having a certain amount of Wellbutrin in the system. It primarily affects the gastrointestinal system and nervous system. The most common physical side reactions being GIT distress, headache, and migraine. Some of the general physical side effects of Wellbutrin xl are:
- Vomiting
- Excessive sweating
- Agitation
However, it is worth noticing that Bupropion is only prescribed if advantages weigh over the undesired reactions or disorders. In case of any of these side effects, one should consult a doctor or medical professional before quitting medicine or changing recommended doses, or search for alternatives to the drug, such as for example Wellbutrin vs Adderall. Although these are the most common side effects of Wellbutrin, these are not all. There are some other systemic symptoms that are correlated with its use.
Gastrointestinal side effects
Central Nervous System Side Effects
Weight Changes
Sexual Wellbutrin Side Effects
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Medications To Not Use If You Are On Wellbutrin
Like most medications, its important to tell your doctor about any other treatments, vitamins, or supplements you are taking in case they interact with how Wellbutrin affects your body. Creating a written list of all supplements and medications you take is a good way to keep on top of this.
The following are medications that can be dangerous when used alongside Wellbutrin and can increase the risk of side effects.
Certain antidepressants
A group of antidepressants called monoamine oxidase inhibitors should not be used with Wellbutrin.
This is because this combination can lead to dangerously high blood pressure levels. Other antidepressants, such as sertraline, imipramine, and venlafaxine, can increase your risk of seizures when used alongside Wellbutrin.
Antipsychotic medication
Certain antipsychotic medications can also increase your risk of seizures on Wellbutrin, so be sure to talk to your doctor about the safest way to manage both treatments.
Heart medication
Certain heart medications, like beta-blockers or antiarrhythmics, can result in low blood pressure or impact your heartbeat when used with Wellbutrin.
If you are using heart medication with Wellbutrin, your doctor may want to move to a lower dose of both.
Corticosteroids
Corticosteroid use with Wellbutrin can also contribute to higher seizure risk. You may require a lower dose if both medications are necessary.
Blood thinners
HIV medication
Anti-seizure drugs