Wellbutrin (Bupropion), formerly Amfebutamone, is one of the most widely prescribed antidepressants globally. This drug became legally available to the American public in 1985, although it was initially synthesized in 1969 by an American laboratory.Â
However, it only lasted a year before being taken off the market due to a significant increase in seizures linked with its use. Three years later, the FDA re-approved it for clinical usage, with a maximum daily Wellbutrin dosage of 450 mg.
In the United States, the FDA has approved the use of Wellbutrin to treat Major depressive disorder (MDD), Seasonal affective disorder (SAD) and to help patients with smoking cessation. Also, Bupropion for anxiety has been shown to have effective outcomes. You should know how the drug feels after consumption and in different scenarios.
Wellbutrin XL and Wellbutrin SR are two prescription antidepressant medications containing the active ingredient bupropion hydrochloride (HCl). Wellbutrin SR help treats major depressive disorder (MDD), and Wellbutrin XL treats seasonal affective disorder (SAD) in adults.
Although they are similar, they must be taken in various ways. Wellbutrin XL is the extended-release version, while Wellbutrin SR is the sustained-release version taken more frequently. The main difference is that the XL version stays in your system longer, meaning you don't have to take it as often.
The Zyban brand of Wellbutrin helps people to stop smoking by minimizing cravings and other withdrawal effects.
Wellbutrin may be prescribed off-label to help with symptoms of various other conditions:
It is also sometimes used to treat certain forms of nerve pain. You can buy Wellbutrin only with a prescription.
Wellbutrin is a typical antidepressant drug that works similarly to other antidepressants. Exactly how this drug works to treat depression is uncertain. It may help to restore the balance of certain natural chemicals (neurotransmitters) in your brain. A Norepinephrine-dopamine reuptake inhibitor (NDRI) inhibits the brain's reuptake or absorption of neurotransmitters or chemicals.Â
These neurotransmitters include serotonin, dopamine, and norepinephrine. Depression is thought to occur due to an imbalance in the neurotransmitters released from neurons in brain cells. Wellbutrin, therefore, allows more serotonin, dopamine, and norepinephrine to be available and improve your self-confidence and mood.
Wellbutrin helps to treat depression. It can improve your mood and feelings of well-being. Wellbutrin does not affect serotonin reuptake or block monoamine oxidase but blocks dopamine reuptake. This boosts dopamine levels at the neuron synapse, and Wellbutrin effectively treats nicotine addiction.
This reduces the nicotine withdrawal-induced dopamine deficit. The following improvements can be observed in depressed patients-
It usually takes 6-8 weeks for Wellbutrin to positively affect patients living with depressed emotions and a lack of enthusiasm in life.Â
Wellbutrin may not always function similarly for all patients. After starting Wellbutrin for depression, you may notice an improvement in your sleep, energy, or appetite during the first 1-2 weeks of treatment. The recovery from a depressive mood or a lack of motivation, on the other hand, may take up to 8 weeks or more.Â
Bupropion eases nicotine withdrawal symptoms, but it takes 1-2 weeks to see any difference. After entering the body, it breaks down into three distinct metabolites, each having a different effect on the body.
While there are several ways to treat depression, some prefer taking antidepressants for the same. Nearly 25 million Americans take Wellbutrin to improve their mood and energy. Your energy may improve within the first two weeks of Wellbutrin (Bupropion), which means the medicine works. However, it would be best if you were a little more patient to see improvements in energy in your daily activities, which can take 4-6 weeks.Â
Wellbutrin may cause anxiety in some people to have a false sense of well-being or become drowsy, dizzy, or less alert than usual. Make sure you are aware of how you react to this medicine before you operate heavy machines, drive, or perform any activity that could be dangerous if you are dizzy, drowsy, or less alert.
While Wellbutrin is typically used to treat depression, research tells us that it can help to reduce anxiety and produce a sense of calmness and relaxation. Recent clinical data has found Wellbutrin is an appropriate treatment option for depressed patients with comorbid anxiety. This is because Wellbutrin is effective in reducing the symptoms of depression-related anxiety.
Consumption of alcohol can initially cause feelings of pleasure and well-being. This is because drinking alcohol raises dopamine levels in your brain. One reason people with depression might drink more alcohol than ordinary people is to get more benefits of dopamine neurotransmitters to make themselves feel better.
However, this feeling is temporary. After discontinuing taking alcohol, dopamine levels return to normal, and the positive feelings disappear. Alcohol is a CNS depressant, and it can bring about feelings of depression even if you don't have any mental condition. , drinking alcohol to feel better temporarily may worsen your situation in the long run.
When combined with Wellbutrin, alcohol can lead to even more drowsiness and dizziness, which occurs because both substances suppress the functioning of the CNS. The amount of alcohol that ends up in the bloodstream from a drink will be higher than it usually would be because the liver processes less of the alcohol. Using alcohol and Wellbutrin together may increase the risk of developing seizures.
Wellbutrin is also used to help you quit smoking with a stop-smoking program. It can reduce nicotine withdrawal symptoms (irritability, anxiety, and restlessness) and your smoking urge. This medication may be combined with nicotine gum or patches to help you quit smoking.
This combination may increase your blood pressure. Your healthcare provider may need to Monitor your blood pressure regularly. Do not smoke at any time if taking any nicotine products with Wellbutrin. Excess of nicotine can cause serious side effects.
It is recommended not to try smoking cessation until you have been taking this drug for one week so that the drug can reach enough higher level in your blood. Take this medication regularly to get the most of its benefits. To help you remember, use it at the exact times each day.
Discontinuing your medication means you also risk the relapse of your depression symptoms. You may feel relatively better now that you are taking it, but this doesn't mean you don't require it anymore. You'll need to keep consuming your antidepressant to prevent its relapse.Â
Discontinuing your antidepressant can be physically uncomfortable, especially if you have been taking it for a while. You can get discontinuation syndrome if you have been taking a higher dose.
You start feeling headache or flu-like symptoms as the medication leaves your body. If the side effects are observed in excess, talk with your doctor. Also, discuss with your doctor other treatment options and schedule to taper off over time to minimize discomfort.
Inform your doctor if you have experienced abnormal or suicidal thoughts, depression, or other mental problems. Also, inform about all your medications, including prescription and nonprescription medicines, herbal supplements, and vitamins. Contact your doctor about your other medical conditions, including if you:Â
To not fall into side effects, you must follow preventive measures. This will help you not to get affected form side effects.Â
Like other antidepressants, Wellbutrin warns of the increased risk of abnormal behaviors or suicidal thoughts in teens, children, and young adults. Wellbutrin is known to interact with various drugs, so be sure to discuss with your healthcare provider about other medications you are taking. Some examples of such drugs include the following:
Always discuss the risks and benefits of Wellbutrin or any medication with your medical practitioner and inform them of any adverse effects you experience.
Wellbutrin is an atypical antidepressant drug used to treat depressive disorder and help people to quit smoking. Major depression, including seasonal affective disorder, can be effectively treated.
Visit your doctor so that you can discuss which is the best medication or other therapy for you. Once you are treated, you will notice a noticeable difference in your mood and interest in your daily activities.
