Published on 03 May 2023

Wellbutrin For Anxiety: Is It The Right Option?

Wellbutrin (Bupropion) Wellbutrin for Anxiety
Table of Contents

Managing anxiety is a huge deal when it comes to treating it in natural ways. Anxiety is a sudden feeling of being anxious when the body responds to stress. It's a feeling of fear that shows what will come next. 

A few symptoms of affecting with anxiety are nervousness, increased heart rate, sweating, breathing rapidly, trouble concentrating, and many others. If you are going through such feelings, you suffer from anxiety. Various reasons cause stress, and there is no age limit to it.

When natural remedies treat anxiety, another option lies in medicines. Drugs are the best when it comes to treating anxiety symptoms. Know more in detail.

What Is Wellbutrin?

Wellbutrin (Bupropion) is a medication commonly prescribed for mood disorders such as seasonal affective disorder and depression. However, it is also utilized for other purposes, including anxiety treatment, ADHD management, and smoking cessation.

The effects of medications can vary among individuals, and Wellbutrin can cause anxiety in certain instances. However, although it may trigger anxiety in some individuals, it has also been shown to effectively treat anxiety disorders in others.

Wellbutrin is not a controlled drug, but if you need to buy Wellbutrin, you need a valid prescription from a licensed doctor.

How Does Wellbutrin Work?

Wellbutrin belongs to the norepinephrine and dopamine reuptake inhibitor (NDRI), which blocks the reabsorption of these neurotransmitters, thereby prolonging their action in the brain. 

This mechanism of action may help increase these neurotransmitters' levels, potentially lowering anxiety symptoms. However, You should use Wellbutrin for treating anxiety cautiously, which is stated by FDA, when it comes to specific populations, including children, adolescents, adults, and pregnant women.

High chances of severe side effects can be seen depending on age and health condition; it may vary accordingly. Therefore you should use Wellbutrin under the guidance and supervision of a qualified healthcare professional.

Frequently asked questions

The main reason for not prescribing Wellbutrin is this it causes suicidal thoughts and changes in behavior.
Yes, Wellbutrin does show calming effects due to the medicinal properties present in the medicine.
You should take the medicine early in the morning. If not, then the actual timing would be suggested by the doctor.

Wellbutrin For Anxiety

Yes, Wellbutrin is effective for treating anxiety, and doctors prescribe it as a treatment for specific types of stress. As per the research, it is stated that Wellbutrin XL is effective for concern, the same as Lexapro (Escitalopram), a commonly prescribed antidepressant.

Additionally, some research suggests that Wellbutrin may help lower anxiety symptoms related to depression. It may also have the potential to reduce situational stress and anxiety.
Wellbutrin can also worsen anxiety, especially during the starting weeks of consuming medication or after you change a dosage.

It depends on various factors to use Wellbutrin for anxiety, including your specific diagnosis, symptoms, and potential drug interactions. Get a suggestion from your general practitioner.

What To Take With Wellbutrin For Anxiety?

Whenever you consume a medicine, a doctor guides you through the best possible way for the treatment to be effective on the body. Sometimes taking medication doesn't work that effectively, so they might suggest you other things to do too.

You might be suggested to follow some natural remedies, such as meditation, exercise, or psychotherapy, with consuming Wellbutrin for anxiety. Even if the symptoms or the condition doesnt lower, you might also be suggested to consume a different medicine. 

In a few cases, you might also be suggested to use SNRI  or SSRI medications with Wellbutrin. If you suffer from episodic anxiety symptoms or panic attacks, you might also be advised to use anti-anxiety drugs like benzodiazepine.

How Long Does Wellbutrin Take To Work On Anxiety?

Any medications available in the pharmaceutical world take a particular time to work in the body after consuming medicine for treating a condition. Some might see quick changes in the condition, and some might take longer. It all depends on various aspects of the body's mechanism to accept the medication, age, weight, or previous conditions.

Regarding Wellbutrin, It would take approximately 6 to 8 weeks to see complete changes in the anxiety condition. To see if the medication is working on your body, observe the body's behavior, if you have improved the sleep, appetite coming to normal, or the feeling energetic.

Wellbutrin Dosage For Anxiety

Dosage will be varied according to various aspects of the person and age. The doctor would only suggest the perfect dosage. If you are consuming without proper guidance, it might severely affect your body. 

Generally, doctor-suggested doses are:

  • Initial Dose: 150mg (daily)
  • Continuation Dose: It may be increased according to the requirement
  • Maximum Dose: 450mg

Before taking medicine, know all the Ins and Outs of the drug.

Possible Side Effects

Any pharmaceutical medication that deals with adverse effects can also be denoted as Side effects. People may or may not suffer from side effects, as it would be dependent on various factors. 

Common Side Effects

Severe Side Effects

Dizziness

Worse Depression

Blurred Vision

Increased Seizures

Nervousness

Suicidal thoughts

Headaches

Liver problems

Constipation

Anxiety Symptoms

Sweating

Severe headaches

Common Side effects can fade off over time. Still, if you suffer from severe side effects, getting help from your doctor is compulsorily suggested. This will prevent you from various effects.

Precautions/Warnings Of Wellbutrin

  • It is always necessary to take all the preventive measures before you take the medicine. This will help you not suffer from side effects. Inform all the medical history with your doctor, and all other things such as:
  • If you are pregnant (This can cause you miscarriage or other risks to the kid)
  • If you are breastfeeding (Wellbutrin might mix in the breast milk)
  • Wellbutrin and alcohol will increase anxiety.
  • If stopped abruptly, it can lead to withdrawal symptoms

Things To Avoid While On Wellbutrin

You need to avoid a few things while you are about to take Wellbutrin. This will prevent you from various effects that might harm your health. 

Food

Medicines

Caffeine

Monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs)

Energy drinks

Migraine Drugs

colas

Stomach acid medications

Dietary supplements

Blood thinners

chocolates

Water pills

These are not just the things that should be avoided. You should first inform all the health-related history then you will get the best medicinal advice.

Bottom Line From Practical Anxiety Solutions

Wellbutrin is an antidepressant medication that can also be used for anxiety purposes. Yes, there are chances of worsening your anxiety symptoms, but it is also necessary for you to have a word with your doctor before you take the medicine. 

As every medication deals with side effects, even Wellbutrin has its effects, which should be taken into consideration and take necessary precautions. Preventive measures can always lead you through the best working mechanism of medicine.

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