A Guide on Using Wellbutrin

There’s a plethora of medications available to help with the ever increasing numbers of people experiencing depression and anxiety. Wellbutrin, otherwise known as Bupropion, is one such drug that can be a useful tool in a comprehensive treatment plan.

What Is Wellbutrin and How Does It Work?

Released to the public in 1985, Wellbutrin is a pharmaceutical with the potential to alleviate depression, treat seasonal affective disorder and accompany success in smoking cessation efforts. Aside from Bupropion and Wellbutrin, its other names include Aplenzin, Zyban and Forfivo.

Although not proven, many experts believe anxiety and depression connect to a depletion of important hormones in the brain. These regulate mood, pleasure, attention span, emotions, memory and happiness. Serotonin and dopamine are two of the most prominent neurotransmitters responsible for these functions.

Wellbutrin has the capacity to work on the neurotransmitters responsible for these hormones by increasing the amount of dopamine and serotonin to the brain. When properly regulated, all the negative sensations that come with anxiety, sadness, mental tension and the like will subside.

Are There Any Other Conditions that Wellbutrin Treats?

It has promising results as an antagonist against nicotinic receptors. This can prove invaluable for those who are trying to quit smoking, alleviating the symptoms that come with nicotine withdrawal.

Does Wellbutrin Come with Any Side Effects?

Although Wellbutrin can provide a wonderful way to escape the pain of depression or to combat the symptoms associated with nicotine addiction, there are a host of side effects. Many people report agitation, dry mouth and restlessness once they first begin using the drug.

But these can be more severe, including seizures, insomnia, nausea, dizziness, chest pain, excessive sweating, lethargy, increased anxiety, tinnitus, high blood pressure, blurred vision and digestive issues. Other side effects that some people experience are weight loss, problems focusing, fainting and jaundice, to name a few.

Wellbutrin can enhance negative psychological effects in some people such as delusions, a sense of depersonalization, worsening depression and even suicidal thoughts.

When Shouldn’t You Take Wellbutrin?

As with all medications, you should never take any drug without first consulting your doctor. But, before making an appointment, if you can check off any one of the following situations, don’t take Wellbutrin:

alcoholism
are using systemic steroids, other antidepressants, other antipsychotics, theophylline, and other medications that lower the threshold for seizures
are withdrawing from addictive drugs
bipolar disorder
bulimia or anorexia
diabetes
experienced recent or irreversible head trauma
have a brain tumor
high blood pressure
history of epilepsy or other types of seizure
liver or kidney problems

Making an Informed Decision

Wellbutrin can be great in trying to cope with debilitating depression and anxiety. Indeed, it can make you feel happier as you go about daily life without spiraling into an endless cycle of sadness and desperation.

But, you want to be smart about using it. Be honest with yourself about your situation. If you fit any of the conditions in the list above, seek out other options.