Does Wellbutrin Help With Anxiety? What You Should Know About Wellbutrin for Anxiety. Wellbutrin Dosage for Depression and Anxiety.

Wellbutrin for Anxiety

Wellbutrin (bupropion) is an antidepressant medication used for Major Depressive Disorder treatment (known as clinical depression or MDD) and seasonal affective disorder. Seasonal depressive disorder is episodes of depression that occur at the same time each year, usually in the fall and winter, but rarely may occur in the spring or summer months. Understanding the Wellbutrin side effects can help a patient better understand what to expect and ensure the person knows when they should contact their doctor or seek medical assistance.

Wellbutrin Guide

Wellbutrin for Anxiety Statistics

45.8% of American adults used a prescription drug – legally or not – within the past 30 days. Healthcare specialists generally agree that a high use rate and availability drive reported rates of prescription drug abuse, addiction, and overdose.

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Why Is This Medication Prescribed? 

The U.S. Food and Drugs Administration (FDA) approved uses for Wellbutrin include major depressive disorder (MDD) and seasonal depressive disorder (SAD.) The symptoms of these disorders include the following.

Major Depressive Disorder (MDD). Individuals with major depression have several of these symptoms for at least two weeks:

Seasonal depressive disorder (SAD): A major depressive episode with the symptoms same as MDD that also consistently recurs at particular times during the year, usually during the dark winter months.  

Wellbutrin for ADHD and Anxiety and other Off-Label Prescriptions

Wellbutrin is sometimes used off-label (using an FDA-approved drug for unapproved use to treat a medical condition) for the following conditions:

Your mental health provider should justify his or her thinking in recommending an “off-label” treatment. They should be clear about the research limits around that medication and if there are any other options.

Wellbutrin For Anxiety 

Medications can affect individuals in different and more ways than one. As such, Wellbutrin has been linked to anxiety in some cases. But while it can cause anxiety in some individuals, it is an effective treatment for anxiety disorders in others. Some test subjects developed anxiety-related side effects in clinical trials shortly after taking Wellbutrin. It was also noted that these effects are exacerbated in the period following a dosage increase. These Wellbutrin anxiety-related side effects include:

According to the FDA, up to 2% of the people who experienced these side effects discontinued their medication use. For some subjects, these side effects were so severe that they required treatment with anti-anxiety medication and sedatives.

Wellbutrin Withdrawal 

Discontinuing Wellbutrin requires the advice of a doctor and should never be stopped abruptly. A gradual decrease is necessary to avoid withdrawal symptoms. Over 50 withdrawal symptoms associated with Wellbutrin have been reported. They range in severity from mild annoyances to life-threatening conditions and generally require monitoring by a medical professional.

Physical Withdrawal Symptoms

Physical withdrawal symptoms include difficulties maintaining balance, lack of coordination, increased headaches or migraines, electric shock-like or tingling sensations, and general lethargy and fatigue. These may signal a more severe condition that needs medical intervention.

Psychological Withdrawal Symptoms

Wellbutrin withdrawal may trigger psychological symptoms that are out of character for the user. Aggressive behavior that is not characteristic of the person taking the medication, irritability, hostility, and paranoia may occur. Anxiety, troubling thoughts, and worsening depression that circumstances cannot explain should be reported to the doctor. 

Highly emotional states, overreaction to everyday situations, depersonalization, and severe internal restlessness happen for some individuals. Crying spells and nervousness may surface for no apparent reason. Notify your physician immediately if you experience psychological disturbances that are not characteristic of you or have suicidal thoughts.

What to Pair with Wellbutrin for Anxiety

Pairing Wellbutrin with other medications for anxiety should always be done under the guidance and supervision of a healthcare professional. While Wellbutrin is not a first-line treatment for anxiety disorders, some doctors may consider combining it with other medications in certain cases. Here are a few options that may be considered:

• Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors (SSRIs): Wellbutrin works on different neurotransmitters than SSRIs. Combining Wellbutrin with an SSRI like sertraline or escitalopram may help address both depression and anxiety symptoms.
• Buspirone: Buspirone is an anti-anxiety medication that can be used with Wellbutrin. It has a different mechanism of action and can help manage anxiety symptoms without causing sedation or dependency.
• Benzodiazepines (Short-Term): Benzodiazepines like lorazepam or clonazepam are potent anxiety-relief medications. They are typically used short-term and can be considered for acute anxiety episodes in combination with Wellbutrin.
• Gabapentin or Pregabalin: These medications, originally developed to treat seizures, also manage anxiety. They can be considered combined with Wellbutrin, mainly if co-occurring anxiety and neuropathic pain symptoms exist.
• Psychotherapy: Combining Wellbutrin with psychotherapy, such as cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), can effectively manage anxiety. Therapy provides coping strategies and tools to address underlying causes of anxiety.
• Lifestyle Changes: Along with medication, lifestyle modifications such as regular exercise, proper sleep, stress management techniques, and a balanced diet can play a significant role in reducing anxiety symptoms.

It’s crucial to discuss your individual needs, medical history, and preferences with your healthcare provider to determine the best course of treatment. Medication combinations should only be prescribed and adjusted by a qualified medical professional to ensure safety and effectiveness.

Treatment For Alcohol Misuse & Mental Health Disorder

To determine the most effective ways to treat Wellbutrin side effects, especially if it is mixed with alcohol, it’s crucial first to get an accurate assessment of all the symptoms. When a mental health professional has evaluated the symptoms, it may be determined that another form of depression is present and needs a particular type of treatment. Very often, some combination of psychotherapy, medication, and lifestyle changes are effective for coping with functional.

Medically-Assisted Detox

Detox is often considered the first stage of treatment. It will help you navigate the complicated process of alcohol withdrawal but doesn’t address patterns of thought and behavior that contribute to alcohol use. Various treatment approaches and settings can help provide the ongoing support necessary to maintain long-term sobriety after you complete detox.

Cravings are very common during detox and can be challenging to overcome. This often leads to relapse. Constant medical care provided during inpatient treatment helps prevent relapse. Clinicians can provide the necessary medication and medical expertise to lessen cravings and the effects of alcohol withdrawals.

Psychotherapy for Depression

Several different modalities of psychotherapy have been used in the treatment of depression, including:

• Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) – is an effective treatment that involves changing both the patterns of negative thoughts and the behavioral routines which are affecting the daily life of the depressed person for various forms of depression.
• Person-Centered Therapy – a strategy that allows and encourages clients to understand and resolve their concerns in a safe, supportive environment.
• Solution Focused Therapy – an approach interested in solutions that can be quickly implemented with a simple first step leading to further positive consequences.

Medication-Assisted Treatments

Medication-Assisted Treatments (MAT) for alcohol use disorder and mental health disorder are commonly used in conjunction. This includes the use of medications and other medical procedures. During your rehab, the staff from your treatment facility will help you identify what caused your addiction and teach you skills that will help you change your behavior patterns and challenge the negative thoughts that led to your addiction. Sometimes, the pressures and problems in your life make you rely on substances to help you forget about them momentarily.

If you or a loved one are struggling with long-term substance abuse and a co-occurring mental health condition such as depression and anxiety, contact one of our helpful treatment specialists today. We Level Up NJ can provide information on dual diagnosis and detox programs that may fit your needs.

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