Wellbutrin, an FDA-approved antidepressant medication, is typically used to treat Major Depressive Disorder (MDD), Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD), and helps with quitting smoking. It is prescribed as an off-label medication for anxiety disorders.
In this article, we’ll discuss how Wellbutrin works to manage anxiety symptoms and what other options are available to pair with Wellbutrin.
How Wellbutrin Helps With Anxiety?
Wellbutrin targets the neurotransmitters, dopamine and norepinephrine and inhibits their reuptake. Dopamine is responsible for reward, motivation, and cognition. Norepinephrine affects attention, mood, and the sleep cycle. By increasing the levels of these two chemical transmitters, Wellbutrin alleviates depression and anxiety.
Well, it is not the first-line treatment for anxiety; it is used to treat depression. But, some healthcare providers suggest Wellbutrin as it is helpful when anxiety and depression co-occur. Moreover, Wellbutrin does not cause sexual dysfunction as a side effect, which typically results from other antidepressants.
Previously, it was thought that Wellbutrin might increase anxiety, however, recent research indicates that anxiety as a side effect occurs rarely. Signs that Wellbutrin works well for you become noticeable in the first week of its uptake. Mental and physical health begin to improve. Promising signs of Wellbutrin include:
- Increased energy levels
- Increased motivation
- Improvement in sleep
- Increased attention span
It is advised to consult your healthcare provider before considering Wellbutrin or any other medication for anxiety.
Is Wellbutrin helpful for anxiety on its own?
Although not the prime medication option to manage anxiety, Wellbutrin is effective for many people with anxiety disorders. The question arises whether it alone can treat anxiety or not. Well, it depends on several individual factors, such as the type of anxiety disorder, accompanying mental health disorders, and unexpected risks associated with Wellbutrin use.
Pairing other medications with Wellbutrin could help enhance the effects of Wellbutrin. If only Wellbutrin isn’t working, and you’re thinking about supplementing Wellbutrin with any other medicines, it may be time to reconsider your treatment options.
Supplementing Wellbutrin With Other Medications
Wellbutrin can be supplemented with other SSRIS like prozac, benzodiazepines like Xanax, and stimulant medications. It is essential to talk to your provider to prescribe suitable alternatives to your anxiety to avoid any harmful interactions.
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With Other Antidepressants
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Zoloft (Sertraline):
Zoloft is a Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitor (SSRI). It increases the amount of serotonin in the brain by blocking the reabsorption of serotonin in the nerve cells in the brain.
Benefits of this combination:
Both Wellbutrin and Zoloft are antidepressants, but they work in different ways. These two medications complement each other by acting on the trifecta of monoamine neurotransmitters dopamine, norepinephrine, and serotonin. This combination helps boost mood and increases energy levels, reducing anxiety. Zoloft works gradually and takes quite some time before showing the signs of functioning. The first sign is the improvement in sleep and appetite.
Warning:
Zoloft comes with a black box warning about the risks of suicidal ideation from the FDA. Mild side effects may include headache, difficulty sleeping, dry mouth, perspiration, and loss of appetite. Follow the guidelines provided by your psychiatrists when combining Wellbutrin with Zoloft.
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Prozac (Fluoxetine)
Prozac, like Zoloft, is also an SSRI (Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitor). Prozac boosts serotonin levels in the brain and manages the symptoms of depression. Serotonin targets emotions, appetite, and sleep.
To reduce the sexual side effects of prozac, it is often recommended by psychiatrists to combine it with Wellbutrin.
Benefits of this combination:
When dealing with both anxiety and depression, mental health professionals often prescribe taking fluoxetine and bupropion to treat the symptoms. Specifically, this combination of medication is effective in treating the symptoms of Generalised Anxiety Disorder (GAD). You should talk with your provider to ensure that these two medications are safe for you.
Warning:
Prozac and Wellbutrin have their separate side effects, and a combination of these two can sometimes result in exaggerated risk. The possibility of seizures and suicidal thoughts is heightened when Prozac is supplemented with Wellbutrin. In case of risks, your provider may devise an alternate medication plan.
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With Sedatives
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Xanax
Benzodiazepines like Xanax (alprazolam) work by increasing the activity of GABA (Gamma-aminobutyric acid). GABA is an inhibitory neurotransmitter. It is involved in slowing specific brain activities and has a calming effect on the brain. GABA relieves anxiety and improves sleep. Lower levels of GABA are associated with anxiety, mood disorders, depression, epilepsy, and seizures.
Xanax is approved by the FDA to treat Generalised Anxiety Disorder (GAD) and panic disorder and is usually prescribed for short-term use. A combination of Xanax and Wellbutrin is used to treat anxiety at the beginning of treatment. Xanax provides immediate relief for anxiety, and Wellbutrin improves mood. Xanax and Wellbutrin are usually prescribed by psychiatrists together because Wellbutrin takes much longer to start showing signs of recovery, while Xanax works right away.
Risks:
Abrupt withdrawal of Xanax while taking bupropion can cause seizures. Moreover, Xanax interacts with alcohol and opioid medications, therefore, it is advised to avoid alcohol.
- Clonazepam (Klonopin)
Clonazepam also belongs to the benzodiazepine class of drugs. It is used to treat seizures and panic disorder in adults. It calms the brain by inhibiting certain signals going to the brain. It is generally not recommended to take Klonopin with Wellbutrin, as both medications lower the seizure threshold. The potential risk of getting seizures is high with this combination.
- Ativan (lorazepam)
It is another benzodiazepine and is used to treat anxiety. Taking Ativan with Wellbutrin is considered safe, and no major risks are associated with it. However, asking your mental health provider before using any such combination is crucial.
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With Amphetamines
Adderall belongs to the amphetamine family of drugs. It is most generally used to treat Attention-deficit-hyperactivity disorder (ADHD).
Benefits of this combination:
It is also paired with Wellbutrin to reduce the symptoms of anxiety and improve attention and impulse control in certain people. Adderall is taken with Wellbutrin when mental disorders are co-occurring, like ADHD, depression, and anxiety.
Warning:
Taking these medications without the instructions of your provider can cause complications, especially adderall, because it is a stimulant medication and poses a higher risk of misuse and addiction. Combining these two medicines can have an additive effect on norepinephrine and dopamine. Taking a lower dose of both medications helps treat the symptoms of anxiety. Other stimulant medications, such as Vyvanse, are also sometimes prescribed with Wellbutrin.
Beyond Medication Regimen
Holistic healing can have greater benefits for anxiety treatment. This could include a combination of therapy and lifestyle changes paired with Wellbutrin.
Wellbutrin and Therapy
A combination of Wellbutrin and therapy, especially Cognitive Behavioural Therapy, is a success for most people dealing with anxiety. CBT– a type of talk therapy, is used to treat multiple mental health conditions such as anxiety and depression. It focuses on the origins of anxiety, i.e. unhelpful thought patterns, behavioural responses, and core beliefs. CBT challenges those thoughts and beliefs that cause anxiety and depression and modifies them into balanced thoughts.
Other therapy approaches, such as Dialectical Behaviour Therapy, Exposure Response Therapy, Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, and Mindfulness-based Therapies, are combined with Wellbutrin to achieve mental wellness.
Finding the Ideal Combination
It is important to talk to your psychiatrist when thinking of pairing any medication or other treatment options with Wellbutrin or when Wellbutrin is not showing the desired results for managing anxiety symptoms. Everyone’s mental health condition is unique, especially in the case of an anxiety disorder.
Certain factors must be taken into consideration when combining any other medicine with Wellbutrin. These include:
- Intensity of your anxiety
- Potential side effects of the medication you’re taking with Wellbutrin.
- Co-existing disorders or diseases
Salient points
- Wellbutrin is not an anxiety-specific medication. It is mainly used to treat major depressive disorder. However, it is also used to reduce the symptoms of anxiety.
- Other medications such as SSRIs, NDRIs, benzodiazepines, and stimulants are sometimes combined with Wellbutrin, keeping in mind the potential risks and side effects.
- Pairing various therapy methods with Wellbutrin is thought to be a paradigmatic way to deal with anxiety.
- It is advised to ask your healthcare provider in case of difficulty with Wellbutrin. Your provider may suggest dosage changes, supplementary medications, or other alternate medications and treatment options.
Struggling with finding a psychiatrist to treat your anxiety or offer guidance on anxiety medication? Don’t look further. At Advanced Health Preference Group, we are committed to providing expert psychiatric and medication services. Schedule a consultation to discover the best mental health care and have a transformative experience.
