Unfortunately, the medication you’ve been prescribed to help with your depression is also causing you to have trouble sleeping. Really, what the heck is going on?
That said, it’s only one of the many potential adverse effects of Wellbutrin.
Although Wellbutrin and other antidepressants undoubtedly help many people, it is prudent to be mindful of their potential drawbacks.
In other words, what exactly is Wellbutrin?
According to Marra Ackerman, M.D., clinical assistant professor of psychiatry at NYU Langone Health and an expert on depression, Wellbutrin (bupropion) is “a staple therapy for major depressive disorder” and seasonal affective disorder (SAD).
Wellbutrin belongs to a different class of antidepressants than those like Zoloft, Prozac, and Lexapro (selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors, or SSRIs). It blocks the conversion of dopamine into norepinephrine (NDRI) and has no discernible effect on the serotonin system. Ackerman explains that dopamine is involved in regulating the brain’s reward and pleasure regions and that this substance impacts norepinephrine and dopamine neurotransmitters.
According to Ackerman, it is also used to assist smokers in quitting the habit. “The mechanism by which it affects nicotine addiction is not apparent,” Ackerman explains. However, “you may see people who are fully able to quit,” as one patient put it, “because it reduces cravings in patients.”
There are specific Wellbutrin adverse effects that you should take seriously, but this is true with most pharmaceuticals.
You seem to have suddenly gained a ton of energy
This may be an advantage of the medicine for female patients looking to increase their vitality. Still, Ackerman cautions, “There’s a risk of turning someone into hypomania [a minor form of hyperactivity] or mania when they have an existing bipolar disease.” Ackerman explains that this is why Wellbutrin isn’t recommended for bipolar patients unless they are also on a mood stabilizer.
Your normal levels of anxiety have increased
Wellbutrin, according to Ackerman, may be prescribed by doctors to individuals whose depression signs are more “melancholic” or “sluggish” since it can increase patients’ activity levels. She compares it to “one extra cup of coffee.”
Although it may be beneficial for some women, for others, the stimulation may be too great and lead to anxiety. Ackerman suggests immediately consulting a physician about the possibility of switching to a different medication should this occur.
There’s no way you can even consider eating
While it’s less frequent, reduced appetite and weight loss can happen with Wellbutrin usage, too, adds Ackerman. Yet, as Ackerman points out, other antidepressants, especially SSRIs, are more likely to have this adverse effect and a decrease in sex drive.
You can’t seem to get to sleep
Insomnia, or trouble getting to sleep or staying asleep, is a typical side effect of Wellbutrin; nevertheless, it’s essential to monitor your sleep patterns to ensure they aren’t impacting your daily life. “If someone is having serious problems, they may need to switch medicines,” adds Ackerman.
You are having seizures
To paraphrase what Ackerman has said, “the most important side effect we care about using Wellbutrin is the elevated risk of seizures,” and this is especially true in specific sub-populations such as individuals with eating disorders, notably bulimia.
She further notes that those who use Wellbutrin and already have a history of seizure disorders or a brain tumor are at a higher risk of experiencing more seizures. Please get in touch with your physician immediately if this occurs.
If you drink coffee regularly, you may find that you are more easily agitated
According to Ackerman, some women who take Wellbutrin may feel much more energized than usual if they consume caffeinated beverages, such as their regular lattes or diet sodas. Cutting down coffee while taking Wellbutrin or switching to decaf might help alleviate this side effect.
You’ve got a racing heart
Ackerman warns that taking Wellbutrin might cause some patients to have rapid heartbeats (tachycardia; more than 100 beats per minute). Tell your doctor right away if this happens to you. According to Ackerman, if they suspect cardiac problems, they will prescribe an electrocardiogram (EKG or ECG), which detects electrical activity in the pulse.
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