Wellbutrin dizziness goes away

Full List of Bupropion (Wellbutrin, Zyban) Side Effects

Sold under the brand name Wellbutrin®, bupropion is a medication that’s commonly prescribed in the treatment of depression. Sold under the brand name Wellbutrin XL®, it’s also used to treat seasonal affective disorder (SAD) and, when sold as Zyban®, as a medication to help people quit smoking.

Although bupropion is less likely to cause certain side effects than other antidepressants, there are still numerous side effects that you should be aware of if you currently use bupropion or are considering this medication.

Below, we’ve listed the side effects you may experience while using bupropion, with information on how frequently each side effect occurs, what you can do to manage it and your best options if any particular side effect persists.

Common Bupropion (Wellbutrin, Zyban) Side Effects

Bupropion is an antidepressant medication used to help treat the symptoms of depression. Its most common side effects are similar to those of many other medications prescribed to treat depression. As with other antidepressants, most side effects that are associated with bupropion occur in the first few weeks of treatment and go away over time.

Common side effects of bupropion include:

Agitation
Dry mouth
Insomnia
Headache or migraine
Nausea and vomiting
Constipation
Tremor
Dizziness
Excessive sweating
Blurred vision
Tachycardia
Confusion
Rash
Hostility
Cardiac arrhythmia (irregular heartbeat)
Weight loss
Auditory disturbance

Of these, the most common side effects reported in clinical trials of bupropion were constipation, dizziness, dry mouth, headaches/migraines, nausea/vomiting, excessive sweating, agitation and tremor, which were all reported by more than 20 percent of users.

Agitation

Agitation was the most common side effect reported in clinical trials of Wellbutrin, a medication containing bupropion prescribed to treat major depressive disorder (MDD) and seasonal affective disorder. According to data from the FDA, 31.9 percent of people reported agitation while using bupropion.

Other side effects associated with agitation include insomnia, which affected about 18 percent of bupropion users in clinical trials.

If you feel agitated after using bupropion and don’t notice this side effect improving in the first few weeks of treatment, talk to your healthcare provider. They may adjust your bupropion dosage or recommend other changes to manage this side effect.

Try to exercise regularly. Other techniques that may help include deep-breathing exercises and yoga. If you continue to feel agitated while using bupropion, you may also want to talk to your healthcare provider about using medication to help you relax or switching to a different antidepressant.

If you find it difficult to sleep after taking bupropion, avoid taking your medication close to your bedtime. Using bupropion earlier in the day will mean that a lower dose of the medication will be in your bloodstream at bedtime, which may make it easier for you to fall asleep.

And vice versa, if you find yourself saying, “Boy, Wellbutrin makes me tired” it may be worth talking to your healthcare provider about taking it at night, closer to bedtime.

Dry Mouth

Bupropion and other antidepressants may cause xerostomia, or dry mouth. This side effect was reported by 27.6 percent of people who were prescribed bupropion in clinical trials, making it the second-most common side effect after agitation.

Dry mouth is a common side effect of many antidepressants, not only bupropion. It may be due to changes in your salivary glands caused by the medication. This side effect is generally more common with older antidepressants, such as tricyclic antidepressants (TCAs).

If you get dry mouth while using bupropion that doesn’t improve over the course of a few weeks, it’s best to talk to your healthcare provider. You can also try chewing sugarless or CPP-ACP gum to stimulate saliva production, which may help to loosen mucus and keep your mouth moist.

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Headache/Migraine

Headaches and migraines are a fairly common side effect of bupropion, affecting 25.7 percent of people in clinical trials (versus 22.2 percent of people given a non-therapeutic placebo).

Like dry mouth, headaches are a common side effect of antidepressants. Interestingly, a 2012 study found that headaches were less common in bupropion users than in people prescribed SSRIs and other antidepressants.

As with other side effects of bupropion, your headaches may become less severe or go away completely as your body gets used to the medication. If you get persistent headaches, it’s best to talk to your healthcare provider.

Nausea/Vomiting

Nausea and vomiting are common side effects of bupropion, reported by 22.9 percent of people in clinical trials.

As with many other side effects of bupropion, nausea and vomiting are common side effects of many antidepressants. Nausea caused by bupropion may get better or disappear completely over time as you become more used to the effects of the medication.

If you often feel nauseous after using bupropion, try to take your medication with food, eat small and frequent meals and make sure that you stay hydrated. You can also try an over-the-counter antacid such as Pepto-Bismol® to provide temporary relief.

If you have persistent nausea or vomiting that doesn’t get better over time or with treatment, it’s best to talk to your healthcare provider.

Constipation

According to clinical trial data, 26 percent of people who use bupropion experience constipation as a side effect.

Like many other side effects of bupropion, constipation is a common side effect of medications used to treat major depression or the symptoms of depression. It’s particularly common with older antidepressants such as tricyclic antidepressants, as these medications can affect digestive function.

If you feel constipated after using bupropion or are experiencing Wellbutrin stomach pain, try increasing your intake of fiber-rich foods or use an over-the-counter fiber supplement. Other techniques that may help include drinking plenty of water and exercising regularly.

If you have severe, persistent or painful constipation after you start using bupropion, talk to your healthcare provider. They may recommend a non-prescription stool softener such as docusate sodium to ease your symptoms and make going to the toilet easier.

Dizziness

Dizziness is a relatively common side effect of bupropion, reported by 22.3 percent of people in clinical trials.

In addition to bupropion, several other antidepressants can cause dizziness. You may feel dizzy when you first start taking bupropion, or notice occasional dizziness when you stand up from a seated position or make other sudden movements.

To avoid dizziness, try avoiding caffeine, tobacco and alcohol while you use bupropion or other antidepressants. It can also help to avoid driving or operating machinery and practice standing up slowly when you need to get up. If necessary, you can use other items for support.

If you feel dizzy during the daytime, you can also talk to your healthcare provider about taking Wellbutrin at night, which may help to reduce the severity of this side effect.

Excessive Sweating

Another relatively common side effect of bupropion users, 22.3 percent of people in clinical trials experienced excessive sweating — a significantly larger percentage than those given a non-therapeutic placebo.

Sweating is a common side effect of antidepressants. It’s referred to as antidepressant-induced excessive sweating, or ADIES, and is estimated to affect between four and 22 percent of people who use antidepressants overall.

Excessive sweating from antidepressants usually affects the scalp, face, neck and chest areas, with symptoms often developing in bursts.

If you notice yourself sweating excessively or uncomfortably after you start using bupropion, it’s best to talk to your healthcare provider. They may prescribe medication to treat the sweating or switch you to new antidepressant or different dosage of bupropion.

Tremors

Tremors — involuntary muscle contractions that usually affect your hands, limbs, head, face or eyes — is a common side effect of bupropion, affecting 21.1 percent of people in clinical trials.

Like other bupropion side effects, tremor is a common side effect of antidepressants, including selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) and tricyclic antidepressants. It’s referred to as drug or medication-induced tremor (MIT) and can also occur with other medications.

If you get tremors after you start using bupropion, talk to your healthcare provider. Medication-induced tremors as usually treated by ending treatment with the medication that causes the tremors. They may also recommend adjusting your dosage or using a different type of antidepressant.

Bupropion and Sexual Side Effects

Antidepressants are often associated with sexual side effects, such as decreased sexual desire, erection problems, reduced sexual excitement and difficulty ejaculating.

These adverse effects are a particularly common occurrence in people who use selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) and serotonin norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors (SNRIs).

In a 2000 article, researchers found that 30 to 40 percent of patients prescribed antidepressants developed some degree of sexual dysfunction. Other research has found that between 25 and 73 percent of SSRI and SNRI users reported sexual side effects.

Interestingly, although some bupropion users report experiencing a decrease in sexual function, research tends to show that bupropion is less likely to cause sexual side effects than other antidepressants, and may even help to reverse antidepressant-related sexual issues.

In a 2008 review, researchers noted there’s robust evidence that bupropion tends to cause less sexual dysfunction than SSRIs.

A separate study from 2004 also found that a sustained-release version of bupropion increased sexual desire and frequency of sexual activity in people with SSRI-induced sexual dysfunction.

In other words, bupropion may not cause the same sexual side effects as other antidepressants, or at least not cause them as often or severely. Still, if you notice any changes in your interest in sex or sexual performance after starting bupropion, it’s best to talk to your healthcare provider.

Bupropion and Changes in Weight

Antidepressants are commonly associated with weight gain. This association is so strong that many people who are prescribed antidepressants stop using them either due to weight gain or concerns about weight gain during treatment.

Although there’s some evidence that you may gain weight after you start using antidepressants, the link isn’t as strong as many people think.

According to a study published in JAMA Psychiatry, most people who use antidepressants only gain a small amount of weight over 12 months — for most medications, an increase of less than one percent of their original, pre-treatment body mass index (BMI).

Unlike other antidepressants, bupropion typically doesn’t cause weight gain. For example, in the study above, the researchers found that people who used bupropion experienced fluctuations of less than 0.25 percent of their original BMI over the course of 12 months of treatment.

Clinical trials of bupropion have also found that it typically doesn’t cause weight loss. In trials for Wellbutrin, a popular brand of bupropion, only 9.4 percent of people gained weight compared to 35 percent of people who received tricyclic antidepressants. Additionally, 28 percent of bupropion users actually lost more than five pounds.

Other studies have also found that bupropion causes mild weight loss when used over the long term.

In short, bupropion doesn’t appear to cause weight gain, at least not to the same extent as other common antidepressants. Most studies show the opposite — that bupropion either produces little change in weight or a small amount of weight loss.

Serious Side Effects of Bupropion

Although uncommon, bupropion may cause a range of more serious adverse effects, including adverse reactions that may require medical attention. We’ve listed these below and provided information on each potential side effect, as well as what you can do if you’re affected.

Suicidal Thoughts and Behaviors

Like other types of antidepressant medication, bupropion carries a “black box” warning from the FDA stating that it, as well as other medications in this category, may produce an increased risk of suicidal thoughts and behavior in children, adolescents and young adults.

Clinical trials of antidepressants do not show this risk in people over the age of twenty-four. Despite this, the FDA recommends monitoring for signs of suicidal thoughts or behavior in anyone prescribed an antidepressant.

This warning is common to antidepressants and also appears on the packaging of most SSRIs, SNRIs and other medications prescribed to treat depression and major depressive disorder. A less severe warning is used on the packaging of Zyban, a form of bupropion prescribed for smoking cessation.

If you experience suicidal thoughts, worsened depression or other abnormal thoughts after you start using bupropion, contact your healthcare provider as soon as you can. Call 911 if you think you are having a medical emergency.

Seizures

Bupropion may cause seizures. Use of bupropion is associated with seizures in approximately 0.4 percent of people at typical dosages of 450mg or less per day, making this a rare side effect. Seizures are significantly more common at dosages higher than 450mg per day.

The risk of seizures in people using bupropion is dose-related and is typically higher in people with conditions such as bulimia or anorexia, people who have quit using certain drugs or alcohol recently and people affected by seizure disorders.

Other conditions, such as metabolic disorders, head injury, prescription drug use or illegal drug use, may also increase your risk of seizures while using bupropion.

Hypertension (High Blood Pressure)

Bupropion may contribute to an increase in blood pressure and hypertension (overly high blood pressure). Your healthcare provider may ask that you monitor your blood pressure periodically while using bupropion to stay aware of any increases or changes.

If you currently have hypertension, or have a history of cardiovascular health issues, your healthcare provider may adjust your dosage of bupropion, recommend careful monitoring of your blood pressure or prescribe a different medication.

Activation of Mania/Hypomania

Treatment with antidepressants such as bupropion is associated with an increased risk of manic and hypomanic episodes, particularly in people who have risk factors for bipolar disorder or who have been diagnosed with bipolar disorder.

Bupropion is currently not approved by the FDA for treating bipolar depression. If you have bipolar disorder or display risk factors for bipolar disorder, your healthcare provider may recommend using another type of medication to treat your symptoms.

Psychosis and Other Neuropsychiatric Symptoms

There have been several reported cases of psychosis and other neuropsychiatric symptoms in patients treated with bupropion for depression. Several of these involved people who had previously used illicit drugs, while others involved patients diagnosed with bipolar disorder.

If you or a loved one experience any delusions, hallucinations, psychosis, paranoia, confusion or concentration disturbance while using bupropion, contact your healthcare provider.

Hypersensitivity Reactions

Although rare, bupropion may cause anaphylactoid/anaphylactic reactions. If you develop any symptoms of an allergic reaction, such as hives, skin rash, shortness of breath, edema, pruritus (itchy skin) or chest pain, contact your healthcare provider.

Drug Interactions

Bupropion also may interact with other medications in ways that could cause some potential side effects.

If you’ve used monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs) within 14 days of starting bupropion, tell your healthcare immediately, as these drug interactions may be severe.

Potential drug interactions with bupropion also include other antidepressants like SSRIs, SNRIs and TCAs, as well as medications like antipsychotics, beta-blockers, blood thinners, corticosteroids and others.

Bupropion Withdrawal

As with other antidepressants, bupropion may cause withdrawal symptoms if you abruptly stop taking it as prescribed. This is known as antidepressant discontinuation syndrome, and is a common issue for people who suddenly end their usage of antidepressants.

Bupropion may be less likely to cause severe withdrawal symptoms than other antidepressants, such as SSRIs and SNRIs. However, if you’re prescribed bupropion and want to stop taking it, it’s still important to talk to your healthcare provider first.

To reduce your risk of experiencing bupropion withdrawal symptoms, your healthcare provider may recommend tapering your dosage gradually over time. We’ve explained this in more detail in our guide to bupropion withdrawal.

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Learn More About Bupropion

Bupropion can help in the treatment of depression and make it easier for you to deal with nicotine cravings while quitting smoking. Our full guide to bupropion goes into more detail on how this medication works, common dosages, frequently asked questions and more.

This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. The information contained herein is not a substitute for and should never be relied upon for professional medical advice. Always talk to your doctor about the risks and benefits of any treatment. Learn more about our editorial standards here.

Wellbutrin side effects and how to avoid them

Wellbutrin treats major depressive disorder (MDD), seasonal affective disorder (SAD), and assists with smoking cessation

Wellbutrin (bupropion hydrochloride) is a brand-name prescription drug used for the treatment of major depressive disorder (MDD), the prevention of seasonal affective disorder (SAD), and smoking cessation, in addition to several off-label uses. As an antidepressant medication, Wellbutrin works by increasing the amount of norepinephrine and dopamine in the brain. These substances are neurotransmitters that are involved with regulating mood, emotions, memory, and motivation, and by increasing the levels of these neurotransmitters, Wellbutrin can help manage mental health conditions.

Brand-name Wellbutrin is available as a sustained-release (Wellbutrin SR) or extended-release (Wellbutrin XL) tablet, and generic Wellbutrin is available as an immediate-release tablet in addition to a sustained- or extended-release tablet. Bupropion might also be sold under other brand names including Forfivo XL and Aplenzin (bupropion hydrobromide), as well as Zyban, which has recently been discontinued. Although Wellbutrin works differently than other antidepressants, it does have side effects and may not be suitable for some people with pre-existing medical conditions.

RELATED: What is Wellbutrin?

Common side effects of Wellbutrin

The most common side effects of Wellbutrin are:

Trouble sleeping
Headache
Agitation
Dry mouth
Constipation
Weight loss or weight gain
Migraine
Nausea
Vomiting
Excessive sweating
Tremor
Dizziness
Blurred vision
Fast heartbeat
Joint aches
Sore throat

Serious side effects of Wellbutrin

Possible side effects of Wellbutrin that can be serious or even life-threatening include:

Worsened depression
Suicidal thoughts and behaviors
Homicidal thoughts
Neuropsychiatric events (psychosis, mania, hallucinations, and panic attacks)
Seizures
Severe high blood pressure (hypertension)
Heart problems, including irregular heartbeat
Angle-closure glaucoma
Liver problems
Visual problems, such as changes in vision
Severe allergic reactions

Wellbutrin and suicide

Wellbutrin has a black box warning that highlights a risk of worsening depression and suicidal thoughts or behaviors in children, teens, and young adults. The incidence of these adverse effects is between 0.1% and 1%, although older adults are at a lower risk of this effect. Patients and caregivers should watch behavior and mood closely and call a healthcare provider at any signs of suicidality, such as:

Talks of suicide or dying
Suicide attempts
New or worsened depression, anxiety, or irritability
Agitation and restlessness
Extreme dietary changes
Irritability
Trouble sleeping
Increased use of illicit substances or alcohol
Unusual, aggressive, or violent behaviors
Isolation from friends and family

Wellbutrin and angle-closure glaucoma

Angle-closure glaucoma is a medical emergency that comes on suddenly when the opening, or angle, between the iris and the cornea is blocked, causing fluid pressure to build up rapidly in the eye. This opening allows fluid to drain from the eye, but people with uncorrected “narrow angles” between the iris and the cornea are particularly vulnerable to closure. Because angle-closure glaucoma can rapidly develop into permanent vision loss, you should immediately stop taking Wellbutrin and go to an emergency room at any sign of angle-closure glaucoma, such as:

Eye pain
Changes in vision
Swelling or redness in or around the eye

Wellbutrin and neuropsychiatric events

When taken for smoking cessation, Wellbutrin has been reported to cause neuropsychiatric events, such as depression, anxiety, panic attacks, hostility, and even psychosis or hallucinations. The risk of experiencing these events can vary, but people with a history of mental health problems may be at a high risk of experiencing these events. Patients and caregivers should monitor behaviors and mood closely and call a healthcare provider at any sign of psychiatric problems.

Wellbutrin and weight loss

Weight loss is a common side effect of Wellbutrin, affecting 14% to 23% of people who take the medication. Anorexia—loss of appetite—is also commonly experienced, with an incidence between 1% and 18%. For this reason, some healthcare professionals may prescribe bupropion off-label for weight loss or weight loss maintenance, while others consider it the antidepressant of choice for patients diagnosed with both depression and obesity. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has approved at least one bupropion drug for weight loss: Contrave, a combination of bupropion and naltrexone, a drug normally used to treat opioid or alcohol abuse.

How long do side effects last?

With a half-life of 14 hours when taken as a single dose and 21 hours when taken on a consistent basis, bupropion and its active metabolites can remain in the body for three or four days. However, side effects are usually mild and temporary. Side effects of bupropion can last a couple of days or weeks as the body gets used to the drug. Consult a healthcare provider if side effects last longer than two to three weeks, or if side effects are particularly bothersome or severe.

Some side effects may take longer to resolve or require medical attention. Serious adverse effects, such as severe allergic reactions, angle-closure glaucoma, irregular heartbeat, heart attack, seizures, severe high blood pressure, and severely low blood sodium levels will require medical attention. Some of these side effects, such as angle-closure glaucoma or heart attack, may have lifelong complications.

Suicidality, worsening of depression, mood changes, mania, hostility, and other neuropsychiatric events can occur with the use of bupropion. In many cases, Wellbutrin will be discontinued. However, these symptoms may be due to pre-existing mental health problems, so long-term psychiatric treatment for other mental health problems may be recommended.

Wellbutrin contraindications & warnings

Wellbutrin affects the brain and body in different ways, and it can cause problems in people with a variety of pre-existing conditions.

Abuse and dependence

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) does not consider Wellbutrin a drug that can cause physical dependence, abuse, or tolerance. However, Wellbutrin can produce a mild amphetamine-like reaction. For this reason, Wellbutrin is commonly abused as a street drug and sometimes referred to as “the poor man’s cocaine.” This medication also carries a risk for psychological dependence, but the most serious problems are side effects, particularly seizures, when people abuse bupropion by snorting the drug, injecting the drug, or taking it in large doses.

Overdose

A Wellbutrin overdose is potentially serious and will often require medical attention. The most common side effect of a Wellbutrin overdose is seizures, but other symptoms include:

Hallucinations
Loss of consciousness
Fast heartbeat
Irregular heartbeat
Overactive reflexes
Convulsions

When taken in excessive amounts in combination with other drugs, Wellbutrin may also cause fever, muscle rigidity, low blood pressure, stupor, coma, and respiratory failure.

Restrictions

Some medical conditions make taking Wellbutrin too hazardous:

Anyone with allergies to bupropion will not be prescribed Wellbutrin.
Because of an increased risk of seizures, Wellbutrin is never given to people with a history of seizures, a prior diagnosis of an eating disorder, such as anorexia or bulimia, or anyone undergoing abrupt withdrawal from alcohol, barbiturates, benzodiazepines, or antiepileptic medications.

Other pre-existing conditions may cause problems, so healthcare providers will prescribe Wellbutrin cautiously and watch carefully for side effects.

Because of the increased risk of suicidal thoughts and behaviors, people younger than the age of 25 should be carefully watched for signs of worsening depression, unusual behaviors, or thoughts about suicide or dying. Any mood changes, depression, or suicidality need to be reported to the prescribing healthcare professional as soon as they’re noticed.
Because of an increased risk for seizures, people with risk factors for seizures may need to be carefully monitored. These risk factors include head injury, CNS infection, severe stroke, arteriovenous malformation, and drug or alcohol abuse.
People with a history of mental health problems will be monitored for neuropsychiatric side effects, particularly when taking Wellbutrin for smoking cessation.
All antidepressants can provoke mania or hypomania in people with bipolar disorder, so people with bipolar disorder should be closely monitored for behavioral changes.
People with high blood pressure or a recent heart attack may require close monitoring of blood pressure.
People who have uncorrected narrow angles are at a higher risk of narrow-angle glaucoma when taking Wellbutrin, so they should watch for and report any eye problems.
People with Tourette’s syndrome or with a tic disorder may be at risk for new or worsening tics when taking Wellbutrin.
Wellbutrin may require dose modifications and monitoring in people with liver or kidney problems.

Pregnancy and nursing

There is no evidence that bupropion increases the risk of birth defects, miscarriage, or other problems when taken during pregnancy. Because untreated depression does have pregnancy risks, women should get medical advice from a healthcare professional about the safety and benefits of taking Wellbutrin during pregnancy.

Nursing mothers are advised to be cautious about taking Wellbutrin. Bupropion and its active metabolites are present in breast milk, but healthcare providers are uncertain about its effects on the baby. Before taking Wellbutrin, women who are breastfeeding should talk to a healthcare professional about its benefits and risks.

Children

The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has not approved bupropion for anyone younger than the age of 18. Some healthcare providers, however, may prescribe Wellbutrin off-label to children as young as 11 years of age, but these children are at an increased risk of worsening depression, suicidal thoughts, and suicidal behaviors.

Seniors

People older than 65 can take Wellbutrin in the same doses as younger adults, but doses may be modified in some older adults if the person has liver or kidney problems.

Wellbutrin interactions

Most Wellbutrin drug interactions are minor, but some are serious enough to require monitoring, dosing changes, or avoiding the drug combination altogether.

Wellbutrin is never combined with some drugs because of the potential hazards. These include:

MAO inhibitors: Because of the risk for high blood pressure or seizures, Wellbutrin is never taken with monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs), a small family of drugs that includes the antidepressants isocarboxazid, phenelzine, tranylcypromine, and selegiline. Other examples of MAOIs include the cancer drug procarbazine, the antibiotic linezolid, and methylene blue injections.
Anti-seizure medications, barbiturates, and benzodiazepines: Because of an increased risk of seizures, treatment with Wellbutrin is not started if these medications have been used excessively or discontinued suddenly.
Other precautions: Because of the increased risk of serious heart rhythm problems, Wellbutrin is not recommended to be taken with the antipsychotic drugs pimozide or thioridazine.

Some drugs that lower the seizure threshold may need to be avoided. These include:

Antipsychotics
Tricyclic antidepressants
Appetite suppressants
Certain opioids
Systemic corticosteroids
Theophylline
Stimulants

Bupropion raises dopamine levels in the brain. When combined with similar drugs (dopaminergic drugs), dopamine can rise to toxic levels. So both levodopa and amantadine should be used cautiously with bupropion.

Bupropion can block the body’s metabolism of other drugs. As a result, the concentration of other drugs in the body can increase, raising the risk of side effects. Either these drugs must be stopped or the doses must be changed. These include:

Tricyclic antidepressants
Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs)
Antipsychotics
Beta blockers
Certain types of heart rhythm medications

Finally, alcohol mixed with bupropion can provoke neuropsychiatric events. The use of alcohol should be avoided or minimized when taking Wellbutrin.

How to avoid Wellbutrin side effects

1. Take Wellbutrin as directed

Take Wellbutrin as instructed. The typical dose is 300 mg a day. Don’t skip a dose, but if you do, don’t make up that dose. Wait until the next scheduled dose and take that dose as planned.

2. Tell the healthcare provider about all medical conditions

To avoid potentially serious side effects, tell the prescribing healthcare professional about all medical conditions, especially if you’ve had a history of:

Eating disorders
Suicide attempts
Depression or other mental health problems, such as mania, hypomania, or bipolar disorder
Heart disease, high blood pressure, or recent heart attack
Liver problems
Kidney problems
Head injuries
Seizures
Brain or spinal tumors
Diabetes
Alcohol or illicit drug use
Pregnancy or pregnancy plans
Breastfeeding or plans to breastfeed

3. Tell the healthcare provider about all medications

Drug interactions can also cause side effects, so tell your healthcare provider about all prescription and over-the-counter medications you take, especially:

MAO inhibitors
Anti-seizure medications
Sedatives
Benzodiazepines
Opioids

4.

Do not drink alcohol

Drinking alcohol when being treated with Wellbutrin can cause neuropsychiatric side effects. Avoid alcohol entirely or drink in moderation according to your doctor’s instructions.

5. Be careful about driving and other risky activities at first

Avoid driving cars or operating machinery for a few days until you’re familiar with Wellbutrin and how it affects your body.

6. Eat a healthy diet

To avoid weight loss or weight gain, eat a healthy diet and carefully monitor weight while taking Wellbutrin. A dietitian or nutritionist may be able to help if appetite and weight changes become a problem while taking this medication.

7. Talk to a healthcare provider before discontinuing Wellbutrin

The sudden discontinuation of Wellbutrin can cause unpleasant withdrawal effects. Seek medical advice if Wellbutrin does not seem to be working or the side effects become hard to manage. Upon discontinuing Wellbutrin, a healthcare provider may recommend tapering, or gradually lowering, the dose to help prevent problems when stopping Wellbutrin.

Related resources for Wellbutrin side effects:

15 years of clinical experience with bupropion HCl: from bupropion to bupropion SR to bupropion XL, Primary Care Companion to The Journal of Clinical Psychiatry
Bupropion compound summary, U.S. National Library of Medicine
Bupropion drug summary, Prescriber’s Digital Reference
“Narrow angles” a tip-off to eyesight risk, Harvard Health Publishing
One antidepressant shown to control weight during a 2-year study, Science Daily
Wellbutrin SR, Epocrates
Wellbutrin SR prescribing information, U.S. National Library of Medicine
What is naltrexone?, UAMS Psychiatric Research Center

What to do if you feel dizzy? — publications of the family clinic Detstvo Plus

Dizziness (vertigo) is a condition in which a person feels as if his body or objects around him are moving, although in fact they are motionless. This is a common reason for visiting a doctor. Unpleasant sensations cause discomfort to a person and serve as a symptom of the pathology that occurs in the body, especially if they appear constantly and have a long-term effect. Therefore, it is very important to find out the causes of frequent dizziness.

Diagnosis

The condition when the head is often dizzy is a symptom of many diseases. Accordingly, there are many reasons that can cause it. That is why diagnostics should be carried out comprehensively.

Specialists use various methods for diagnosis:

physical examination - the doctor finds out the patient's complaints;
general blood and urine analysis;
biochemical blood test - systemic dizziness may be due to a low level of iron in the blood serum, etc.;
x-ray - allows you to detect osteochondrosis of the cervical vertebrae;
Ultrasound of the vessels of the brain - the condition of the vessels and blood flow is assessed;
magnetic resonance imaging - makes it possible to detect inflammatory processes, atherosclerosis, tumors, etc. ;
ECG - to detect cardiac pathologies, which may be the causes of constant dizziness;
conduct an EEG - to assess the state of the cerebral cortex;
computed tomography - the condition of the veins and arteries is assessed.

Causes of severe and prolonged dizziness

Constant dizziness in women and men, unlike the rare ones that occur with sudden movements, poisoning or alcohol intoxication, can be caused by serious diseases, so you need to know their symptoms and treatment.

Neurological causes

Frequent attacks of dizziness can occur due to damage to the nerve endings, as well as the circulatory system of the brain. Systemic vertigo causes migraine, meningitis, encephalitis, tumors of various origins, multiple sclerosis, epilepsy, strokes in the brainstem structures and in the cerebellum, vertebrobasilar syndrome, which occurs due to insufficient blood flow to the brain tissues.

ENT pathologies

Chronic dizziness causes inflammation of the vestibular apparatus, which occurs in the hearing organs or nerve fibers located nearby. In these cases, chronic nausea often occurs. These are such pathologies as injuries of the internal organs of hearing, ischemia of the vessels of these organs, purulent processes in them, Meniere's disease and others.

Cardiovascular disorders

Frequent dizziness in a woman can cause menopause or menopause. In addition, there are cases when permanent vertigo occurs due to diseases of the heart and blood vessels, arrhythmia, diabetes mellitus, thyroid dysfunction, and sharp jumps in blood pressure.

Psycho-emotional disorders

Psycho-emotional causes are hidden in external factors. It's stressful, intense anxiety. An overly emotional woman, for example, may feel dizzy several times a day, becoming chronic. This condition is often aggravated by tachycardia, rapid breathing, weakness of the arms and legs.

What to do when you feel dizzy?

At the time of the attack, the person should be laid on the bed, put a wet towel on his forehead. Provide fresh air to the room. The patient should try to fix his gaze on one fixed object. You can give him a glass of water to drink. If such attacks are systemic or do not go away for a long time, you should make an appointment with a doctor (at home).

Treatment of persistent dizziness is aimed at eliminating the pathologies that cause this symptom. The doctor, based on complaints and visual signs, establishes a preliminary diagnosis and directs the patient for a consultation with specialized specialists.

Publication date: 09/21/2017 | Modified date: 03/21/2022

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Why am I feeling dizzy?

2019.11.28

Various organs such as our eyes, brain, inner ear and leg, and spinal nerves are responsible for our ability to maintain balance. When these systems malfunction, dizziness and imbalance can occur. This can be a serious and dangerous sign if it causes imbalance and falls, or if the dizziness makes walking or navigating the environment difficult. Let us resolve the issue immediately and contact your doctor immediately. Specialists will evaluate your complaints, your general health and find out what is happening and how to treat them.
Seek medical attention if dizziness or inability to balance is accompanied by:

Chest pain
Severe headaches
Head injuries
fever
Irregular heart rhythm
seizures
Shortness of breath
"Cuff" neck
Sudden change in speech, vision or hearing
emetic
Facial numbness
Leg or arm weakness

Is it dizzy?

Do you feel that the room is moving or rotating around you? This is a classic sign of dizziness called vertigo. It's more than a talent and it usually gets worse when you move your head. This is a symptom of an imbalance problem in the inner ear or brain stem. The most common type is benign paroxysmal postural head rotation. Your inner ear is a complex system of channels filled with fluid. This lets your brain know how your head is moving. Small parts of the calcium crystal in your inner ear loosen up and move to places where they shouldn't be. The system is not working properly and is sending the wrong signals to your brain. This is often caused by the natural breakdown of cells that occurs with age. It can also be caused by a head injury. You will feel it for a short time when you tilt or turn your head, especially when you roll over or sit down. Benign paroxysmal positional vertigo is not serious and usually resolves spontaneously. If not - or if you want to help together - it can be treated with specific head exercises ("particle remodeling exercises") called "Epley" maneuvers to put the calcium chips back in place. Most people feel better after one or three treatments.
There are other causes of dizziness both inside and outside the brain. You may have Meniere's disease (described below), labyrinthitis (described below), a tumor called an acoustic neuroma, or side effects caused by certain antibiotics. It can be caused in the brain by vestibular migraine, multiple sclerosis, birth defects of the brain, or stroke due to inadequate blood flow or bleeding in the cerebellum.

Is it an infection?

Nerve inflammation in the ear can also cause dizziness. This is called vestibular neuritis or labyrinthitis and is caused by an infection. A virus is usually to blame. Middle ear infections or meningitis bacteria can also get into your inner ear. In this case, dizziness usually occurs suddenly. Your ears may ring and it may be hard to hear. You may also feel nausea, fever, and ear pain. Symptoms may last for several weeks. If it is caused by a virus and cannot be treated with antibiotics. Helpful foods can help you feel better when the infection clears up.

Is it Meniere's disease?

This condition causes intense periods of dizziness that can last for hours. You may feel fullness or pressure in one ear. Other symptoms include tinnitus, hearing loss, nausea, and restlessness. You may feel exhausted after an attack. People with Meniere's disease have too much fluid in the inner ear. Doctors do not know what causes it, and there is no cure for it. This is usually treated by changing the diet (a low-salt diet) and taking medication to control dizziness.

Is this a circulatory disorder?

Dizziness may be a sign of a circulation problem. Your brain needs constant oxygen-rich blood. Otherwise, you may be sleepy and even weak. Some of the reasons for reduced blood flow to the brain include blood clots, clogged arteries, heart failure, and an irregular heartbeat. For many older people, standing up suddenly can cause a sudden drop in blood pressure. It is important to contact your doctor immediately if you feel dizzy and weak, or if you pass out.

Is this your medicine?

Some medicines prescribe dizziness as a possible side effect. Talk to your doctor if you are taking the following medicines:

Antibiotics, including gentamicin and streptomycin
antidepressants
Anticonvulsants
Blood pressure medicines
sedatives

Is it dehydration (lack of fluid in the body)?

Many people do not drink enough fluids to replace the fluids they lose every day through sweating, breathing and urinating. This is a particularly pressing issue for the elderly and people with diabetes. When you're dehydrated, your blood pressure drops, your brain doesn't get enough oxygen, and you start to feel dizzy. Other symptoms of dehydration include thirst, fatigue, and dark urine. To rehydrate, drink plenty of water or diluted fruit juice, and limit coffee, tea, and soda.

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