Wellbutrin worse before better

Does Wellbutrin cause anxiety?

Wellbutrin is the brand name of a drug called bupropion hydrochloride. Doctors prescribe Wellbutrin primarily for the treatment of depression.

Some people may experience new or worsening anxiety while taking Wellbutrin. If this side effect occurs, it is usually at its worst shortly after a person begins taking the drug or in the period following dose increases.

This article describes what Wellbutrin is and the conditions it treats. We also outline the potential side effects of Wellbutrin and list some alternative antidepressant medications.

Wellbutrin is the brand name of an antidepressant drug called bupropion hydrochloride. The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) have approved Wellbutrin as a treatment for major depressive disorder.

The FDA have approved other forms of bupropion as a treatment for seasonal affective disorder, as well as an aid to quit smoking under the brand name Zyban.

Bupropion also has a number of off-label uses, including treatment of:

sexual dysfunction associated with antidepressant use
depression associated with bipolar disorder, obesity, or reducing weight gain linked with the use of psychiatric medications
symptoms of attention deficit hyperactivity disorder in children and adults

According to the FDA, experts do not yet understand how bupropion works to treat depression. The drug appears to help increase levels of the neurotransmitters dopamine and norepinephrine in the brain.

The therapeutic effects of Wellbutrin typically appear after around 2 weeks of regular use, although they may occur later for some people.

According to the FDA, Wellbutrin can cause anxiety-related side effects in some people. These side effects may include:

anxiety
restlessness
agitation
insomnia

Anxiety-related side effects may be at their worst shortly after a person begins treatment or in the period following dose increases. Around 2% of people who experience such symptoms stop taking the drug as a result.

Wellbutrin may not be suitable for people who experience depression alongside high levels of anxiety. A person should contact their doctor to establish which antidepressant medication would be best for them.

Wellbutrin may cause other side effects besides anxiety. A 2020 review notes that the following side effects may occur in more than 10% of people who take the drug:

sinusitis
throat inflammation
headache
dizziness
blurred vision
dry mouth
nausea
constipation
unexplained weight loss
skin rashes
insomnia
agitation
muscle tremors
fast heartbeat

Less commonly, Wellbutrin may cause serious adverse effects, such as worsening suicidal ideation and an increased risk of seizures. It may also increase stress on the liver in people with preexisting liver disease.

People should contact their doctor before taking Wellbutrin if they have a medical history of any of the following:

suicidal ideation or suicide attempts
seizures
liver disease or other liver problems

Anyone who experiences side effects while taking Wellbutrin should consult their doctor. In some cases, certain side effects may go away with time. Nonetheless, people should discuss the matter with a healthcare professional.

If a person experiences severe or persistent side effects, their doctor may recommend adjusting the dosage or switching to an alternative medication. A person should not adjust their medication dose or stop taking their medication unless their doctor tells them it is safe to do so.

Wellbutrin has the potential to interact with other medications or supplements a person may be taking. As such, a person should talk with their doctor before adding any dietary or herbal supplements to their treatment regimen.

Wellbutrin may not be a suitable option for everyone. We outline some alternative antidepressant medications below.

Lexapro

Lexapro is the brand name of the antidepressant drug escitalopram. Doctors may prescribe Lexapro for the treatment of depression, anxiety, such as generalized anxiety disorder, or a combination of both.

Lexapro is a selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI) and may cause side effects, including:

suicidal ideation or suicide attempts
irritation or agitation
drowsiness or confusion
difficulty sleeping
headache
diarrhea
weight changes
muscle tremors
changes in taste
sexual difficulties, such as erectile dysfunction or low libido

SSRIs may also cause withdrawal symptoms, often called antidepressant discontinuation syndrome, as a person tries to come off them.

Abruptly stopping the medication increases the risk of withdrawal symptoms. To reduce this risk, a person’s doctor will slowly decrease the dosage over time.

Prozac

Prozac is the brand name of the SSRI fluoxetine. Doctors may prescribe Prozac for a range of mental health conditions, including, but not limited to:

depression
panic disorder
obsessive-compulsive disorder

As an SSRI, Prozac may produce side effects similar to those caused by Lexapro. People who cannot tolerate these side effects should consult their doctor about other treatment options.

Wellbutrin is a brand name of the antidepressant drug bupropion hydrochloride. Doctors may prescribe Wellbutrin as an alternative to other antidepressants, including SSRIs.

Wellbutrin can cause anxiety in some people, especially when they first start taking the drug or in the period after dose increases.

In some cases, doctors may recommend lowering the dosage to help control side effects. However, a person should not adjust their medication dosage without their doctor’s prior consent.

People who experience severe or persistent side effects while taking Wellbutrin should contact their doctor. The doctor will work closely with the person to find a suitable alternative.

Does Wellbutrin cause anxiety?

Wellbutrin is the brand name of a drug called bupropion hydrochloride. Doctors prescribe Wellbutrin primarily for the treatment of depression.

This article describes what Wellbutrin is and the conditions it treats. We also outline the potential side effects of Wellbutrin and list some alternative antidepressant medications.

Wellbutrin is the brand name of an antidepressant drug called bupropion hydrochloride. The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) have approved Wellbutrin as a treatment for major depressive disorder.

The FDA have approved other forms of bupropion as a treatment for seasonal affective disorder, as well as an aid to quit smoking under the brand name Zyban.

Bupropion also has a number of off-label uses, including treatment of:

sexual dysfunction associated with antidepressant use
depression associated with bipolar disorder, obesity, or reducing weight gain linked with the use of psychiatric medications
symptoms of attention deficit hyperactivity disorder in children and adults

The therapeutic effects of Wellbutrin typically appear after around 2 weeks of regular use, although they may occur later for some people.

According to the FDA, Wellbutrin can cause anxiety-related side effects in some people. These side effects may include:

anxiety
restlessness
agitation
insomnia

Wellbutrin may cause other side effects besides anxiety. A 2020 review notes that the following side effects may occur in more than 10% of people who take the drug:

sinusitis
throat inflammation
headache
dizziness
blurred vision
dry mouth
nausea
constipation
unexplained weight loss
skin rashes
insomnia
agitation
muscle tremors
fast heartbeat

People should contact their doctor before taking Wellbutrin if they have a medical history of any of the following:

suicidal ideation or suicide attempts
seizures
liver disease or other liver problems

Wellbutrin may not be a suitable option for everyone. We outline some alternative antidepressant medications below.

Lexapro

Lexapro is a selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI) and may cause side effects, including:

suicidal ideation or suicide attempts
irritation or agitation
drowsiness or confusion
difficulty sleeping
headache
diarrhea
weight changes
muscle tremors
changes in taste
sexual difficulties, such as erectile dysfunction or low libido

SSRIs may also cause withdrawal symptoms, often called antidepressant discontinuation syndrome, as a person tries to come off them.

Abruptly stopping the medication increases the risk of withdrawal symptoms. To reduce this risk, a person’s doctor will slowly decrease the dosage over time.

Prozac

Prozac is the brand name of the SSRI fluoxetine. Doctors may prescribe Prozac for a range of mental health conditions, including, but not limited to:

depression
panic disorder
obsessive-compulsive disorder

As an SSRI, Prozac may produce side effects similar to those caused by Lexapro. People who cannot tolerate these side effects should consult their doctor about other treatment options.

Wellbutrin is a brand name of the antidepressant drug bupropion hydrochloride. Doctors may prescribe Wellbutrin as an alternative to other antidepressants, including SSRIs.

Wellbutrin can cause anxiety in some people, especially when they first start taking the drug or in the period after dose increases.

In some cases, doctors may recommend lowering the dosage to help control side effects. However, a person should not adjust their medication dosage without their doctor’s prior consent.

People who experience severe or persistent side effects while taking Wellbutrin should contact their doctor. The doctor will work closely with the person to find a suitable alternative.

Bupropion gave criminal complications - Gazeta Kommersant No. 29 (6750) dated February 18, 2020 psychiatrists consider it a legal antidepressant. Astrakhan customs opened a large-scale drug smuggling case against Olga Kalinovskaya, suffering from a psychiatric illness, who received pills in the mail.

The woman claims that she did not even order the medicine - the package was allegedly a New Year's gift from a friend who advised her on treatment. Experts point out that bupropion is not banned in Russia, but this does not interfere with judging for its purchase.

Photo: Sergey Mikheev, Kommersant / buy photo

Olga Kalinovskaya lived in Ukraine since 2008, where she was diagnosed with a depressive personality disorder. In 2012, an acquaintance of hers, a teacher who works with special children, suggested that the woman might also have attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). She advised me to contact a friend from Norway who lives with ADHD himself and consults other patients remotely. He confirmed the diagnosis of Olga Kalinovskaya and recommended bupropion for treatment; she several times ordered the drug to Ukraine from an Indian pharmaceutical company without any problems.

Abroad Bupropion is completely legal and prescribed by doctors as an antidepressant or to help quit smoking. Foreign pharmaceutical companies produce bupropion tablets under different names: Zyban, Elontril, Wellbutrin. Until 2016, it was also sold in Russia, and the Ministry of Health even included it in the standards for the provision of medical care. But then the manufacturer left the Russian market and withdrew the license from the State Register of Medicines. By law, such drugs without a license can be bought and sold as dietary supplements.

In 2017, Olga Kalinovskaya returned to Volgograd with her husband and child to take care of her elderly mother. The woman passed a psychiatric commission, but Russian doctors did not confirm ADHD. She was given a different diagnosis (she asked not to disclose it to the media) and prescribed treatment. Ivan Martynikhin, a member of the executive committee of the Russian Society of Psychiatrists, told Kommersant that ADHD is poorly diagnosed in Russia: “Doctors do not know that it persists in adults. I see patients who come in with a depressive disorder, and ADHD is at the root."

At the same time, the psychiatrist emphasized that one should not engage in self-examination: “Only in half of the patients who came to see me and complained of ADHD, the syndrome was actually confirmed.”

At the end of December 2019, Kalinovskaya received a notification about the delivery of an unknown package from India. She was detained at the post office - it turned out that the package contained 300 bupropion tablets. According to Mrs. Kalinovskaya, this was a complete surprise for her. Later, the woman found out that the same patient-consultant from Norway had sent the drug. “He didn’t warn me, he sent me pills for his money. He explained that he knew about my problem and just wanted to help,” said Olga Kalinovskaya. As a result, the Astrakhan customs opened a criminal case against Ms. Kalinovskaya under Part 3 of Art. 229.1 of the Criminal Code of the Russian Federation (drug smuggling on an especially large scale, the maximum penalty is up to 20 years in prison). Customs experts considered that the tablets contained "derivatives" of the illegal drug ephedron.

As Kommersant already told, in early 2019, Russian law enforcement agencies began to arrest citizens ordering drugs with bupropion in foreign online stores. The fact is that in Russian legislation since 2012 there is the concept of “derivatives of narcotic drugs” - this is the name of substances created by slightly changing the chemical formula of the drug. "Derivatives" are not listed as banned substances, but are still considered drugs. This wording appeared as part of the fight against new types of drugs, primarily "spice" - manufacturers quickly changed parts of the formula, which made it possible for some time to sell the drug without the threat of punishment. However, lawyers and narcologists already then criticized the idea of “derivatives” for legal uncertainty: they warned that sooner or later legal pharmaceuticals would fall under the ban.

There are already about ten criminal cases of bupropion smuggling, at least two people are in jail.

At the same time, the Russian Society of Psychiatrists (ROP) published an official conclusion in August 2019 that bupropion is not a drug and does not lead to dependence. Ivan Martynikhin, a member of the executive committee of the ROP, said that patients applied to the society with a request to include bupropion in clinical recommendations. The psychiatrist told Kommersant that the drug has practically no analogues and "kills two birds with one stone: bupropion is good in the treatment of depression and affects the cause - attention deficit hyperactivity disorder." Ivan Martynikhin noted that bupropion does not have severe side effects, which is important for patients with bipolar depression. Moreover, the drug can be prescribed in addition to the main drugs to correct side effects.

Legal consultant on drug-related cases, expert of the Institute of Human Rights Arseniy Levinson draws attention to the fact that no Russian legal act prohibits bupropion for circulation in the Russian Federation, nowhere is it officially indicated that it is considered a drug. “If a person does not read the news, then there is no way for him to know that bupropion is recognized by the police as a derivative of ephedron,” says Mr. Levinson. “Obviously, such a person cannot commit smuggling, a crime involving direct intent. In other words, the person must know that he is committing a crime and desire it. How could Olga Kalinovskaya know that the medicine she freely bought in Ukraine suddenly turned out to be a drug in Russia?” According to him, "the authorities stubbornly ignore" the problem of criminal liability for "derivatives". Mr. Levinson participates in the work of the Duma working group on improving anti-drug legislation; summer 2019years he spoke there about the situation with bupropion. “The representative of the Ministry of Internal Affairs said that they are aware of the problem, that the police are humanely sorry for those who are persecuted for purchasing medicine for medical reasons, but nothing needs to be changed,” said Arseniy Levinson.

“As a result, I face 20 years in prison for inaccuracies in the legislation,” says Olga Kalinovskaya.

Recall that the first criminal case on the smuggling of bupropion was initiated in April 2019 by the Ural customs against Daria Belyaeva, who ordered an antidepressant from Poland. As Irina Ruchko, the girl's lawyer, told Kommersant, in January 2020 the case was returned for additional investigation for the third time - with the wording that the investigation "did not specify the circumstances of socially dangerous acts." According to her, now the investigator intends to send several requests: “At least, to the medical institution where Daria was treated - to find out what drugs she was prescribed in connection with the disease. And to the Ministry of Health - to find out the attitude of the department towards bupropion.

The lawyer said that the investigator himself became the object of a departmental check: “Initially, the defense was acquainted with the decision on the appointment of an examination on bupropion, where the expert was asked five questions. And then the same decision appeared in the case file, only with three questions. In simple terms, this means that the investigator replaced one decision with another.” The lawyer sent a petition, after which the Investigative Committee checked the actions of the investigator. “The results are not yet known to me, but I very much doubt that a criminal case will be initiated,” she said.

During the investigation, Darya Belyaeva was assigned an additional psychiatric examination - the girl was declared insane. “If the court concludes that she is guilty, then she will be sent to compulsory outpatient treatment,” the lawyer explained. “That is, in any case, she is not threatened with a colony now. But this situation puts pressure on her - after all, she already had a serious illness. Of course, it is not easy for her to bear it. “Let's hope that the case will be dismissed without trial on rehabilitative grounds,” says Arseniy Levinson. “It is absolutely obvious that there is no public danger in the actions of a patient who acquires a medicine legal all over the world for medical use. ”

Elizaveta Lamova, Alexander Chernykh

Effexor vs. Wellbutrin: Differences, Similarities, and What's Best for You - Drug Vs. Friend

Home >> Drug Vs. Friend >> Effexor vs Wellbutrin: Differences, Similarities & Which is Best for You

Drug Vs. Friend

Effexor (venlafaxine) and Wellbutrin (bupropion) are two different antidepressants that can be used to treat depression. Both Effexor and Wellbutrin work by boosting certain neurotransmitters like norepinephrine and dopamine in the brain. Balancing these neurotransmitters can help improve mood, improve sleep, increase appetite, and increase focus. Antidepressants are also useful for treating other mental health problems in addition to major depression.

Despite their similarities, Effexor and Wellbutrin work differently and are FDA approved for different conditions.

What are the main differences between Effexor and Wellbutrin?

Effexor is the brand name for venlafaxine. It is chemically identical to Pristiq (desvenlafaxine) and belongs to a class of drugs called serotonin-norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors (SNRIs). Effexor works by blocking the reabsorption of serotonin, norepinephrine, and dopamine in the brain. Blocking their reabsorption or reuptake increases their availability and overall effect.

The Effexor brand name in immediate release tablets is no longer available. Instead, an extended release form called Effexor XR is prescribed. Effexor XR is available in doses of 37.5 mg, 75 mg and 150 mg.

Wellbutrin is the brand name for bupropion. This is a unique antidepressant belonging to the group of amino ketones. Wellbutrin is thought to work by blocking the reuptake of the neurotransmitters norepinephrine and dopamine to enhance their effects. Unlike Effexor, Wellbutrin does not alter serotonin levels as much.

Wellbutrin is available as immediate-release oral tablets in 75 mg or 100 mg strength. However, it is usually prescribed as sustained release tablets (Wellbutrin SR) or extended release tablets (Wellbutrin XL). Wellbutrin SR and Wellbutrin XL are released gradually in the body and can be taken once a day.

Main differences between Effexor and Wellbutrin
		Bupropion
What form(s) does the drug come in?	Oral tablet	Oral tablet
What is the standard dosage?	Initially 75 mg daily. The dosage can be increased by 75 mg per day every 4 days. Dosage should not exceed 225 mg per day in divided doses.	Initially 100 mg twice daily. After 3 days, the dosage can be increased to 100 mg 3 times a day. The dosage should not exceed 150 mg at a time.
How long does a typical treatment take?	Long-term treatment	Long-term treatment
Who usually takes this medicine?	Adults 18 years of age and older	Adults 18 years of age and older

Conditions treated with Effexor and Wellbutrin

Effexor is indicated for the treatment of major depression or major depressive disorder. It can also help treat anxiety disorders among other mental health conditions. Venlafaxine immediate release may help treat panic attacks, while the extended release form is approved for the treatment of generalized anxiety disorder. Off-label use of Effexor includes the treatment of obsessive compulsive disorder (OCD) and premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD).

Wellbutrin is FDA approved for the treatment of major depressive disorder and seasonal affective disorder. It is also sometimes used as an off-label drug for the treatment of bipolar disorder, attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), and sexual dysfunction caused by SSRI antidepressants.

sees. Off label

Condition	Effexor	Wellbutrin	No
Bipolar disorder	not for the purpose of	not for the purpose of
attention deficit syndrome (ADHG)	not for the appointment of
yes

Is Effexor or Wellbutrin more effective?

Effexor and Wellbutrin are effective drugs for the treatment of symptoms of depression. However, the more effective antidepressant is the one that works best for you.

According to a meta-analysis, Effexor and Wellbutrin are equally effective in the treatment of adults with major depressive disorder. Although they both work in the same way, Wellbutrin has been shown to cause less sexual dysfunction as a side effect. Sexual dysfunction is a common side effect of antidepressants, especially selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs).

Wellbutrin and effexor have also been compared with SSRI antidepressants such as sertraline, escitalopram, fluoxetine, paroxetine and duloxetine. Clinical trials have shown that Wellbutrin is similar in effectiveness to SSRIs. Conversely, Effexor has been shown to be more effective than SSRIs, although more people may stop taking Effexor due to side effects.

Talk to your doctor about the most appropriate treatment for you. After a complete assessment of your general symptoms, your doctor will work with you to select the appropriate medication.

Coverage and Cost Comparison of Effexor and Wellbutrin

A prescription is required to use Effexor XR. This is usually covered by most Medicare and insurance programs. The average retail price for a 30-day supply of 75mg tablets is about $146. Using an Effexor XR SingleCare card can bring this price down to $15 depending on the pharmacy you use.

Your doctor will likely prescribe Wellbutrin SR or Wellbutrin XL. These versions of Wellbutrin release the drug gradually in the body. Most Medicare programs and insurance plans cover Wellbutrin XL or Wellbutrin SR. If you don't have insurance, the average cash price of Wellbutrin can be over $100. Even if you have insurance, you can use the Wellbutrin XL SingleCare Card or the Wellbutrin SR SingleCare Card to save on your prescription.

	Effexor	Wellbutrin
Usually covered?		yes	yes
Usually covered by Medicare Part D?	yes	yes
Standard dosage	Effexor XR: tablets 75 mg once a day (30 pieces)	Vellbutrin SR / XL: 150 mg times a day (30 pcs.)
Typical surcharge Medicare	0–1 US dollar	0–22 dollar 0–22 dollar
cost SingleCare cost Singlecare	15+ US$	$11 +

Common side effects of Effexor compared to Wellbutrin

The most common side effects of Effexor are drowsiness, insomnia, dizziness, nervousness, nausea and headache. Other common side effects include dry mouth, muscle weakness, sweating, and increased heart rate (palpitations). Sexual side effects, including sexual dysfunction and abnormal ejaculation, are also common with Effexor.

The most common side effects of Wellbutrin are insomnia, dizziness, dry mouth, nausea, headache and sweating. Wellbutrin may also cause nervousness, muscle weakness, and palpitations among other side effects.

Effexor and Wellbutrin may also cause weight changes. Both antidepressants can cause either weight gain or weight loss depending on your response to the drug.

Serious side effects of Effexor and Wellbutrin include new or worse mental health problems, suicidal thoughts, agitation and hostility. Watch for mood changes while taking these medications. Check with your doctor if you experience serious side effects.

0081

	Effector	Wellbutrin
Side effect	applicable?	Frequency	Applicable?	Frequency
Drowsiness	yes	3%	No	-
yes	3%	no	-

*not reported
Frequency not based on face-to-face trial data. This may not be a complete list of side effects that may occur. Please contact your doctor or health care provider for more information.
Source: FDA Label (Effexor), FDA Label (Wellbutrin)

Effexor and Wellbutrin Drug Interactions

Effexor and Wellbutrin may interact with monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs). Taking MAOIs such as isocarboxazid or phenelzine with effexor or wellbutrin may increase the risk of serotonin syndrome. Effexor and Wellbutrin should not be taken with an MAOI or within 14 days of stopping an MAOI.

Effexor and Wellbutrin may interact with serotonergic drugs. For example, taking a serotonergic drug such as nortriptyline, a tricyclic antidepressant, may increase the risk of serotonin syndrome when combined with another antidepressant. Effexor and Wellbutrin should also be avoided with St. John's wort, an herbal remedy often used for its antidepressant effects. Tell your doctor if you are taking other antidepressants before starting treatment with effexor or wellbutrin.

Effexor and Wellbutrin may increase blood pressure. Therefore, it is important to control blood pressure while taking these medications. Talk to your doctor before taking these medicines if you have a history of high blood pressure.

Some antidepressants, such as SSRIs and SNRIs, may increase the risk of bleeding. The use of Effexor with anticoagulants and other drugs that affect blood clotting should be avoided. Wellbutrin, which is not an SSRI or SNRI, is less likely to affect platelet function.

When used with serotonergic drugs, Effexor and Wellbutrin may increase the risk of serotonin syndrome. Symptoms of serotonin syndrome include palpitations, high blood pressure, and fever. Check with your doctor if you experience any of these symptoms. Serotonin syndrome may be a medical emergency.

Frequently Asked Questions about Effexor and Wellbutrin

What is Effexor?

Effexor is a brand name medication used to treat major depressive disorder. Effexor's generic name is venlafaxine. Effexor XR is an extended version of Effexor that can be taken once a day. Effexor can also treat anxiety and panic disorders.

What is Wellbutrin?

Wellbutrin is known by the generic name bupropion. It is mainly used to treat major depressive disorder. Wellbutrin is commonly prescribed as Wellbutrin SR or Wellbutrin XL to treat depression and other mental health conditions. The extended release form of Wellbutrin can be taken once a day.

Are Effexor and Wellbutrin the same thing?

Both Effexor and Wellbutrin can treat symptoms of depression. However, Effexor is a serotonin-norepinephrine reuptake inhibitor (SNRI) and Wellbutrin is an aminoketone. Therefore, these drugs work differently. They also have various FDA approved uses.

Is Effexor or Wellbutrin better?

Effexor and Wellbutrin are effective drugs for the treatment of depression. Effexor is better than Wellbutrin for treating anxiety disorders that occur along with depression.

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