Bupropion Addiction, Effects, Uses & Treatment

What is Bupropion Used For? 

Bupropion is a prescription medication used to treat depressive symptoms and individuals with depression and seasonal affective disorder (SAD). Bupropion uses also include helping people stop smoking (smoking cessation) and can be used for bipolar disorder, attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), and sexual dysfunction from SSRI antidepressants. Bupropion comes as a tablet and sustained-release or extended-release tablet to take by mouth. The way Bupropion works is it inhibits the reuptake of dopamine, serotonin, and norepinephrine to balance out the neurotransmitter imbalance that causes depression. Other brand names of this Wellbutrin Bupropion include:

• Wellbutrin SR
• Wellbutrin XL
• Zyban
• Forfivo XL
• Aplenzin
• Bupropion hydrochloride
• Bupropion hydrobromide 

Bupropion Side Effects

Even when taken as prescribed by a medical professional, taking Bupropion can have side effects. Seek medical attention from a healthcare professional if you or a loved one experience any of the Bupropion potential side effects. Side effects of Wellbutrin include: 

• Drowsiness
• Mental illnesses like anxiety
• Excitement
• Difficulty falling asleep or staying asleep
• Dry mouth
• Dizziness
• Headache
• Nausea and vomiting
• Stomach pain or upset stomach
• Uncontrollable shaking of a part of the body
• Loss of appetite
• Weight loss or eating disorder
• Constipation
• Excessive sweating
• Ringing in the ears
• Changes in your sense of taste
• Frequent urination
• Sore throat

Signs of Bupropion Abuse and Addiction

Because of the versatility of Bupropion and its successful track record in treating major depression, this antidepressant can become addictive. In fact, according to drug users, Bupropion can have similar effects to that of stimulants such as Cocaine or Amphetamine. You or a loved one may be struggling with Bupropion substance abuse or Wellbutrin addiction if you notice any of these signs and symptoms:

• Euphoria
• Sense of exhilaration
• Increased sense of self-esteem
• Heightened energy and activity
• Loss of appetite
• Long periods of wakefulness and insomnia
• Social isolation

Bupropion Withdrawal Symptoms

Individuals should not stop taking Bupropion abruptly and without consulting a doctor. When patients stop taking this antidepressant or lower dosages, individuals may experience withdrawal symptoms. Drug withdrawal from Wellbutrin addiction occurs when a user has been without their drug of choice for a certain period of time. The intensity and timeline of Wellbutrin withdrawal can differ depending on the length of drug abuse, frequency of use, as well as other factors. Withdrawal symptoms may include:

• Sweating excessively
• Nausea and vomiting
• Diarrhea
• Loss of appetite
• Trouble falling asleep or trouble to stay asleep
• Tremors
• Restless legs
• Numbness
• Difficulty walking
• Mood swings
• Mental illnesses like anxiety disorder, mania, or depression
• Brain zaps

Long-Term Side Effects of Bupropion Abuse

When prescribed Wellbutrin, taking Bupropion is a safe and effective antidepressant medication. However, when abusing Bupropion, it can have dangerous side effects of Wellbutrin abuse and have the potential for addiction. Seek immediate medical attention if you or a loved one experiences long-term side effects of Wellbutrin addiction like: 

• Seizures
• Confusion
• Hallucinations seeing
• Irrational fears
• Muscle or joint pain
• Rapid, pounding, or irregular heartbeat
• Fever
• Rash or blisters
• Itching
• Hives
• Swelling of the face, throat, tongue, lips, eyes, hands, feet, ankles, or lower legs
• Hoarseness
• Difficulty breathing or swallowing
• Chest pain

Long-term substance abuse can also lead to a higher risk of a drug overdose. In case of an overdose, call 911 and seek medical attention. Signs of overdose can include: 

• Seizure
• Hallucinations seeing
• Loss of consciousness
• Rapid or pounding heartbeat

Bupropion Addiction Treatment

Whether you or a loved one struggles with the disease of addiction, alcohol use disorder, substance abuse addiction, alcohol addiction, or a dual diagnosis of a co-occurring disorder, there is help available at Muse Treatment center through medication-assisted treatment with addiction specialists. With a variety of types of treatment, from an inpatient program to intensive outpatient treatment or outpatient rehab, Muse rehab center has the drug rehab services and Wellbutrin addiction treatment rehab program that you need to achieve sober living. Through a variety of therapies, such as individual therapy, group therapy, behavioral health, family therapy, art therapy, music therapy, cognitive behavioral therapy, as well as medication-assisted treatment (MAT), Muse helps individual drug addicts on their road to recovery and life in recovery.