Bupropion Addiction, Effects, Uses & Treatment

Bupropion Addiction Treatment and Side Effects

Bupropion (also known by brand names Wellbutrin and Zyban) is a prescription medication primarily used as an antidepressant and smoking cessation aid. It works differently from most other antidepressants as it acts mainly on norepinephrine and dopamine neurotransmitters rather than serotonin. Developing a Bupropion addiction has a relatively low potential compared to many different psychiatric medications. However, users still need to be aware of signs of abuse to find RX drug rehab in Los Angeles.

Classified as a norepinephrine-dopamine reuptake inhibitor (NDRI), Bupropion increases the levels of these neurotransmitters in the brain by preventing their reabsorption, which can help improve mood, energy, and focus. The medication should only be taken as prescribed by a healthcare provider, who will determine appropriate dosing based on individual factors and medical history. Regular follow-up appointments are important to monitor effectiveness and manage any side effects.

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, and 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, which are euphoria, a sense of exhilaration, increased sense of self-esteem, heightened energy and activity, loss of appetite, long periods of wakefulness and insomnia, and 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 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 staying asleep, tremors, restless legs, numbness, difficulty walking, mood swings, mental illnesses like anxiety disorder, mania, or depression, and 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, 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, and 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, loss of consciousness, and rapid or pounding heartbeat.

Is Bupropion an Addictive Substance?

Bupropion is not considered an addictive substance in the traditional sense since it doesn’t create physical dependence like addictive drugs such as opioids or benzodiazepines. The drug doesn’t produce euphoric effects or immediate mood changes and works gradually over several weeks rather than providing instant gratification.

The medical consensus is that Bupropion has a low potential for abuse and is not classified as a controlled substance by the DEA. However, there are some important points to consider:

• Discontinuation Effects: Some people may experience withdrawal-like symptoms when stopping Bupropion, such as mood changes, irritability, or anxiety. These drug addiction effects aren’t considered a prescription drug addiction but rather the body adjusting to the medication change.
• Rare Cases of Misuse: There have been some documented cases of bupropion abuse, particularly in institutional settings where access to other substances is limited. This typically involves crushing and snorting the medication, which is extremely dangerous due to the risk of seizures.
• Medical Supervision: Like other antidepressants, Bupropion should be stopped gradually under medical supervision to minimize discontinuation effects.

Why Do Doctors Not Prescribe Bupropion?

Doctors do prescribe Bupropion and it is often prescribed as an alternative to more addictive medications for conditions like ADHD. When prescribing Bupropion, doctors carefully evaluate each patient’s situation to determine if it’s the most appropriate choice for their specific case. Prescribing decisions are always individualized based on:

• Patient’s medical history
• Current symptoms
• Other medications being taken
• Personal preferences
• Insurance coverage
• Previous treatment responses

When getting away from prescribing Bupropion, sometimes doctors may prefer other medications because:

• SSRIs might be more appropriate for certain types of depression
• Patient’s insurance may prefer different medications
• Other medications may better suit the patient’s specific symptoms
• Drug interactions with current medications

How Long Can You Stay on Bupropion?

There is no standard time limit for how long a person can stay on Bupropion. Many people take it safely for years or even decades when it’s effectively managing their depression or helping them stay smoke-free.

The duration of treatment is highly individualized and depends on factors like the condition being treated, how well the medication works for the person, and whether they experience any significant side effects. Some people may need to stay on it long-term to prevent depression recurrence, while others might work with their doctor to discontinue it after their symptoms have been well-controlled for an extended period.

The decision to continue or stop Bupropion should always be made in consultation with a healthcare provider. If someone decides to stop taking Bupropion, it’s important to do so gradually under medical supervision to minimize potential discontinuation effects.
Regular check-ups with the prescribing doctor are essential to monitor the medication’s ongoing effectiveness and safety, assess any side effects, and determine if any dosage adjustments are needed. The doctor will also evaluate whether the benefits of continuing the medication outweigh any risks or side effects for that individual patient.

How Hard Is It to Come Off of Bupropion?

Coming off Bupropion can be challenging for some people, though experiences vary significantly. The main difficulty lies in the potential discontinuation symptoms, which can include irritability, anxiety, agitation, headaches, fatigue, and mood changes. These symptoms typically begin within a few days of reducing or stopping the medication and can last for several weeks, though the intensity often decreases over time.

A gradual tapering process under medical supervision is the key to minimizing these difficulties. Stopping Bupropion abruptly can make discontinuation symptoms more severe and increase the risk of depression recurrence. Doctors typically recommend reducing the dose slowly over several weeks or even months, depending on how long someone has taken the medication and their response.

Some people find the process relatively manageable with proper tapering, while others may need additional support or a longer tapering schedule. The difficulty level can also depend on factors like the original reason for taking Bupropion, whether there’s ongoing depression, and what kind of support system and coping strategies the person has in place. If professional help is needed, attending a prescription drug rehab in Los Angeles can provide patients access to evidence-based programs to help manage the process.

Find Help With Bupropion Addiction From Muse Treatment in Los Angeles

While Bupropion addiction is not typically associated with drug dependence in the clinical sense, some people may need professional help managing their use of Bupropion or discontinuing it safely. Professional medical supervision is crucial when stopping or adjusting Bbupropion because abrupt discontinuation can lead to discontinuation symptoms.

Treatment specialists at Muse Treatment in Los Angeles can create an individualized tapering plan for patients, monitor for any adverse effects, and adjust the schedule based on how a person responds. They can also determine if additional support, such as therapy or alternative medications, is needed during the transition period.

If someone is misusing Bupropion, professional drug addiction treatment becomes essential not just for safely stopping the medication but also for addressing the underlying reasons for the misuse. Please contact Muse Treatment’s prescription drug addiction center in Los Angeles at 800-426-1818 for expert support in managing addiction and finding the path to recovery.

External Sources

• MedlinePlus – Bupropion
• National Library of Medicine – Bupropion
• National Alliance on Mental Illness – Bupropion (Wellbutrin)