Wellbutrin Alternatives Compared
Antidepressant medications are commonly used to treat depression and other mental health conditions, such as anxiety disorder or major depressive disorder (MDD). Less common serious side effects include serotonin syndrome, increased risk of bleeding, activation of mania or hypomania, abnormally low sodium levels, and angle-closure glaucoma. Viibryd also carries a black box warning cautioning about worsening depression and suicidal thoughts and behavior. Adverse effects of Remereron include increased appetite, weight gain, dry mouth, drowsiness, and dizziness.
John C. Umhau, MD, MPH, CPE is board-certified in addiction medicine and preventative medicine. For over 20 years Dr. Umhau was a senior clinical investigator at the National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism of the National Institutes of Health (NIH). To learn more about your risk for misuse of Wellbutrin, you can talk with your medical professional. Controlled substances are drugs regulated by the federal government due to the high potential for misuse or addiction. But the risk of misuse with Wellbutrin isn’t high enough for the drug to be a controlled substance.
Wellbutrin has a boxed warning from the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) about suicidal thoughts and behaviors in children, adolescents, and young adults. The boxed warning appears on the drug’s label and alerts you to possible serious risks. But it’s important to note that Wellbutrin rock recovery we believe that freedom is possible isn’t approved for use in children younger than 18 years of age. It’s important that you do not stop taking Wellbutrin unless your medical professional says it’s safe to do so. They may lower your dosage slowly over time when it’s safe for you to stop Wellbutrin treatment.
- But it’s important to note that Wellbutrin isn’t approved for use in children younger than 18 years of age.
- Some young people (up to 24 years of age) have thoughts about suicide when first taking this medicine.
- Remember, though, it may take two weeks for either drug to start working.
- How long a medication remains good to use can depend on many factors, including how and where you store the medication.
It belongs to a group of antidepressant drugs called norepinephrine and dopamine reuptake inhibitors. Most antidepressants are generally safe, but the FDA requires that all antidepressants carry black box warnings, the strictest warnings for prescriptions. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) requires that all antidepressants carry black box warnings, the strictest warnings for prescriptions. Trintellix also carries the black box warning cautioning about worsening depression and suicidal thoughts and behavior.
Many drugs, including Wellbutrin, can cause an allergic reaction. Keep in mind that weight changes are also a common symptom of depression, which Wellbutrin is used to treat. So, you may gain or lose weight while you’re taking Wellbutrin because your depression symptoms are getting better. Wellbutrin itself may not necessarily cause any weight changes. You should not change your dose or stop using bupropion suddenly unless you have a seizure while taking this medicine. Stopping suddenly can cause unpleasant withdrawal symptoms.
Lexapro vs. Wellbutrin
For example, buspirone is another treatment option for anxiety. In the past, buspirone was available under the brand name Buspar. While the generic version of buspirone is still available, its brand-name version has been discontinued. If you have anxiety, your doctor can advise whether buspirone is the right treatment option for you. Your doctor may prescribe you a different dosage of Wellbutrin XL, depending on several factors. If you have questions about the dosage that’s right for you, talk with your doctor.
Depression: Visual Guide to Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD)
This risk affects children and young adults ages 24 years or younger. However, Wellbutrin isn’t approved for use in people younger than 18 years. Wellbutrin SR and Wellbutrin XL are FDA-approved to treat major depressive disorder (MDD) in adults. It’s recommended to avoid drinking alcohol while taking Wellbutrin. There have been reports of mental health changes in people who drank alcohol while taking Wellbutrin SR and Wellbutrin XL.
Can Major Depression Turn into Schizophrenia?
After 7 days, your doctor may increase your dosage to 300 mg once per day. If you have questions about Wellbutrin and bipolar disorder, smoking cessation, or other uses, talk with your doctor. They can recommend the right treatment option for your condition. Antidepressants cause an increased risk of suicidal thoughts and suicidal behavior in children, adolescents, and young adults (ages 18 to 24). Bupropion and Zoloft are orally administered, Food and Drug Administration (FDA)–approved prescription antidepressants used for the treatment of different forms of depression. As antidepressants, Wellbutrin and Lexapro carry a boxed warning that alerts users to the possibility of severe risks or side effects.
Although the combination of Lexapro and Wellbutrin SR is considered off-label, clinical trials show that this combination can be highly effective in controlling depression symptoms. The use of both medications impacts the three major neurotransmitters (serotonin, norepinephrine, and dopamine) that are important in the treatment of depression. For example, the combination treatment has increased the risk of seizures. Also, Wellbutrin SR can cause blood levels of Lexapro to increase, leading to increased common side effects of that drug. Antidepressants are effective and often necessary for treating major depressive symptoms, but some people may benefit from natural remedies that have antidepressant effects.
Bupropion can also cause seizures in people who drink a lot of alcohol and then suddenly quit drinking when they start using the medication. The FDA has also approved a medication called Contrave, which is a combination of bupropion and naltrexone, for weight loss. However, bupropion (the active drug in Wellbutrin) can be prescribed for weight loss. Bupropion is available in combination with naloxone as the brand-name drug Contrave.
Antidepressants: Selecting one that’s right for you
Bupropion and Zoloft, as well as every antidepressant medication, have a boxed warning, the most severe warning required by the FDA. In a study on many clinical trials, bupropion and Zoloft were similarly effective. Sertraline capsules contain higher doses of the our salvia guide the salvia experience, benefits, dosage and more drug than the tablets do. They can be used to treat depression in adults or OCD in adults and children 6 and older when higher doses are required after using tablets in lower doses. Bupropion works by increasing levels of norepinephrine and dopamine in the brain.