Bupropion Addiction and Treatment

What is Bupropion?

Wellbutrin Bupropion is a prescription medication that treats depressive symptoms in major depressive disorder (MDD), seasonal affective disorder (SAD), and is also used to help people quit smoking. It is known as part of the aminoketone class of antidepressants. Unlike other selective-serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs), such as Prozac or Zoloft, it directly affects norepinephrine and dopamine in the brain instead of increasing serotonin levels. Wellbutrin Bupropion moderates the levels of these neurotransmitters to combat depression while boosting mood and overall mental health. It is also used to treat ADHD and bipolar disorder and can be combined with selective-serotonin reuptake inhibitors to help smoking cessation. Bupropion comes in pill form to be used orally. It can take 4 or more weeks before noticing the full effects of this medication. Bupropion has also been used in drug addiction centers to treat co occurring disorders like anxiety and depression which can help in relapse prevention. Brand names of bupropion in the US are:

• Wellbutrin
• Zyban
• Buproban
• Aplenzin
• Budeprion
• Forfivo
• Aplenzin

Effects of Bupropion

Wellbutrin Bupropion can help improve your mood and depressive symptoms. However there are several side effects of bupropion, including:

• Dry mouth
• Irregular heartbeat
• Anxiety
• Restlessness
• Trouble sleeping
• Headache
• Confusion
• Seizures
• Hallucinations, visual and auditory
• Having extreme distrust in people

Signs of Bupropion Abuse and Addiction

While Wellbutrin is known to help people overcome depressive symptoms, it also comes with a potential for addiction and can be used for substance abuse. The effects of Wellbutrin abuse have led it to be called “Poor Man’s Cocaine”. Bupropion effects can be similar to cocaine when taken in large quantities or used in the wrong manner, such as snorting it or injecting it. Sometimes, extended-release prescribed Wellbutrin dosages are tampered to remove the time lapse quality engineered into each capsule so they can get the full dosage immediately which floods the brain with neurotransmitters just like other stimulants. Some signs of bupropion abuse include:

• Snorting or injecting the medication
• Euphoria
• Sense of exhilaration
• Loss of appetite
• Long periods of wakefulness/insomnia
• Heightened energy and activity
• Increased sense of self-esteem
• Getting multiple prescriptions from different doctors or pharmacies
• Hiding their behavior or lying
• Socially withdrawn
• Spending a lot of time getting, using, or recovering from drug

Bupropion Withdrawal Symptoms

Withdrawal symptoms from bupropion vary from person to person. Length of Wellbutrin withdrawals also varies between individuals. Some may recover within a few days while others may take them weeks. How long you have been taking bupropion effects how long Wellbutrin addiction withdrawals will last, for example someone who has been on Wellbutrin for 5 years will take longer to recover from Wellbutrin withdrawals compared to someone who took it for only a few weeks. Wellbutrin withdrawals are not life threatening, but they can still be unpleasant. If you are having trouble with a detox at home and withdrawals, medical detox can help you cope with the detoxification process. Some common Wellbutrin withdrawal symptoms include:

• Irritability
• Dizziness
• Aggression
• Anxiety
• Depression
• Headaches
• Flu symptoms
• Changes in sleep
• Nausea
• Tremors
• Cramps
• Suicidal thoughts
• Excessive sweating
• Difficulty tolerating warm temperatures
• Trouble balancing

Long Term Side Effects of Bupropion Abuse

There are several side effects of bupropion abuse. There have been cases of overdoses including in intentional abuse, suicide attempts, and accidental poisoning with taking Wellbutrin at high doses. Higher doses of bupropion can cause seizures, which makes it especially dangerous for bupropion abusers. Long-term risks of Wellbutrin abuse can lead to addiction and physical dependence, which can cause bupropion Wellbutrin withdrawals when attempting to stop taking it.

Bupropion Addiction Treatment

If you know or a loved one is addicted to or abusing bupropion, it is important to get them help as soon as possible. Choosing the right treatment center is important for successful, long-term addiction recovery. You may want to find an addiction treatment center that offers dual diagnosis programs to help treat co occurring disorders that may have been brought on by bupropion. Even if you did not experience Wellbutrin abuse and just want to stop taking it, a treatment program at rehab centers can offer medical detox to go through Wellbutrin withdrawal more comfortably and mental health treatment program to treat your underlying depressive symptoms that still may be there. Individual therapy through inpatient programs and outpatient treatment can greatly help depressive symptoms. Treatment programs can help you better manage your depressive symptoms without the use of medication and treat other issues that may be present such as anxiety or an eating disorder.

If you or someone you love is struggling with the effects of Wellbutrin, help is available and our staff at DayBreak Treatment Solutions are always happy to answer your calls and help in any way they can.