Wellbutrin is a prescription medication used to treat seasonal affective disorder, depression, and as a stop-smoking aid. When taken as prescribed, there is a very low risk of developing an addiction to the drug. However, as with any medication, it is understandable that people want to know if you can get addicted to Wellbutrin. Join us as we answer the question: Is Wellbutrin addictive?
What Is Wellbutrin?
Wellbutrin is the brand name of the drug bupropion. Another common brand name is called Zyban. When taken, Wellbutrin causes an increase in dopamine and norepinephrine, both neurotransmitters. Dopamine is associated with pleasure, while norepinephrine can cause an increase in adrenaline.
The elevation in these neurotransmitters helps alleviate depressive symptoms. In addition, when used as a stop-smoking aid, the drug reduces nicotine cravings and reduces nicotine withdrawal symptoms.
Is Wellbutrin a Narcotic?
No, Wellbutrin is not a narcotic. It is classified as an atypical antidepressant and is primarily used to treat depression and seasonal affective disorder and to aid in smoking cessation. Unlike narcotics, which are typically opioids used for pain relief and can be highly addictive, Wellbutrin works by influencing the neurotransmitters norepinephrine and dopamine in the brain.
How Is Wellbutrin Similar to Cocaine?
The primary similarity between cocaine and Wellbutrin is the increase in dopamine and norepinephrine levels. Since both drugs do the same thing, this is why it is called “poor man’s cocaine.”
In addition, someone could get a Wellbutrin prescription for relatively cheap. They could even buy it illegally for a fraction of the cost of a gram of cocaine.
How Are Wellbutrin and Cocaine Different?
While the effects of the drugs may be similar, there are several differences. For starters, Wellbutrin is an antidepressant, and cocaine is a stimulant. Next, Wellbutrin comes in tablet form in different dosages, while cocaine is a powder or combined with baking powder and cooked to make crack.
Another major difference is the speed at which the drugs work and how long their effects last. Cocaine’s effects are fast-acting and only last a few hours. In comparison, Wellbutrin’s effects take longer to experience and can last much longer. In addition, the body may not start to feel the effects of Wellbutrin until it has been taken for several weeks.
Can Wellbutrin Be Abused?
Wellbutrin is generally safe when taken as prescribed by a doctor for treating depression, seasonal affective disorder, or as a smoking cessation aid. Under these circumstances, the risk of addiction is minimal. However, Wellbutrin abuse may happen, particularly at high doses or through non-oral routes such as snorting, which can lead to stimulant-like effects and euphoria.
This misuse increases the risk of getting addicted to Wellbutrin and severe side effects, including seizures. Thus, while daily prescribed use carries a low risk of addiction, improper use of Wellbutrin poses significant dangers.
Is Wellbutrin Habit Forming?
While Wellbutrin is not typically considered habit-forming when used as prescribed, there is a potential for misuse. When taken in higher doses than recommended or through non-oral routes, it can produce stimulant-like effects and euphoria, which may lead to psychological dependence and abuse. When misused, Wellbutrin is often referred to as “poor man’s cocaine.”
By using multiple tablets, it can cause the drug’s effects to occur much faster. Other people may take much higher doses of the tablets multiple times throughout the day.
Additionally, some people mix Wellbutrin with other substances, like alcohol or cocaine, to enhance the effects of both substances. However, the risk of habit formation is low when the medication is used according to a doctor’s instructions.
Is Misusing Wellbutrin Dangerous?
There are dangers to misusing Wellbutrin. One of the more common dangers is an increased risk of seizures. Wellbutrin misuse can also increase blood pressure and heart rates, which could lead to heart attacks and heart failure. There is also the risk of accidental overdose when someone takes too high of a dosage.
Wellbutrin Dependence Symptoms
If someone may be addicted to Wellbutrin, look for the following signs:
- Wellbutrin is being taken when it is not prescribed for the individual.
- The person has been prescribed the medication but has started taking it in higher doses.
- The person attempts to get multiple prescriptions for Wellbutrin from different healthcare providers.
- The person is combining Wellbutrin with alcohol or other drugs.
- The person is crushing up the tablets, snorting them, or mixing them with water and injecting them.
- The person attempts to hide their Wellbutrin use from others.
- The person becomes defensive when questioned about their Wellburtin use.
- The person has started using other substances when they cannot obtain Wellbutrin.
- The person is withdrawing from friends and family.
- The person no longer finds pleasure in hobbies and activities they used to enjoy.
- The person cannot function without being under the effects of Wellbutrin.
Common Wellbutrin Withdrawal Symptoms
When someone is misusing Wellbutrin or gets addicted to Wellbutrin, they can experience withdrawal symptoms when the drug wears off, including:
- Seizures
- Hallucinations
- Muscle pain and cramping
- Dizziness
- Insomnia
- Irritability
- Frequent mood swings
- Restlessness
- Cravings for Wellbutrin
- Headaches
- Flu-like symptoms
- Decreased appetite
- Joint pain
- Excessive sweating
Who Needs Wellbutrin Addiction Treatment?
Individuals who misuse Wellbutrin, experiencing psychological dependence, cravings, and negative impacts on their daily lives, need addiction treatment. Recognizing Wellbutrin dependence symptoms is crucial for seeking timely help.
At Retreat of Broward, we offer services tailored to each individual’s needs, ensuring comprehensive care. Our services include:
- Cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT): Helps change negative thought patterns.
- Dialectical behavioral therapy (DBT): By doing this therapy, we can manage emotions with mindfulness.
- Individual therapy: We give personalized one-on-one support.
- Group therapy: Sharing experiences in a supportive community.
- Family counseling: This therapy involves loved ones in the healing process.
- Detox services: We offer safe withdrawal management with medical support.
At Retreat of Broward, we’re committed to helping you overcome Wellbutrin abuse with compassionate, personalized care. These comprehensive therapies and detox services are designed to support you every step of the way, ensuring a safe and effective recovery.
Are You Addicted to Wellbutrin? We’re Here to Help
If you or someone you care about is addicted to Wellbutrin, compassionate help is available at the DCF and Joint Commission-accredited Retreat of Broward in Pompano Beach, FL. Our medically supervised detox center offers a supportive, caring, and safe environment for your recovery journey. Don’t wait—reach out today to begin Wellbutrin detox and take the first step toward a healthier, drug-free life. We’re here to support you every step of the way.
