Depression can be difficult, but you don’t have to deal with it alone. Therapies and medications provide relief from disturbing thoughts and regulate your moods and emotions. Call Online Psychiatrists today if you think you are suffering from mental health issues for trusted, thorough, and compassionate support. With Dr. Zlatin Ivanov, you can look forward to timely diagnosis and management of your symptoms and condition. He offers a combination of therapy, medication, and lifestyle changes that minimize the impact of depression on your life and ensure long-term well-being.
Wellbutrin is an antidepressant that helps to treat several health conditions. When used right, Wellbutrin can be highly effective in improving symptoms of depression.
Wellbutrin is unique among antidepressants as it does not affect sexual function or reduce libido. On the contrary, it may even increase it. Wellbutrin is often prescribed with other antidepressants to help counter their sexual side effects, like loss of desire.
Read more: Identifying And Treating The Seven Types Of ADD/ADHD
Wellbutrin, generic name bupropion hydrochloride, is an antidepressant of the aminoketone class, used to manage depression. It is an atypical antidepressant, a unique medication that works differently from other antidepressants and typically changes the levels of one or more neurotransmitters in the brain. Wellbutrin works in the brain and nerves on the chemical messengers and affects norepinephrine and dopamine.
Wellbutrin XL is an extended-release form of Wellbutrin. Like Wellbutrin and Wellbutrin SR, it is not an SNRI. Wellbutrin XL is an NDRI (norepinephrine and dopamine reuptake inhibitor) antidepressant.
NDRIs block the transport of norepinephrine and dopamine back into the brain cells that release them. As a result, several active neurotransmitters remain available in the brain, which help relieve the symptoms of depression.
Depression affects people in different ways. While some feel sad or hopeless, others may feel overwhelmed, stressed, and burned out. Some people feel nothing but others experience low self-esteem.
The main symptoms of depression include:
Depression is a common and serious medical illness that affects how you feel, think, and act. It can affect anyone regardless of age, race, income, culture, or education, and there is no shame in seeking help for depression. Symptoms of depression can be treated with medications and therapy that make you feel better.
Wellbutrin is an antidepressant used for treating several conditions, including mood or mental disorders and depression. It has an impressive ability to reduce anxiety levels and improve the sense of well-being. However, before starting an antidepressant, you should consult your healthcare provider about how you should be taking your medication to achieve maximum results.
Your provider can answer any questions or concerns you have and may even come up with a tailored treatment plan to help you find the best solution for your condition.
Read more: What Happens During a Psych Evaluation?
Wellbutrin is the brand name for bupropion, which is an NDRI. Bupropion is recommended for treating depression, seasonal affective disorder (SAD) and as a part of treatment plan to help people quit smoking. It works by preventing the body from reabsorbing norepinephrine and dopamine, which can lessen symptoms of anxiety and depression.
Wellbutrin is considered a better option than other antidepressants, such as selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) and serotonin and norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors (SNRIs). It usually proves effective in cases when other antidepressants fail to work. You may notice positive effects on your sleep, energy, or appetite before noticing an impact on mood which means the medication is working.
It may take a few weeks before you start noticing changes. For some people, it may even take up to 12 weeks for Wellbutrin to produce its full effects as it builds up in your body. You must wait a few weeks before determining if the medication is working for you before approaching your healthcare provider and asking for an alternative.
Read more: 6 Different Types Of Depression
Potential side effects of taking Wellbutrin include:
These side effects are often mild and temporary and usually improve within a week or two. If you continue experiencing side effects or if they worsen, consult your healthcare provider.
Some people taking Wellbutrin may experience serious side effects that require immediate medical attention.
They are:
These side effects may be a sign that your body is not accepting the medication properly, and a change in medication may be required. Call your healthcare provider to find an alternative that is both tolerable and effective in dealing with your symptoms. He will work with you to find the problem and recommend the best treatment plan.
There are no known side effects associated with the long-term usage of Wellbutrin. It has proved to be a safe and effective medication when taken as directed by the doctor. It may increase blood pressure for some people.
You must ask your healthcare provider what medications are safe for you and if you can take them for treating your symptoms. Generally, SSRIs are safe for most people, though in some circumstances they can cause problems. For some people, high doses of citalopram may cause dangerous abnormal heart rhythms. Thus, doses over 40 milligrams (mg) a day should be avoided.
Similarly, SNRIs are safe for most people, though in some circumstances they can cause concerns such as raising blood pressure or worsening liver problems.
As it is an antidepressant medication, proper usage of Wellbutrin is essential. Before you start taking it, you should discuss the following with your doctor:
Symptoms that are particularly bothersome:
Healthcare providers may not recommend Wellbutrin if you have a pre-existing condition or take other medications. Bupropion should not be used within 14 days or before 14 days if you have taken an MAOI (monoamine oxidase inhibitor).
Before starting with the medication, make sure to inform your provider about all the information that could affect your treatment or harm your health. As there can be drug interactions with Wellbutrin and other medications, ask your healthcare provider about taking any over-the-counter medication with Wellbutrin. Do not make any changes to the timings or dosage of your medication or take it with any other medication without first asking your doctor.
Your doctor will provide instructions on how to take Wellbutrin. Make sure to follow them carefully for effective results. You may take Wellbutrin with or without food, but if you feel nausea or experience an upset stomach, take your medicine with food.
Swallow the tablet whole. Do not break, crush or chew it.
Wellbutrin is available in three main forms including:
Your doctor will recommend the proper dosing as well as the form of Wellbutrin you should be taking after evaluating your symptoms and situation. Watch out for and notify your healthcare provider for worsening symptoms and unusual changes in behavior, especially during the first few months of treatment. Anxiety, restlessness, irritability, aggression, and insomnia should be immediately reported to prevent complications.
Wellbutrin is not recommended during pregnancy. If you are pregnant or planning a pregnancy, discuss the risks and benefits of treatment with your doctor, as antidepressants may pose a risk to the fetus, as well as the mother.
Since Wellbutrin passes into breast milk, caution is advised with breastfeeding. Your healthcare provider will manage your medication and offer the best advice regarding your condition and its symptoms during pregnancy and breastfeeding.
If you are not getting the desired relief from your symptoms, call your doctor. He will evaluate your condition and determine if your dosage needs adjustment and by how much.
You must be careful and follow the specific instructions included with the medication as well as the instructions provided by your healthcare provider regarding the correct way to use the medication. Do not adjust your dosage or stop taking the medication without first consulting your doctor. Also, avoid drinking alcohol while you are taking Wellbutrin.
Visit Online Psychiatrists for expert psychiatric consultation to get the best care for your condition and any mental health issues you may be going through. Dr. Zlatin Ivanov offers a combination of therapy and antidepressant medications to help you cope with depression. He comes up with treatment plans that focus on your specific needs and ensures you find long-term relief from the discomforting symptoms you have been going through.
Dr. Zlatin Ivanov, MD, is an adult psychiatrist specializing in addiction treatment, ADHD, anxiety, depression, and OCD. He offers exceptional talk therapy and medication management through online video conferencing.
Dr. Ivanov is double board certified in Psychiatry and Clinical Neurology and a member of the American Psychiatric Association. His medical career is colored by many outstanding contributions to medicine, including several publications, research, and scientific presentations. An attending psychiatrist at Woodhull Medical Center in Brooklyn, NY, and Bellevue Hospital Center in New York City, he takes the time to listen to patients and makes sure they know he is committed to their unique situation.
Our Locations
The Chrysler Building
405 Lexington Ave, #2601
New York, NY, 10174 (map)
300 Carnegie Center Drive #150K,
Princeton, NJ, 08540 (map)
701 Brickell Avenue, 1550#A,
Miami, FL, 33131 (map)