You have probably heard about how taking Wellbutrin helps many people who suffer from depression, but it also has other uses. Does Wellbutrin help with anxiety? It can make quite a difference for people whose lives have been overtaken by having an anxiety disorder. New View Wellness in Atlanta believes in providing all options that can target anxiety to give the people we treat a proven way to regain control of their emotions. Our outpatient programs include options for the right medications and multiple therapies. We get to know you so we understand how you experience anxiety and the best path for finding your way out of it.
What is Wellbutrin?
Before exploring the answer to, “Does Wellbutrin help with anxiety?”, let’s talk about the specifics of the drug. Bupropion is the generic name for a medication called Wellbutrin available by prescription only. The drug is a Norepinephrine-Dopamine Reuptake Inhibitor (NDRI) and comes in tablet form. It can be prescribed in three different types with varying amounts to take per day:
Immediate-release (IR): taken two or three times per day
Sustained-release (SR): taken two times per day
Extended-release (XL): taken once per day
Does Wellbutrin Help with Anxiety?
Wellbutrin is FDA-approved to treat major depressive disorder and seasonal affective disorder. It can also be used to help people who are in the process of stopping smoking. Even though the medication is not approved specifically for it, does Wellbutrin help with anxiety? Many physicians recommend it for treating anxiety by using it in a way called “off-label”. This means while the medication is not specifically meant to treat one condition (such as anxiety), it has been shown to be effective enough that many people benefit from using it.
A person’s brain chemistry usually naturally produces chemicals like dopamine and norepinephrine that cause happiness. When this process is compromised, it can cause a person to develop depression or anxiety. Wellbutrin halts the process of reuptake of the feel-good chemicals, which results in a person feeling calmer and more at peace. These improved moods help alleviate many of the symptoms of anxiety, making it a powerful medication for those who struggle with this mental health issue.
How Long Does it Take for Wellbutrin to Work?
Another common question after, “Does Wellbutrin help with anxiety?” has to do with how long it takes to work. Every person is different, but many people find they experience some initial improvement in their anxiety or other symptoms within the first two weeks of taking Wellbutrin. For some, it takes an additional several days. For most, the full effects of the drug should kick in within several weeks of beginning to take it. Anyone taking Wellbutrin should take note of how it affects them and report back to their prescriber
Can Wellbutrin Cause Anxiety?
A study showed that there was no discernible difference between groups prescribed Bupropion versus selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) when it comes to experiencing anxiety. The study was done over a 12-week period. Having said that, some people do experience anxiety shortly after taking Wellbutrin, particularly if they increase their dosage too quickly. Approximately 2% of people who developed anxiety this way switched to a different drug.
Does Wellbutrin Cause Any Side Effects?
Any medication can carry the risk of potential side effects, and Wellbutrin is no exception. Fortunately, most of the common ones should only last one to two weeks. Common side effects of Wellbutrin include:
- Nausea
- Dry mouth
- Headache
- Dizziness
- Difficulty sleeping
- Edema (swelling)
- Sweating
- Sore throat
- Shakiness
- Irritability
Anyone experiencing rare side effects such as visual disturbances, high blood pressure, or seizures should immediately bring this to the attention of a doctor.
How is Anxiety Treated?
Someone with an anxiety disorder should seek professional help from a mental health counselor or psychiatrist. Treatment will consist of participating in therapy including individual counseling. This allows the person to become comfortable discussing their emotions, thoughts, and fears. Any issues that contribute to developing and maintaining anxiety can be discussed and resolved whenever possible. Other types of therapy can also be used, including Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT), family therapy, and group therapy.
In addition, anxiety disorders typically respond well to the use of medications. A treatment provider will work with the person they treat to find out their specific symptoms and needs. From there, a choice can be made for which type of medication to use to help alleviate the symptoms of anxiety.
Find Treatment for Anxiety in Atlanta
Have you tried a few different methods for controlling your anxiety but aren’t getting the results that make a real difference? If you have already tried medications that don’t work, you might wonder, “Does Wellbutrin help with anxiety?” The staff at New View Wellness in Atlanta puts their years of experience treating mental health disorders to work to find the medication that will work best for you. We also match you with highly impactful therapies that teach you to manage and control your anxiety.
It’s time for you to get the first-class treatment for anxiety that will help you relax and regain control of your life. Contact us today and let’s talk about how we can give you the help you deserve.