Key Points
- Wellbutrin alone has the significant potential to treat anxiety. But when it pairs up with certain other medications or treatment approaches, it ultimately boosts the speed of recovery.
- Major medications that can pair well with wellbutrin and result in better outcomes include different antidepressants, antipsychotics, and Benzodiazepines.
- Other than medications, therapy can also work alone or combined with other medications, depending on the mental state. Major therapies that function smarter in combined approaches include cognitive behavioral therapy, exposure and response prevention therapy, etc. They favour the transformation of negative thoughts to positive ones.
- Other than traditional methods, a holistic approach is also advantageous for treating or managing anxiety. Lifestyle changes, which include body movements, diet, and controlled and balanced sleep patterns, can keep your anxiety low and also calm your mind and soul.
- Wellbutrin (bupropion) is an antidepressant medicine that is approved to treat all major types of depression. However, this can also help in getting relief from the anxiety disorder. When wellbutrin is paired with other medications or treatments, its significance is improved to a greater extent.
- If you want to get familiar with what to pair with wellbutrin for anxiety, what are the best possible combinations, or how it functions effectively in anxiety treatment, then read this complete article.
Pairing of Wellbutrin with other medications/treatment approaches
Wellbutrin is an atypical antidepressant and norepinephrine-dopamine reuptake inhibitor. This antidepressant is also approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for the treatment of the following conditions in adults:
- Major Depressive disorder
- Seasonal affective disorder
- Smoking cessation
Anxiety and depression are the most common mental health issues. According to the National Institute of Mental Health, approximately 19.1% of US adults suffer from anxiety. Likewise, approximately 8.3% are those who experience major depressive disorder.
Wellbutrin works differently from selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors as it targets dopamine and norepinephrine. On the other hand, SSRIs result in high serotonin levels.
In some cases, wellbutrin off-label is also recommended by some providers to treat depressive episodes in bipolar disorder, attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, obsessive-compulsive disorder, and sexual dysfunction.
Keep this in mind: Experts make the treatment plans for anxiety by considering the:
- Type of anxiety
- Severity of symptoms
If experts think that Wellbutrin alone is not providing the desired results, they can pair it with other medications or therapeutic approaches. But before this, experts thoroughly evaluate the mental state and then recommend the appropriate dosage of Wellbutrin and its combinations. Expert providers can also suggest the combined use of medication with therapies to increase the effectiveness of the anxiety treatment plan.
Which Lifestyle alterations can pair with Wellbutrin for Anxiety?
Positive lifestyle changes can double the benefits of both medications and therapy. Do not just stick to the intake of any medication or therapy; also, do the following things to protect your mind from anxiety.
Nutrition: Add nutritious food to your diet as a nutritious meal is not only good for your physical health but also your mental health.
Balanced sleep: Your regular sleep-wake cycle also helps in managing your mood. However, if the sleep issues persist, then they can be treated with the help of insomnia treatment.
Body movements: Moving your body through any kind of physical activity can help you control your negative emotions.
Making social connections. Develop strong social connections to develop a sense of belonging. When you communicate with others, you not only learn social skills but also experience reduced stress or anxiety levels.
Practice relaxation techniques: By regularly practicing stress management or relaxation techniques, you can suppress the stress hormones and attain emotional stability. Most common stress management techniques include deep breathing, meditation, yoga, etc.
What should be the appropriate dosage for Wellbutrin with anxiety?
Healthcare professionals can better recommend the appropriate dosage of wellbutrin for treating anxiety, depending on the severity of symptoms, the individual’s distinct response, and any co-existing medical conditions.
How to decide what to pair with Wellbutrin?
Without the expert recommendation, you should not make any decision to combine wellbutrin with any medication. If you think that you need a combined approach, then always consult the mental health professionals. Each individual’s brain chemistry and response to each medication is different; therefore, experts first evaluate the mental state or symptom severity and then make recommendations. In some cases, pairing wellbutrin with some medications can also result in some side effects. Therefore, only professionals can suggest safer options for you so you remain secure from the potential side effects.
What should not be paired with Wellbutrin?
If you want to protect yourself from any side effects or issues, then below are the major things that you should avoid mixing with Wellbutrin.
Drug interactions: If you are taking wellbutrin, then avoid the intake of any other drug or supplement as they can interfere with the normal functioning of wellbutrin.
Medication or Substance | Risks |
Vyvanse (ADHD stimulant) | Increased blood pressure
Sleep abnormalities Seizures Liver damage |
Adderall(ADHD stimulant) | Agitation
Insomnia Seizures Irregularity in heart rate Severity in anxiety symptoms Liver damage |
Antipsychotic medications for schizophrenia and bipolar disorder, like Abilify | Nausea
Headache Increased heart rate Palpitations Insomnia Seizures |
Tricyclic antidepressant (Elavil) | Serotonin syndrome
Seizures |
Opioid pain medication(Ultram) | Seizures & Serotonin syndrome |
Monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs) | Elevated blood pressure
Serotonin syndrome |
Alcohol consumption | Intrusive thoughts
Increase in severity of anxiety or depression Seizures Liver damage |
Seek professional help for Anxiety at the Brainpower Wellness Institute.
If you or someone you care about is dealing with anxiety, then you can seek professional support from the Brain Power Wellness Institute. Here, you can find the top, skilled, and board-certified psychiatric medication management experts who can guide you on which medication will suit you best according to your mental health needs. They can make a better recommendation plan on what to pair with Wellbutrin for anxiety and which therapeutic approaches will help you to get lasting relief from anxiety. We offer both in-person and telehealth treatment options for anxiety, so your mental health never gets compromised.
So, schedule a consultation with our psychiatric medication management experts and get the best support and guidance regarding the appropriate medication dosage and regimen, and start your journey of mental wellness.