Bupropion, which is available by the name Wellbutrin, is an antidepressant that also treats anxiety. Wellburtin increases the brain chemicals that help in better mood, energy, and controlling emotional states. It is an NDRI medication, not authorised by the FDA to treat anxiety.
Furthermore, it can be paired with other medications for a better response.
This article will help you understand what medications and therapies can be combined with wellbutrin to reduce anxiety.
Does wellbutrin help with anxiety?
Although wellbutrin is not authorised to treat anxiety, many healthcare experts prescribe wellbutrin as a treatment for anxiety. Because of its effectiveness, which targets the brain chemicals and reduces anxiety.
However, taking wellbutrin alone can cause side effects; experts prescribe it with a combination of other medications.
Medications to pair with wellbutrin
Wellbutrin with zoloft:
Combining wellbutrin with zoloft gives a two-pronged approach to treat anxiety. Wellbutrin helps to enhance brain chemicals, whereas zoloft focuses on serotonin(also a brain chemical). In a recent study, researchers found that some individuals experience better mood and energy after pairing wellbutrin with zoloft.
Wellbutrin with Prozac and lexapro:
SSRIs are a class of antidepressants that increase the serotonin level in the brain, whereas wellbutrin enhances brain neurotransmitters. Combining wellbutrin with SSRIs gives a better neurotransmitter regulation.
Common side effects of using SSRIs are sexual dysfunction; wellbutrin helps prevent these side effects.
Wellbutrin with SNRIs:
SNRI medications treat the brain chemicals. Combining SNRIs with wellbutrin can regulate the dopamine, norepinephrine, and serotonin and lessen anxiety.
Common side effects of SNIRs are sexual dysfunction, while wellbutrin helps manage those symptoms.
Wellbutrin with Xanax and other benzodiazepines:
Wellbutrin combined with xanax and benzodiazepines helps reduce anxiety. Xanax and Benzodiazepines work quickly and target GABA in the brain to reduce anxiety.
Excessive use of Xanax for a long time can potentially trigger seizures in patients taking Wellbutrin.
What do I avoid while taking wellbutrin?
Here is a list of what not to mix with wellbutrin:
| Medication and Substances | Risks |
|---|---|
| Alcohol | Seizures, an increase in depression, and suicidal thoughts |
| Vyvanse | Disturbance in the brain, high blood pressure, and liver damage |
| Adderall | Worsening anxiety, irregular heartbeat, lack of sleep |
| Abilify | headache, nausea, agitation, palpitations, |
| Ultram | Serotonin toxicity, seizures |
| Elavil | Seizures, serotonin syndrome |
| MAOIs | high blood pressure |
Alternatives to wellbutrin for Anxiety
There are several medications available that can be used as an alternative to wellbutrin.
- Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors
- SNRIs
- Other antidepressants
- Non-Antidepressant Medications
What therapies can be paired with wellbutrin for anxiety?
Medication and therapies are an effective approach that helps treat anxiety. Recent research suggests that a combination of both medications and therapies gives better results in reducing anxiety.
Therapies help individuals in coping strategies and help tackle stress that increases anxiety.
Here is a list of therapies that can be combined with wellbutrin:
Wellbutrin with Cognitive behavioral therapy
CBT is a well-researched therapy that helps in reducing anxiety. By pairing CBT and wellbutrin, it may help in addressing the biological and physiological aspects of the disorder.
Wellbutrin with Mindfulness-Based Cognitive Therapy
Mindfulness-Based Cognitive Therapy is a type of CBT and helps lessen anxiety. It has the features of CBT. MBCT helps individuals recognize challenges, thoughts, emotions, and feelings.
Taking wellbutrin with MBCT helps reduce feelings of worry.
Wellbutrin with Exposure therapy
This therapy helps individuals to address triggers, stimuli, and stressors and overcome these triggers in a friendly environment, whereas wellbutrin works on brain chemicals and reduces anxiety.
The combination of both can help individuals manage anxiety.
What lifestyle changes to pair with wellbutrin for anxiety?
To manage anxiety while taking wellbutrin, follow these lifestyle changes for better results:
- Exercise regularly
- Nutrient diet
- Staying socially connected
- Therapy
- Practice stress management techniques
- Avoid substances/Alcohol
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Conclusion:
Wellbutrin was previously known as Amfebutamone, is only authorized to treat depression, but also helpful for anxiety. Many experts recommend Wellbutrin for anxiety, as it targets the brain chemicals that help in emotional regulation, mood, and energy. For better relief, a combination of medications helps, such as Wellbutrin with SSRIs, SNRIs, and zoloft. Furthermore, CBT, MBCT, and exposure therapy are also helpful in combination with medication to cope with anxiety.
