Wellbutrin
Do you live with depression and wonder if you’ll ever find a way out? Arbor Wellness understands how despondent depression can make you feel, and we can help. Our staff also offers concrete ways to minimize feelings of anxiety. We offer residential and outpatient programs that help people ease their symptoms and rediscover the joy of living. Our staff provides access to effective medications such as Wellbutrin. How long does Wellbutrin take to work? We explore this question and others about this popular drug used to treat depression and anxiety. Our team makes it our goal to match you with the right prescription medication for your needs.
You are not alone. You deserve to get help.
Arbor Wellness is an industry leader in mental health treatment. Our team of top medical experts specialize in dual diagnosis treatment and are committed to ensuring that each patient is treated as an individual. Call us today, we’re available 24/7.
What is Wellbutrin?
Before answering the question “How long does Wellbutrin take to work?”, let’s take a look at the full picture of this medication. Wellbutrin is the brand name for a prescription drug called Bupropion which is a Norepinephrine-Dopamine Reuptake Inhibitor (NDRI). Prescription names include Wellbutrin SR and Wellbutrin XL, and they are manufactured as tablets. Prescriptions can be written for three different forms of the drug that include:
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
All usage of Wellbutrin should be monitored by a physician or mental health counselor.
What is Wellbutrin Used For?
Wellbutrin is used to help people who have depression, including major depressive disorder and seasonal affective disorder (SAD). Some people use Wellbutrin in conjunction with therapy to help ease their symptoms of depression, while others use it on its own. Wellbutrin is also commonly prescribed for people who are trying to stop smoking. In 2021, over 29 million bupropion prescriptions were written in the U.S.
How Does Wellbutrin Work?
The answer to, “How long does it take Wellbutrin to work?” depends partly on a person’s particular brain chemistry. The brain typically produces feel-good chemicals such as dopamine and norepinephrine that help people feel joy and bolstered moods. When their brain does not function as it should, it can lead to developing depression. Wellbutrin works by blocking the process of reuptake of dopamine and norepinephrine. As a result, the person feels more positive and enjoys better moods.
Does Wellbutrin Help with Anxiety?
While Wellbutrin is commonly prescribed to treat depression and help with smoking cessation, it also has another use. Many doctors recommend the drug for “off-label” use. This means while the FDA has not issued approval for a medication to treat a certain illness, like anxiety, proof exists that it helps people.
How Long Does It Take for Wellbutrin to Work?
How long does Wellbutrin take to work? Not everyone experiences the same results, but there are some general answers. Many people enjoy an improvement in their depressive symptoms within the first two weeks of using Wellbutrin. Others find it takes another week or more to feel the beginning effects. The full effects should happen within several weeks or a few months at the most.
Many people report being able to sleep better and a decrease in lethargy first. It may take a bit longer to experience an improved mood. Anyone taking Wellbutrin should be monitored by the prescriber for how it affects them and any possible side effects.
Potential Side Effects
Any prescription medication can potentially cause side effects. The important thing is to be aware of any that develop and report them to the prescriber. The most common side effects from using Wellbutrin usually only last one to two weeks and should be mild. These include:
- Dry mouth
- Nausea
- Headache
- Difficulty sleeping
- Sore throat
- Dizziness
- Weight loss
Rare serious side effects can occur and should be immediately reported to the prescriber and medical care sought. These include muscle aches, changes in vision, elevated blood pressure, visual disturbances, and seizures.
Is Wellbutrin Addictive?
Becoming addicted to Wellbutrin, while possible, is not a common occurrence. Someone going off Wellbutrin may experience mild withdrawal symptoms that last one or two weeks. The longer a person uses the drug, the more likely they are to have some withdrawal symptoms when they stop taking it. Doctors recommend people not stop taking Wellbutrin without first speaking to their prescriber or a mental health counselor. This way, a plan for going off the drug can be created. Many people do better when they taper off Wellbutrin use rather than just stopping taking it cold turkey. If someone does experience withdrawal symptoms that concern them or last a long time, they should speak to their physician.
Finding Psychiatry in Nashville
Are you interested in participating in psychiatry to help relieve your depression or anxiety? Arbor Wellness treats mental health disorders and substance use disorders simultaneously to help people heal in a timely and efficient manner. If you find yourself wondering, “How long does Wellbutrin take to work?”, we are happy to discuss your situation and what approaches may work best for you. Our skilled and compassionate staff uses therapy and the right prescription medications to help ease the symptoms of depression and anxiety.
For more information about our exciting program that helps you improve your mental health, contact us now. It’s time for you to hit the reset button on your life.
If You are in need of immediate assistance...
Don’t hesitate to contact us immediately. In the case of a medical emergency please contact 911 or visit your local emergency department.
We Work With Most Major Insurance
Did you know most major health insurance plans with out-of-network benefits can help cover most of the costs associated with our program? Click below to find out your coverage and treatment options right now.
