Anxiety and Wellbutrin
Wellbutrin (bupropion) is an antidepressant that is also used to treat anxiety. If the person suffers from anxiety and Wellbutrin is a viable treatment option, the physician may prescribe this medication to alleviate the anxiety symptoms. Some users have experienced relief from anxiety attacks and other anxiety symptoms with Wellbutrin.
How Does Wellbutrin Work?
Two neurotransmitters that can cause depression symptoms at lower than normal levels are dopamine and norepinephrine. Wellbutrin works by blocking neurons from reabsorbing dopamine and norepinephrine that they release. This leaves more norepinephrine and dopamine active in the brain.
Uses for Wellbutrin
A physician may prescribe Wellbutrin for adults who suffer from depression or anxiety. Major depressive disorder and seasonal affective disorder are the most common psychiatric illnesses treated with this medication. Wellbutrin is also prescribed to help people quit smoking. This medication is not prescribed to people who have eating disorders or seizure disorders. The person may need to take the Wellbutrin for at least four weeks before the person experiences the full benefit of the medication.
Side Effects of Wellbutrin
Like many medications, Wellbutrin has a risk of serious side effects. The risk of the serious side effects increases if the person is taking a dose higher than 450 mg. Common side effects of Wellbutrin include nausea, dizziness, sleep disturbances, sore throat, dry mouth, weight loss, flatulence, constipation, and gas. One benefit of Wellbutrin for anxiety instead of other antidepressants is that Wellbutrin has less sexual side effects than many antidepressants.
Wellbutrin and Anxiety
Though Wellbutrin is typically prescribed for depression, a psychiatrist may prescribe Wellbutrin for anxiety disorders. Two reasons a psychiatrist may do this is if the patient is also suffering from symptoms of depression or if the patient has not be treated successfully with anti-anxiety medication. Unfortunately, finding the right medication for anxiety is trial and error. There are no diagnostic tests to use to identify what medication a person needs to treat an anxiety disorder successfully. If the symptoms of anxiety continue or worsen, the person has bothersome side effects, or suicidal thoughts occur, the person should discuss these problems with the physician.
December 11, 2009 | Posted by SWilson
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