If you’ve been shining out with a little bit extra anxiety after Wellbutrin, that doesn’t make you different from a whole lot of people who report this kind of anxiety upon Wellbutrin initiation. Well, that’s good news because it can be managed. In this article, we will define the Wellbutrin anxiety phenomenon and look at some things you can do to feel better while capturing the therapeutic benefit of the medication.
What Is Wellbutrin?
Wellbutrin is the trade name of bupropion, a prescription medication used to treat major depressive disorder and for smoking cessation. It changes the levels of some chemicals in the brain, especially dopamine and norepinephrine. These changes improve one’s mood, energy, or concentration.
Wellbutrin tends not to cause weight gain or sexual side effects like many other antidepressants; however, some individuals may feel either restlessness or anxiety in the first few weeks of taking Wellbutrin.
What Caused This Anxiety While on Wellbutrin?
Wellbutrin is a somewhat stimulating type of antidepressant, which might make you feel more alert, awake, and, at times, a little bit restless. This might be of great assistance for depressive states and low energy levels but can, at times, feel like anxiety.
Reasons for Wellbutrin Anxiety Are As Follows:
More energy before things get better: You are more energized yet remain feeling depressed or stressed; this alone can aggravate anxiety.
High dopamine levels: Dopamine helps with your focus and drive, but too much dopamine could lead to racing thoughts or jitteriness.
Dose too high: Starting with a high dosage can incite an anxiety response for some.
Caffeine and other stimulants would increase heart rates and worsen anxiety when consumed together with Wellbutrin.
How Long Do the Anxiety Symptoms Last?
For many people, the anxiety subsides after a couple of weeks as their bodies get used to the medication. But if it hangs on after four to six weeks and is unbearable, you should discuss it with your doctor. They may want to lower the dosage or switch the medication altogether.
Tips for Managing Anxiety While on Wellbutrin
If you are experiencing anxiety from Wellbutrin, here are some tips that you may find useful:
1. Speak With Your Doctor
Don’t ever just stop Wellbutrin. If the anxiety becomes too overwhelming, your doctor may decide to:
Decrease the dosage,
Switch your prescription to Wellbutrin SR or Wellbutrin XL (which release their medication into the body slower and may cause fewer side effects), or
Introduce another medication alongside Wellbutrin to help alleviate anxiety.
2. Avoid Stimulants
Avoid or minimize:
Caffeine: that means coffee, tea, and energy drinks
Nicotine
Certain supplements might even include ginseng or pre-workouts.
These will elevate your heart rate and, in return, worsen your anxiety.
3. Take It in the Morning
Wellbutrin can induce insomnia, so the morning sun may work its charm and also keep the anxious thoughts at bay.
4. Breathing Exercises
Engage Yourself in These Calming Practices Daily:
Deep breathing
Meditation/Mindfulness
Yoga/Stretching
Listening to Calming Music
This will calm the body and mind.5. Regularly Exercise
Exercise will normally relieve your anxiety. Even if it’s a little stroll, it’s enough to help a bit in the release of “feel-good chemicals” in your brain. Try to move at least for thirty minutes minimum every day.
6. Balanced Meals
When you experience low blood sugar, you could experience anxiety. Food intake would include healthful meals – nutritious vegetables and fruits – and snacks at intervals during the day. Do refrain from consuming too high sugar or processed food items.
7. Stay Hydrated
Drink enough water and sleep well; both can aggravate anxiety. Strive to have enough sleep of around 7-9 hours every night and drink a lot of water every day.
8. Monitor Symptoms
Keep a log of mood and anxiety. What time one took Wellbutrin, what they ate, and how they felt. That can help the physician figure out what works and what needs changing.
9. Get Help
Going to talk to a therapist or being part of a support group can help manage anxiety. You don’t have to do it alone.
When to Seek Help
Call your doctor intently when:
Have panic attacks
Feels that heart races every time
Can’t even sleep or eat
Feels too fidgety or husbanded
Thinks about self-harming actions
This is a clear indication that you do not adapt well with Wellbutrin or your dosage needs adjustment.
Final thoughts
Wellbutrin can be a great medicine for an individual with depression and focus. But for some, it may bring with it momentary attacks of anxiety and other mild side effects. The best approach to take is to keep in touch with one’s doctor and maintain total hygiene of body and mind. Most people report that after using such well-disciplined approaches, the anxiety simply gets better with time and with adequate support.
If you’re feeling overwhelmed with anxiety from Wellbutrin, know that help is there. You’re not alone, and you can certainly get help and put your life together with the right strategies.
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