Bupropion Addiction & Treatment
While the antidepressant drug known as bupropion is described as not habit-forming, research in the National Library of Medicine reveals that abuse of the substance does occur, and since it affects reward centers of the brain in a similar way as cocaine, addiction can form.
What is Bupropion?
Bupropion is a commonly prescribed antidepressant drug. It has medical uses that include the treatment of nicotine addiction, helping people to stop smoking, major depressive disorder (MDD), and seasonal affective disorder (SAD). Common brand names for bupropion include Zyban, Wellbutrin SR, Wellbutrin XL, and Wellbutrin.
When abused, it has similar effects as cocaine abuse but to a lesser extent. Chemically, the drug is similar to methamphetamine and is classified as a synthetic cathinone which is the same class of drugs that bath salts belong to. One of the street names given to bupropion is “poor man’s cocaine”.
Bupropion Effects
As an antidepressant, it can help to manage various depressive disorders as well as help break nicotine addiction. It can produce several side effects such as:
- Dizziness
- Anxiety
- Headaches
- Vomiting
- Nausea
- Stomach pain
- Dry mouth
- Excitement
- Weight loss
- Shaking
- Trouble falling asleep and staying asleep
- Sore throat
- Ringing in the ears
More serious side effects of Wellbutrin abuse include irrational fears, confusion, seizures, joint pain, irregular heartbeat, and hallucination. Bupropion overdose is possible and includes effects such as loss of consciousness, seizures, pounding heart, and hallucinations. Immediate medical care should be sought if any serious side effect occurs.
Signs of Bupropion Abuse and Addiction
The abuse of bupropion can lead to various signs of bupropion abuse that may be apparent to others or the person taking the drug. Whether you are concerned that you are forming an addiction or you are worried that someone you know may be abusing bupropion, the following signs will help you to identify bupropion abuse and addiction:
- Hiding their drug use
- Seeking multiple prescriptions from doctors
- Loss of appetite
- Extended periods of insomnia
- Sense of exhilaration
- Euphoria
- Mood changes
- Unusually high self-esteem and confidence
- Feeling like you need to use the drug to function
These signs of abuse and addiction to bupropion can indicate that professional help may be required as heavy use of the drug may lead to overdose and a series of problems in the person’s life such as their finances, mental health, physical health, relationships, and work.
Bupropion Withdrawal Symptoms
Once your body adjusts to the constant presence of the substance, it will create a new balance that without more of the drug, will lead to withdrawal symptoms once usage stops. The process of drug detox usually takes between 5 and 10 days. The most common bupropion withdrawal symptoms include the following:
- Tremors
- Difficulty maintaining body temperature
- Suicidal ideation
- Anxiety
- Depression
- Headaches
- Dizziness
- Irritability
- Excessive sweating
- Cramps
- Nausea
Withdrawal symptoms management can be done professionally at an accredited addiction treatment center such as Novo Detox which offers a medical detox program.
Long-Term Side Effects of Bupropion Abuse
The long-term side effects of bupropion abuse can affect your health and mental well-being. Depending on how the drug is abused, it can also cause additional damage such as injecting the drug causing blood vessel damage, skin lesions, and may even lead to death through heart issues and infection. Some of the other long-term side effects of bupropion abuse include:
- Agitation
- Seizures
- Hallucinations
- Tachycardia (rapid heart rate)
- Vertigo
- Involuntary muscle contractions
- Trouble maintaining responsibilities such as work
- Relationships issues
- Mental health problems
Bupropion Addiction Treatment
If you or someone you care about is dealing with an addiction to bupropion, then seeking professional help is your best option to overcome the destructive cycle of substance abuse. At Novo Detox, our drug addiction treatment center will help you through a comprehensive, holistic treatment approach that uses a clinical-based approach combined with whole-patient treatments.
At Novo Detox, our drug and alcohol rehab offers a full continuum of care focusing on not just treating drug addiction in the short term but providing personalized addiction treatment plans that will create a sustainable long-term path to recovery.
Get in touch with Novo Detox today to discuss your treatment for bupropion addiction and how we can help you overcome addiction.
