Wellbutrin(bupropion) is an atypical antidepressant in the class of drugs known as norepinephrine-dopamine reuptake inhibitors (NDRIs). Wellbutrin treatment can be an effective solution that’s FDA-approved to treat symptoms of major depressive disorder (MDD) and seasonal affective disorder (SAD). It’s also used off-label to treat several other mental health conditions, such as bipolar disorder or generalized anxiety disorder.Part of taking any new drug means knowing what the expected onset of action looks like — that is, how and when it will work — so you have a good understanding of what to expect from your comprehensive treatment plan. This information can help you determine if this antidepressant medication is working for you. If you’re wondering how long it takes for Wellbutrin to work, keep reading to learn more.
Wellbutrin(bupropion) is an atypical antidepressant in the class of drugs known as norepinephrine-dopamine reuptake inhibitors (NDRIs). Wellbutrin treatment can be an effective solution that’s FDA-approved to treat symptoms of major depressive disorder (MDD) and seasonal affective disorder (SAD). It’s also used off-label to treat several other mental health conditions, such as bipolar disorder or generalized anxiety disorder.
Part of taking any new drug means knowing what the expected onset of action looks like — that is, how and when it will work — so you have a good understanding of what to expect from your comprehensive treatment plan. This information can help you determine if this antidepressant medication is working for you. If you’re wondering how long it takes for Wellbutrin to work, keep reading to learn more.
How Fast Does Wellbutrin Work?The onset of action of any drug can vary from person to person. Wellbutrin isproven in studiesto be typically well-tolerated and can be an alternative solution for people who don’t find successful relief from more traditional antidepressants, like SSRIs and SNRIs.For some people who take Wellbutrin, noticeable improvement in depressive symptomsmay be experiencedwithin a couple of weeks. Most often, the first changes seen are in improved sleep, energy, and appetite. Keep in mind, though, that you might not experience the full benefits of an antidepressant for 4 – 6 weeks or longer, so patience is important.Wellbutrin prescription onlineGet an evaluation and prescription for Wellbutrin from a psychiatric provider licensed in your state.Get startedIt’s also worth noting thatstudiesfound improvement in sleep is often seen before any significant mood changes when taking Wellbutrin.
How Fast Does Wellbutrin Work?
The onset of action of any drug can vary from person to person. Wellbutrin isproven in studiesto be typically well-tolerated and can be an alternative solution for people who don’t find successful relief from more traditional antidepressants, like SSRIs and SNRIs.
For some people who take Wellbutrin, noticeable improvement in depressive symptomsmay be experiencedwithin a couple of weeks. Most often, the first changes seen are in improved sleep, energy, and appetite. Keep in mind, though, that you might not experience the full benefits of an antidepressant for 4 – 6 weeks or longer, so patience is important.
Wellbutrin prescription onlineGet an evaluation and prescription for Wellbutrin from a psychiatric provider licensed in your state.Get started
Wellbutrin prescription onlineGet an evaluation and prescription for Wellbutrin from a psychiatric provider licensed in your state.
Wellbutrin prescription online
Get an evaluation and prescription for Wellbutrin from a psychiatric provider licensed in your state.
It’s also worth noting thatstudiesfound improvement in sleep is often seen before any significant mood changes when taking Wellbutrin.
Factors That Affect How Long It Takes Wellbutrin to WorkResearch supportsWellbutrin’s efficacy in treating depression and other conditions in adults, but it doesn’t work the same way or on the same timeline for everyone who takes it. Several factors can impact how long it takes to be effective. Wellbutrin dosage, symptom severity, genetic factors, comorbid conditions, other medications, and more can all influence how long it takes a drug to fully work.Dosage adjustmentsAdjusting the dose of a medication will naturally affect how long it takes to work. Your doctor may want to increase the dose if it’s been long enough to know that your current dose isn’t working as it should. Higher doses might lead to a faster onset of action. Decreasing or missing a dose might delay how long it takes Wellbutrin to work.It’s important to note that an individual’s weight will also impact the rate at which the body absorbs the antidepressant medication. If you are undergoing a weight management regime, notify your healthcare provider so they can prescribe the proper Wellbutrin dosage.It’s vital to take Wellbutrin precisely as directed. Never change your dose without your doctor’s or healthcare provider’s guidance.Individual factorsIndividual factors like body chemistry can significantly impact how long a drug takes to work. Everything from metabolism rate to genetics to overall health can come into play.Individual factors include:How fast (or slow) your metabolism isGenetic factors like your height, weight, or family historyPrevious history of depression or other mental health conditionsOther medications you’re taking or have taken in the pastInteraction with other medicationsEvery drug can potentially interact with other medications. Some interactions between Wellbutrin and other drugs can have dangerous possible outcomes — this is why it’s so critical that your doctor is aware of everything you’re taking.From other prescription medications to over-the-counter (OTC) herbal supplements andvitamins for depression, make sure your doctor has a comprehensive list of anything you regularly take.Certain drugs known to interact with Wellbutrin include:Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs)Serotonin-norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors (SNRIs)Monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs)Tricyclic antidepressants (TCAs)Antipsychotic medicationsAnticonvulsant medicationsNicotine replacement therapy (NRT)Alcohol
Factors That Affect How Long It Takes Wellbutrin to Work
Research supportsWellbutrin’s efficacy in treating depression and other conditions in adults, but it doesn’t work the same way or on the same timeline for everyone who takes it. Several factors can impact how long it takes to be effective. Wellbutrin dosage, symptom severity, genetic factors, comorbid conditions, other medications, and more can all influence how long it takes a drug to fully work.
Dosage adjustments
Adjusting the dose of a medication will naturally affect how long it takes to work. Your doctor may want to increase the dose if it’s been long enough to know that your current dose isn’t working as it should. Higher doses might lead to a faster onset of action. Decreasing or missing a dose might delay how long it takes Wellbutrin to work.
It’s important to note that an individual’s weight will also impact the rate at which the body absorbs the antidepressant medication. If you are undergoing a weight management regime, notify your healthcare provider so they can prescribe the proper Wellbutrin dosage.
It’s vital to take Wellbutrin precisely as directed. Never change your dose without your doctor’s or healthcare provider’s guidance.
Individual factors
Individual factors like body chemistry can significantly impact how long a drug takes to work. Everything from metabolism rate to genetics to overall health can come into play.
Individual factors include:
Interaction with other medications
Every drug can potentially interact with other medications. Some interactions between Wellbutrin and other drugs can have dangerous possible outcomes — this is why it’s so critical that your doctor is aware of everything you’re taking.
From other prescription medications to over-the-counter (OTC) herbal supplements andvitamins for depression, make sure your doctor has a comprehensive list of anything you regularly take.
Certain drugs known to interact with Wellbutrin include:
How to Know if Wellbutrin is Working
Because it doesn’t work immediately, monitoring your symptoms over time will be critical. Some initial signs Wellbutrin is working for you include improved mood or energy level, focus, and overall well-being.
Improved mood
Consistently taking Wellbutrin can enhance mood over time. You might experience reduced hopelessness or sadness and find a returned interest in daily activities. Overall, Wellbutrin can lead to greater well-being in some people. Some research found Wellbutrin significantly reduced depression scores in24 out of 27 trials.
Increased energy levels
Like most antidepressants,studies showthat Wellbutrin can increase energy levels. It helps some people feel more alert and awake. It can also improve motivation levels throughout the day. A boost in energy can lead to improved productivity and a renewed interest and engagement in social and other activities.
Restored interest in activities
Depression is intrinsically linked with a lack of interest in things once enjoyed. According tostudies, Wellbutrin might help you find renewed joy in hobbies, social gatherings and interactions, and basic daily routines and functioning. Specifically, the drug has been found to decrease negative emotional processing and increase reward processing.
Improved sleep patterns
Increased social interactions
When youfeelbetter, your willingness and desire to be more socially engaged are natural side effects. Sociability can strengthen relationships and enhance the feeling of connectedness, which are important for people with depression.Some researcheven suggests that Wellbutrin might be an effective treatment for social phobia.
Overall improvement in quality of life
Wellbutrin may improve the overall quality of life for many people who take it. Improved mood, energy levels, interest in others and activities, and more can all result in an enhanced sense of satisfaction and fulfillment in life.
Increased sex drive
While many antidepressants are linked to sexual dysfunction, somestudies suggestWellbutrin may actually improve sex drive. More research is still needed, but for now, the drug isassociated with a lower riskof sexual side effects and the potential to improve sex drive when compared to most other depression drugs.
What to Do When Wellbutrin is Not WorkingThe most important thing to do if you’re worried Wellbutrin isn’t working for you is to be patient. It can be difficult, but try to give it at least a month before trying something different. Stay in contact with your doctor or mental health provider, and be sure to share what you’re experiencing along the way — especially if your symptoms worsen or you’re experiencingside effects of Wellbutrin.“If Wellbutrin is not working as it should, give it time. It often starts working between 2 – 4 weeks. If you’re not seeing benefit or just seeing some benefit at the 4-week mark, your provider may suggest a dose increase.”–Talkspace psychiatrist Dr. Dion Metzger, MDIf Wellbutrin isn’t working for you after 4 – 6 weeks, your doctor might:Change your dosageChange yourdepression medicationAdd another medication to your treatment planSuggest you combine your medication with therapy (if you’re not already seeking it)Encourage other lifestyle changes (like eating a healthy diet, getting enough sleep, and working out)
What to Do When Wellbutrin is Not Working
The most important thing to do if you’re worried Wellbutrin isn’t working for you is to be patient. It can be difficult, but try to give it at least a month before trying something different. Stay in contact with your doctor or mental health provider, and be sure to share what you’re experiencing along the way — especially if your symptoms worsen or you’re experiencingside effects of Wellbutrin.
“If Wellbutrin is not working as it should, give it time. It often starts working between 2 – 4 weeks. If you’re not seeing benefit or just seeing some benefit at the 4-week mark, your provider may suggest a dose increase.”
If Wellbutrin isn’t working for you after 4 – 6 weeks, your doctor might:
Get Personalized Mental Health Treatment with TalkspaceTalkspace offers expert, skilled mental health advice and support from qualified, licensed mental health professionals. If you have questions like how long it takes for Wellbutrin to work, or if you’re seeking therapy, a diagnosis, or medication management, Talkspace makes getting help simple, affordable, and convenient.Start your journey toward improving your life — online prescriptions make it easy. Reach out today to connect with anonline psychiatristand learn about Wellbutrin.
Get Personalized Mental Health Treatment with Talkspace
Talkspace offers expert, skilled mental health advice and support from qualified, licensed mental health professionals. If you have questions like how long it takes for Wellbutrin to work, or if you’re seeking therapy, a diagnosis, or medication management, Talkspace makes getting help simple, affordable, and convenient.
Start your journey toward improving your life — online prescriptions make it easy. Reach out today to connect with anonline psychiatristand learn about Wellbutrin.
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