Can you get high on Wellbutrin?

You probably can’t get high off of Wellbutrin without overdosing on the medication. More on Wellbutrin side effects and dangers of taking Wellbutrin here.

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minute read

Probably not.

Wellbutrin is classified as “non-abusable” by the Federal government, despite the fact that it has some stimulant effects. In fact, you probably can’t get high off of Wellbutrin without overdosing on the medication. Wellbutrin has stimulant effects, but more on par with ingesting a cup of coffee than taking amphetamines. Although Wellbutrin can cause hallucinations, that’s a symptom that you’ve overdosed and need to go to the ER right away.

More on using Wellbutrin below.

Wellbutrin chemistry and use

Wellbutrin contains bupropion, an antidepressant of the aminoketone class, whichis chemically unrelated to tricyclic, tetracyclic, selective serotonin re-uptake inhibitor (SSRIs), or other known antidepressant agents. Bupropion is used to help relieve anxiety and seasonal affective disorder. Bupropion is also marketed under the brand name Zyban as an drug to help cigarette smokers quit in treatment for nicotine withdrawal syndrome. Wellbutrin comes in sustained and extended-release formulas.

How does Wellbutrin work

Wellbutrin increases certain types of brain activity – but exactly how it works isn’t presently clear. At higher doses in lab animals, Wellbutrin does produce stimulant effects – but it also causes seizures. However it works in humans, Wellbutrin has been clearly linked to seizures at a rate higher than other antidepressants.

Abuse of Wellbutrin

The U.S. government classifies Wellbutrin as a “non-abusable” drug. There have been a handful of documented cases of people attempting to get high off of Wellbutrin by crushing and snorting the pills, but usually these cases resulted in very serious side effects.

Dangers of Wellbutrin

Wellbutrin should never be taken except under the supervision of a doctor. In fact, Wellbutrin can cause very serious side effects. For these reasons, Wellbutrin is not a drug you should be using casually. If you’re taking Wellbutrin for a mood disorder and experience any of the following symptoms, talk to your doctor right away about changing your medication. Adverse and potentially serious symptoms of taking Wellbutrin include:

  • depression
  • delusions
  • hallucinations
  • hostility and aggressive behavior
  • homicidal thoughts
  • psychosis
  • paranoia
  • seizures
  • suicidal thoughts or attempts

Can you I get addicted to Wellbutrin?

No, you can’t get addicted to Wellbutrin. Wellbutrin is not habit-forming and Wellbutrin users do not exhibit the drug-seeking behavior one would expect to arise from an addiction. There have been a few reports of Wellbutrin abuse, where the drug was taken crushed and inhaled nasally. However, these patients suffered seizures and had to be admitted to the emergency room.

Looking for antidepressant addiction help but don’t know what the rehab process entails? Learn more in our A-Z guide on Antidepressant Addiction Treatment Programs and Help to get better prepared.

Questions about Wellbutrin use

Please leave your questions about Wellbutrin use here. We will be happy to try to answer your questions personally and promptly.

Reference Sources: DailyMed Drug Label: Wellbutrin
American Society of Health-System Pharmacists drug information on Bupropion
PubMed Central: A case report of seizure induced by bupropion nasal insufflation
About the author
Lee Weber is a published author, medical writer, and woman in long-term recovery from addiction. Her latest book, The Definitive Guide to Addiction Interventions is set to reach university bookstores in early 2019.
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