When a person is prescribed medication by their doctor, they must pay close attention to any directions or details given by the medical professional. This can include potential side effects, risks, how often it is taken, and whether avoiding substances like alcohol is necessary. This question can extend to cannabis use, which continues to be legalized nationwide. Banyan Treatment Centers Texas is breaking down what happens when you combine weed and Wellbutrin.
How Does Wellbutrin Work?
Wellbutrin, the brand name of the antidepressant bupropion, operates as a booster for levels of dopamine and norepinephrine in the brain. This classifies the drug as a norepinephrine/dopamine reuptake inhibitor (NDRI). The two neurotransmitters in question are responsible for sending messages between nerves in the brain. This, in turn, affects different emotions that the individual may experience, including joy, motivation, and even physical pleasure.
Wellbutrin and other NDRI drugs increase the amount of norepinephrine and dopamine as opposed to allowing them to be reabsorbed and deactivated. This can leave a depressed person feeling far more balanced in terms of mood and well-being. With that being said, it is important to consider the risks associated with combining substances like marijuana and Wellbutrin.
The Interactions Between Wellbutrin and Marijuana
Currently, there are not many studies regarding the adverse effects of combining Wellbutrin and weed. Overall, it has been observed that the risk from these two substances’ interacting with one another is relatively low. That being said, there are still factors that are worth keeping in mind. First, starting a new antidepressant should call for the cessation of other intoxicating substances, at least temporarily. This is crucial in determining exactly how using Wellbutrin is affecting the patient. It also makes it easier to isolate any potential side effects that may occur.
Another important reason to stop using cannabis, or at least for the first few weeks of taking this NDRI, is because someone who is under the influence may not be as inclined to adhere to the treatment protocol. As stated before, not following directions provided by the prescriber can ultimately cause more issues than they solve. It is also worth considering that if you use weed, any worsening of symptoms may be incorrectly attributed to Wellbutrin when it is really because of the cannabis being used.
Weed and Wellbutrin Summed Up
Ultimately, the risks involved with consuming weed while taking Wellbutrin are relatively low, but that doesn’t mean it is risk-free. It is crucial to focus solely on how a prescribed drug is working, which becomes harder when combined with other substances. Any kind of recklessness regarding medication and drug use can be a slippery slope. If not given the proper consideration, it can even lead to the development of side effects and, in some cases, even addiction. For instance, mixing Wellbutrin with alcohol heightens the risk of seizures, among other dangerous symptoms.
If you find yourself struggling with substance abuse and are in need of effective Texas addiction treatment programs, Banyan has the resources in place to help you achieve recovery. We also offer in-depth detox programs that help our patients navigate withdrawal symptoms in a safe and medically monitored environment.
For more information on how our Banyan Texas rehab can help you reclaim your life from addiction, call us today at 888-280-4763.
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