Does Wellbutrin-induced insomnia go away? 

Does Wellbutrin-induced insomnia go away? 

Wellbutrin-induced insomnia does start to get better with time, as your body adjusts to this medication. 

Wellbutrin is known as the best antidepressant for energy and motivation, as it increases your energy levels and motivation, elevates your mood, increases productivity, and helps you lose weight. 

These effects are usually happily welcomed, as depressed people have low energy levels and they begin to lose interest in almost everything. However, these high energy levels can keep you awake at night and affect your sleep architecture. 

This is why most people struggle with insomnia during the early course of their treatment. But the good news is that most people feel better within a few weeks as they grow used to taking Wellbutrin. 

What does research suggest?

Research studies do link Bupropion, the active drug in Wellbutrin, to sleep disturbances and insomnia. In a 2015 study comparing second-generation antidepressants, Bupropion was found to have a higher likelihood of causing insomnia compared to a placebo. (1)

The study also revealed that Bupropion had a lower tendency to induce somnolence compared to a placebo. However, it’s important to note that these findings may vary to some extent based on individual sensitivity and other factors.

Another 2005 research review after 15 years of experience with Bupropion indicated that insomnia is one of the most common side effects caused by Bupropion and it has been reported in a number of cases. Other commonly reported side effects include nausea, dry mouth, constipation, and dizziness. (2)

The exact mechanism by which Wellbutrin may lead to insomnia is not fully understood, but it is believed to be related to its effects on the brain’s neurotransmitters. 

Specifically, Wellbutrin increases the release of norepinephrine and dopamine, which are involved in regulating wakefulness and alertness (3,4). This stimulation of the central nervous system can disrupt normal sleep patterns and result in difficulty sleeping.

It’s important to note that not everyone who takes Wellbutrin will experience insomnia, and the severity and frequency of this side effect can vary among individuals. 

Some individuals may find that their sleep improves over time or that the benefits of the medication outweigh the temporary sleep disruption.

How to get rid of Wellbutrin-induced insomnia fast? 

There are a few things you can do to recover from early insomnia caused by Wellbutrin. These are:

  • Take Wellbutrin in the morning. Ask your doctor to switch your timing if you currently take it at night. 
  • Don’t drink coffee after 4 pm. 
  • Don’t have late-night meals. 
  • Make sure your room is comfortable enough for you to feel relaxed and sleepy. 
  • Don’t use smartphones or electronic gadgets at bedtime. 
  • Try to relax your mind or meditate to relax your body and mind, and prepare you for sleep. 

If insomnia on Wellbutrin gets severe each day and it starts to affect the quality of your life, reach out to your healthcare provider. Your doctor may reduce your dose at first to help your body adjust to the med better. 

If that doesn’t work, there are plenty of other antidepressants that your doctor can switch you to, if Wellbutrin doesn’t work well for you. Make sure you don’t stop using your antidepressant without consulting your doctor first. 

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References

1.-

Alberti S, Chiesa A, Andrisano C, Serretti A. Insomnia and somnolence associated with second-generation antidepressants during the treatment of major depression: a meta-analysis. J Clin Psychopharmacol. 2015 Jun;35(3):296-303. doi: 10.1097/JCP.0000000000000329. PMID: 25874915. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/25874915/

2.-

Fava M, Rush AJ, Thase ME, Clayton A, Stahl SM, Pradko JF, Johnston JA. 15 years of clinical experience with bupropion HCl: from bupropion to bupropion SR to bupropion XL. Prim Care Companion J Clin Psychiatry. 2005;7(3):106-13. doi: 10.4088/pcc.v07n0305. PMID: 16027765; PMCID: PMC1163271. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC1163271/

3.-

Huecker MR, Smiley A, Saadabadi A. Bupropion. 2023 Apr 9. In: StatPearls [Internet]. Treasure Island (FL): StatPearls Publishing; 2023 Jan–. PMID: 29262173. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK470212

4.-

Ascher JA, Cole JO, Colin JN, Feighner JP, Ferris RM, Fibiger HC, Golden RN, Martin P, Potter WZ, Richelson E, et al. Bupropion: a review of its mechanism of antidepressant activity. J Clin Psychiatry. 1995 Sep;56(9):395-401. PMID: 7665537. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/7665537/

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