OCD can be difficult to live with. It is real but also treatable. OCD medications ease intrusive thoughts and compulsions, however, OCD may be accompanied by depression and anxiety. Wellbutrin, an antidepressant, is helpful for OCD treatment. Although not the first-line treatment option for OCD, it works like a wonder for many people struggling with OCD. 

Let’s delve into the benefits, effectiveness, and side effects of Wellbutrin for OCD. 

What is Wellbutrin?

Wellbutrin belongs to the class of antidepressants known as NDRIS (Norepinephrine Dopamine Reuptake Inhibitors). These drugs increase the neurotransmitters Norepinephrine and Dopamine in the brain. These two chemical messengers regulate mood and improve attention. 

Wellbutrin is mainly used to treat Major Depressive Disorder (MDD), Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD), and helps with smoking cessation. Wellbutrin is effective when prescribed off-label for OCD and is used as an atypical antidepressant. 

Is Wellbutrin potent in treating OCD? 

Recent studies suggest that up to 70% of people who get diagnosed with OCD undergo medication treatment. This highlights medication’s role in managing and treating OCD symptoms. 

Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors (SSRIs) are the medications of choice for the treatment of Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder.  Commonly used SSRIs for the treatment of OCD include Luvox (fluvoxamine), Prozac (fluoxetine), Zoloft (sertraline ), Paxil (paroxetine), Clomipramine (Anafranil), Citalopram (Celexa), and Venlafaxine (Effexor). 

Still, the treatment of OCD is sometimes ineffective with SSRIs, and 40-60% of the population suffering from OCD does not respond well to SSRIs. This happens because of the co-occurring conditions with OCD. In the USA, 19%-68% of the adult population with OCD have Major Depressive Disorder (MDD), and 22%-58 % have anxiety disorders. Moreover, SSRIs are associated with sexual dysfunction and bipolar disorder. 

In conditions like this, contrary to SSRIs, Wellbutrin, which is an NDRI (Norepinephrine Dopamine Reuptake Inhibitor), is recommended by providers. Although not the FDA-approved treatment option for OCD, Wellbutrin, as an add-on, is used as an off-label medication. 

Is Wellbutrin prescribed for OCD? 

Wellbutrin might make OCD worse, but for many individuals, it has proven effective in managing OCD and the co-existing challenges. Wellbutrin has been proven effective in patients with depression and social anxiety; however, evidence is lacking in its prescription for OCD. It is important to talk to your provider if your OCD antidepressants are not working for you, and you might want to switch to other antidepressants like Wellbutrin. It should be prescribed with caution as it comes with side effects. 

Wellbutrin vs other antidepressants

The most effective class of antidepressants used to treat OCD is the SSRIs. Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors increase the amount of serotonin in the brain by blocking the reabsorption of serotonin in the nerve cells in the brain. 

Wellbutrin vs other antidepressants

Four medications from this class are FDA-approved for OCD and can be used for children aged 6, 7, 8, and above. These are:

  • Sertraline (Zoloft) 
  • Fluoxetine (Prozac)
  • Fluvoxamine (Luvox)
  • Paroxetine (Paxil)

Two off-label SSRIs used to treat OCD are:

  • Citalopram (Celexa)
  • Escitalopram (Lexapro)

Serotonin and norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors (SNRIs) are another group of antidepressants that are considered equally effective in the treatment of OCD. These are used off-label and include:

  • Venlafaxine (Effexor)
  • Duloxetine (Cymbalta)

Wellbutrin ranks 20th most effective antidepressant drug for treating OCD. Wellbutrin plays a key role in managing SSRI-associated sexual dysfunction when supplemented with other antidepressants. 

Moreover, Wellbutrin is beneficial in improving mood, increasing energy levels, and enhancing concentration, This may be especially favourable for individuals with OCD who also deal with depression, ADHD, and mood disorders. 

Wellbutrin vs Therapy

The most effective treatment for OCD is Exposure Response Therapy (ERP). Approximately 80% of people with OCD have shown success with ERP. An ideal approach would be to combine therapy with medication such as Wellbutrin. 

Signs that Wellbutrin is working for OCD symptoms

Signs that Wellbutrin works well for your OCD become apparent within 2-3 weeks. Determining whether Wellbutrin is viable for you is sometimes hard because antidepressants work differently for everyone. These signs indicate that Wellbutrin have been a success for you:

  • Improved sleep
  • Better appetite 
  • Increased focus 
  • Fewer intrusive thoughts 

Further development in the reduction of  OCD symptoms might take longer than 2-3 weeks. 

Signs that Wellbutrin is working for OCD

Wellbutrin withdrawal 

Wellbutrin does not operate on serotonin, therefore, withdrawal symptoms are moderate. Many people might not experience any withdrawal effects when stopping Wellbutrin intake. Others face difficulty upon stopping Wellbutrin use because of physical dependence on it. The following symptoms commonly occur when Wellbutrin is discontinued: 

  • Excessive sweating 
  • Depression 
  • Nausea
  • Diarrhoea
  • Insomnia 
  • Appetite loss
  • Tremors 

If any of these symptoms appear, talk to your healthcare provider to help you tackle them or prescribe alternative medication. To prevent the symptoms of Wellbutrin withdrawal, work with your provider, who will create a tapering plan to gradually taper off the dosage. 

Safety and side effects: An FDA warning

Wellbutrin can have both mild and severe side effects. Serious side effects are rare but have the possibility of manifesting. These include: 

Common side effects Serious side effects
Dry mouth Allergic reaction to bupropion
Sore throat Changes in mood
Nausea, loss of appetite Behavioural changes such as agitation, trouble sleeping, and irritability
Weight loss Altered thoughts, i.e. suicidal thoughts
Blurred vision Tremors
Excessive sweating Muscle or joint pain

Keep in mind that everyone has a different response to medication. Your healthcare professional might start you on the lowest Wellbutrin dosage and then gradually increase your dose according to your needs. 

Safety and side effects An FDA warning

FDA Warning: 

Wellbutrin, like other antidepressants, comes with a boxed warning issued by the FDA. The risks of Wellbutrin are the same as with any other antidepressant. However, it is preferable not to take Wellbutrin for OCD in the following cases: 

  • In case of seizures or a seizure disorder. 
  • If you have used an MAO inhibitor in the past 2 weeks, there is a risk of drug interaction. 
  • If you have an eating disorder, such as anorexia or bulimia. 
  • If you have suddenly stopped using alcohol, seizure medications, or a sedative (such as Xanax, Valium, Fiorinal, Klonopin, and others).

What happens when Wellbutrin overdoses?

An overdose can be mild to severe and can cause a variety of negative consequences. Overdose symptoms may include: 

  • Muscle stiffness
  • Hallucinations
  • Increased heartbeat or tachycardia 
  • Shallow breathing
  • fainting

Note: Drinking alcohol with bupropion may increase your risk of seizures. 

Final Thoughts

Wellbutrin is not the first-line treatment for OCD, but it is an effective treatment option to counter the negative reactions of other antidepressants taken for treating OCD. Finding an effective dose for OCD or any other disorder should be taken into consideration carefully. It is crucial to contact your healthcare professional in case of side effects, underlying mental and physical health conditions, and drug overuse. If you are dealing with intrusive thoughts and anxiety or are looking for an alternate medication plan, schedule a consultation at Advanced Health Preference Group today.