In this blog we will read “Can you take Zoloft and Wellbutrin together?”
There are many questions regarding the combined effects of the Zoloft and Wellbutrin.
Many say they can be combined together but some say that it’s more effective and safe to take them together.
So, in the world of the internet, myths and hidden truths, let’s dig out the truth and bash the myths.
Table of Contents
What is Wellbutrin?
Bupropion is an antidepressant medication which is given for the treatment of major depressive disorder.
Other than Major depressive disorder, it is also used for:
- Cessation of Smoking
- Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder
- Sexual Dysfunction
- Obesity
It is a type of norepinephrine/dopamine reuptake inhibitor (NDRI), which means it prevents the reabsorption of Norepinephrine and Dopamine.
These two chemicals affect a wide range of emotions, such as happiness, motivation, and pleasure. So by inhibiting the reabsorption of these chemicals, their quantity increases in the brain, thus causing an elevated mood.
It is available in three forms which are:
- IR Immediate Release
- XL Entender Release
- SR Sustained Release
Its dosage depends on the form which is prescribed to the patient.
Why is Wellbutrin used?
Symptoms of depression :
- Feeling sad, empty, or tearful
- Feeling worthless
- Feeling guilty
- Feeling hopeless, and helpless
- Loss of interest usual activities
- Polyphagia
- Low energy
- Trouble concentrating
- Suicidal thoughts
It can be seasonal as well and occurs mainly during the autumn-winter season. Symptoms improve within weeks of starting the medication. Improved mood, concentration, and enjoying activities which patients used to enjoy are seen.
Wellbutrin should not be discontinued or changed in dosage or taking it with any other medicine without bringing it to your doctor’s knowledge can be harmful.
Its consumption is avoided during breastfeeding as it can pass through milk to the baby.
It should be taken with another Wellbutrin containing product.
What is Zoloft?
Sertraline is the drug which is sold commonly by the name Zoloft.
It is an antidepressant which is also used for the treatment of panic attacks, OCD (Obsessive Compulsive Disorder), Anxiety.
It is also used to treat pre and post menstrual mood swings, irritation, and breast tenderness.
Serotonin is a chemical which is produced in our body. It plays a role in body functions such as influencing memory, mood, and regulates sleep, digestion, nausea, wound healing, bone health, blood clotting and sexual desire.
Zoloft is a SSRI (Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitor) which as it’s name says inhibits the regulator of Serotonin at nerve endings and thus causing increased amount of Serotonin in the body.
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Why Is Zoloft used?
It is used for the treatment of depression, OCD, panic attacks and anxiety.
Symptoms of OCD:
- Want things to be done and placed in orderly manner
- Can’t tolerate dirt
- Unwanted thoughts related to spirituality, sexual desires, aggression
Symptoms of Panic Attack:
- Tachycardia
- Sweating
- Chills
- Chest pain
- Weakness
- Trembling
- Difficulty in breathing
Symptoms of Anxiety:
- Feeling nervous
- Tachycardia (increased heart rate)
- Increased sweating
- Hyperventilation (breathing rapidly)
- Feeling weak or tired
Zoloft is used in all these conditions and starts acting within weeks.
Like Wellbutrin, its dose should also not be altered or it should not be discontinued without doctor’s advice.
Can you take Wellbutrin and Zoloft together ?
In some patients only one anti-depressants doesn’t give desired results. So, psychiatrists prescribe these medications in combination. Though both of them are anti-depressants, they have different mechanisms of action.
Patients report decline in the symptoms, elevated mood and sexual desire, lesser side effects. This combination starts working early in comparison with when either of them is taken.
You should take both the medicines together. If you forget to take them then, take them as soon as you can. Do not alter the dose without the doctor’s advice.
Side Effects
Side effects of Wellbutrin
The most common side effects of Wellbutrin that are found in people who start on this medication are:
- Headache
- Weight loss
- Dry mouth
- Trouble sleeping (insomnia)
- Nausea
- Dizziness
- Constipation
- Fast heartbeat
- Sore throat
Though doctors tell the patient beforehand about the symptoms and may also prescribe medicines to counter those side effects, they need to be taken SOS (only when needed).
Severe side effects:
- Skin rash
- Sweating
- Ringing in the ears
- Shakiness
- Stomach pain
- Seizure
- Hypertension
- Liver diseases
- Muscle pain
- Thought disturbances
- Angle closure glaucoma
Side Effects of Zoloft
- Nausea
- Dizziness
- Drowsiness
- Dry mouth
- Loss of appetite
- Increased sweating
- Diarrhoea
- Insomnia
Severe side effects:
- Easy bleeding
- Decreased interest in sex
- Muscle cramps
- Tremor
- unusual weight loss
- Tachycardia (increased heart rate)
- Black stools
- Eye pain/swelling/redness
- Blurred vision
Side Effects of Zoloft and Wellbutrin Combination
- Increased risk of seizures
- Insomnia
- Headaches
- Dizziness
- Nausea
- Dry mouth
- Sweating
- Vomiting
- Diarrhoea
- Constipation
- Decreased appetite
- Weight loss
Though these side effects are similar to side effects which are seen when either of the two are taken, side effects seen when these drugs are taken in combination are milker and seen in a lesser number of patients.
If the side effects are continuous and severe, then you must consult your doctor immediately and cease the use of medicine until the side effects subside.
It is also necessary to tell the doctor about the other medications you are consuming on a daily basis, as the interaction between Wellbutrin, Zoloft and other medicines may show some side effects, and to prevent that, it is necessary to tell the doctor about it.
Important Things to Avoid
Alcohol
These drugs, whether taken separately or combined together, should not be taken with alcohol and in general, alcohol consumption should be avoided as the interaction can lead to serious side effects and sometimes poisoning as well.
Breast feeding
Breast feeding should be avoided or drugs should be avoided if possible, as these drugs have the ability to pass on to the child through breast milk which can cause unnecessary side effects in the child.
Other medicines containing the same drug
Drug to drug interaction is also one of the factors which should be kept in mind and no drug should be taken without doctor’s advice or without bringing it to your doctor’s knowledge as these interactions can lead to serious side effects.
Illegal drugs
Drugs like cocaine, cannabis, heroin, MDMA should not be taken as their interactions with Wellbutrin and Zoloft can lead to severe side effects and might lead to death.
Conclusion
So we talked about the drug individually and in combination and it’s safe to say that this combination has quicker action, milder side effects, increased energy, elevated mood, decreased anxiety.
NOTE: All the written information is only meant for informational purposes. Any drug should be used solely based on this information. Take proper guidance and prescription of your doctor.
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