Whenever medication is prescribed by a doctor, it’s important to find out how and when the medication should be taken, and what should be avoided while on the medication. For example, some medications cannot be taken with alcohol, while others stipulate that driving after taking the medication should be avoided.
When taken at the same time, Wellbutrin and cannabis can cause physical and emotional damage. This article will discuss what Wellbutrin is, the way weed and Wellbutrin interact, and the benefits and risks of using weed and Wellbutrin together.
What is Wellbutrin?
Wellbutrin is a medication prescribed by psychiatrists to treat depression and bipolar disorder. Its main active ingredient is bupropion, which is an addictive substance. Bupropion, and in turn, Wellbutrin, triggers the release of dopamine and norepinephrine in the brain - hormones which induce feelings of pleasure and happiness.
Understandably, a large influx of pleasure-inducing hormones will cause the user to feel euphoric, motivated, and an overall sense of enhanced well-being. When Wellbutrin is taken without a prescription, in greater doses than prescribed, or more frequently than prescribed, it can become addictive.
Mixing Wellbutrin and Weed
Weed, or as it’s officially known, marijuana, is an addictive recreational drug that makes users feel relaxed, excited, and dissociated (removed from reality).
Can you smoke weed on Wellbutrin? Using marijuana at the same time as Wellbutrin may diminish the benefits of Wellbutrin. For example, if a person is using Wellbutrin to alleviate symptoms of depression, marijuana may interfere and minimize its antidepressant effects.
Potential Benefits of Mixing Marijuana and Wellbutrin
There are some reported benefits of using marijuana and Wellbutrin together. Some studies show that a combination of Wellbutrin and marijuana can possibly assist people experiencing nicotine dependence. Additionally, some find that using the two substances at the same time can alleviate the side effects associated with Wellbutrin use for depression.
However, due to the risks of using THC and Wellbutrin together, it is not advised to attempt to use them together on your own. A doctor or other medical professional can help you find the proper dosage of each that will be helpful rather than harmful.
Wellbutrin and Cannabis Interactions
There is insufficient research to create a full study on the interactions between Wellbutrin and weed. However, we know that both substances affect neurotransmitters in the brain, triggering the release of dopamine and norepinephrine.
The difference between the two substances is that Wellbutrin only releases dopamine and norepinephrine, whereas marijuana interacts with the endocannabinoid system to produce a slightly different experience. Both Wellbutrin and THC (the main psychoactive ingredient in weed) produce pleasurable hormones, but in different ways.
Preliminary studies show that although the damage could be severe, the risk of the interaction causing extreme results is small. However, when starting a new medication, it is highly recommended to halt the use of other substances. If you must introduce a new substance at that time, introduce it slowly so that you can determine whether or not your body can handle both at the same time.
Negative Effects of Weed and Wellbutrin
The risks and dangers of mixing Wellbutrin and marijuana may be small, but it’s impossible to know the exact effect it may have on every person’s body. In other words, although the combination of the two substances is not proven to cause fatal results, it is impossible to predict how much harm it may have on a specific individual.
Studies show that mixing the two drugs could lead to suicide ideation or worsen suicidal thoughts. There is also data proving that the combination can cause extreme anxiety, including panic attacks. As with any addictive substances, Wellbutrin and weed can cause weight gain, drug dependence, and substance abuse disorder (addiction).
Can You Use Wellbutrin and Marijuana Together?
Although the combination of Wellbutrin and marijuana is not proven to be lethal, mixing the two substances is still highly discouraged. Below are a few important considerations before trying it out:
- Legality- Marijuana is illegal in many states in the US. Using, distributing, buying, or selling marijuana may land you in trouble with the law, so ensure you know the status of marijuana in your state.
- Observe- If you’ve been prescribed Wellbutrin, stop using marijuana, at least for the first few weeks. It’s important to notice what your body feels like on Wellbutrin alone, so that if you have other symptoms after, you’ll know the possible cause.
- Vigilance- Once you start incorporating marijuana with Wellbutrin, be vigilant about any side effects you feel. Notice changes to your mood, your body, and your mental health so you can address any issues that arise immediately.
- Safety- If you do plan to continue using weed once you start taking Wellbutrin, tell your doctor. It’s important for the doctor to know what you’re taking so they can guide you as to proper dosages and keep you safe.
- Addiction- Educate yourself on the signs and symptoms of addiction so that you know whether or not you’re heading in that direction. Early intervention is essential in halting drug dependence or drug addiction, improving the chances of recovery.
Treatment for Wellbutrin and Marijuana Addiction
Both Wellbutrin and marijuana have significant abuse and addiction potential. They’re addictive because they cause the user to feel alert, euphoric, and happy. Once the body has reached a certain level of dependence on a substance, addiction develops – and it is almost impossible to stop taking the drug on one’s own.
At Avenues Recovery, we want you to know that you are not alone. Addiction is huge, but we can help you get out of the cycle for the long term. Starting with medical detox, we’ll help you taper off of all substances as safely and pleasantly as possible, and then guide you to long term sobriety.
With our incredible, professional staff and warm recovery community, we can help you turn your life around by kickstarting your journey to recovery. Life without Wellbutrin or marijuana is far more serene than life trapped in the grips of addiction. Reach out today to start your journey to recovery!