Overview
Wellbutrin is an antidepressant that targets norepinephrine and dopamine—two key brain chemicals tied to mood and energy. It comes in two forms: Wellbutrin XL, for major depressive disorder (MDD) and seasonal affective disorder (SAD), and Wellbutrin SR, which is used only for MDD.
Valium, on the other hand, belongs to the benzodiazepine family. It works by boosting the effects of certain calming neurotransmitters in the brain. Doctors prescribe it to manage anxiety and alcohol withdrawal and sometimes combine it with other treatments for muscle spasms, stiffness, or seizures [1].
Uses of Wellbutrin
As discussed earlier Wellbutrin is prescribed for major depressive disorder (MDD) and seasonal affective disorder (SAD). It comes in two types: Wellbutrin XL and Wellbutrin SR [1, 2].
There’s also a version called Zyban, which helps people quit smoking. But just to be clear, Wellbutrin itself isn’t approved for smoking cessation—it’s a different brand of the same active ingredient [1].
Sometimes, Wellbutrin is used for things it’s not officially approved for, like ADHD. Doctors might recommend it for adults who don’t do well on stimulants or have other mental health conditions alongside ADHD [3]. It’s also been explored for treating depression in people with bipolar disorder and ADHD, though these uses are off-label [4].
Uses of Valium
Valium has been around for a while, helping with a variety of issues.
One of its big jobs is tackling anxiety disorders. Whether it’s trouble sleeping, sweaty palms, or just feeling on edge, Valium helps dial things down [5, 6].
It’s also used for alcohol withdrawal—those rough symptoms like seizures, anxiety, or hallucinations can be challenging, and Valium helps ease the process [5, 6].
For people with certain seizure disorders, Valium is often added to their treatment plan. It’s not the main star, but it does a great job supporting seizure control [7, 8].
Got muscle spasms? Valium is commonly prescribed to relax muscles, especially when the spasms are linked to joint or muscle inflammation [7, 8].
It’s also a go-to for calming nerves before surgeries or procedures. Some doctors even use it to help patients forget the more stressful parts of the experience [5, 6].
And let’s not forget dental work. For managing anxiety and discomfort during dental procedures, Valium can be a lifesaver [9].
Side effects
Side effects of Wellbutrin
Some of the more common ones include trouble sleeping, a fast heartbeat, feeling jittery or nervous, dizziness, headaches, and dry mouth. Nausea, constipation, and tremors might also pop up [10].
You might also notice other minor issues like a sore throat, stomach pain, weight loss, ear ringing (tinnitus), muscle aches, sweating, skin irritation, or even a shift in your libido. People sometimes report needing to pee more often [11].
Always chat with your doctor if anything feels off—they can help you manage these side effects or adjust your treatment if needed.
While Wellbutrin is generally well-tolerated, it can sometimes cause serious side effects. For instance, seizures are a known risk, especially for those with conditions like a history of seizures, brain injuries, liver disease, eating disorders, or alcohol and drug dependence. Certain medications can also raise the risk of seizures when taken with Wellbutrin [10].
Other serious side effects might include increased suicidal thoughts, manic episodes, hallucinations, delusions, paranoia, high blood pressure, severe allergic reactions, or even eye problems [10, 11].
Over the long term, some people may experience new or worsening mental health symptoms, such as confusion, paranoia, or hallucinations [11].
If you notice any of these effects, reaching out to your healthcare provider right away is crucial. And remember, never stop taking Wellbutrin suddenly—it’s important to work with your doctor to safely adjust or discontinue the medication if needed [11].
Side effects of Valium
Valium, or diazepam, is a widely used medication for anxiety, seizures, and other conditions, but it does come with potential side effects.
One of the most typical effects? Sleepiness. Valium can leave you feeling drowsy or tired, which means it’s not ideal if you need to drive or operate machinery [7, 12, 13, 5].
Another common issue is unsteadiness. You might notice shakiness, trembling, or trouble keeping your balance. For some, walking or controlling muscles feels more challenging [12, 5].
If these side effects become a problem or you feel unsafe, contact your doctor—they can help tweak your treatment.
Valium can sometimes bring unexpected side effects, including changes in speech patterns or rhythm, which might make communication trickier for some people [12, 5].
Mood or behaviour shifts are also possible. This can range from feeling agitated or confused to displaying unusual or severe behaviour that might need medical attention [7, 12, 5].
On the physical side, some people report nausea, stomach pain, or changes in how often they need to urinate. Skin reactions like itching, rashes, or discolouration can also occur [12, 5].
Rare but serious side effects include seizures, unexplained bruising or bleeding, and yellowing of the eyes or skin—symptoms that could signal liver problems. If you notice any of these, don’t wait—get medical help right away [12, 5].
Do wellbutrin and valium interact?
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It’s important to be aware that Wellbutrin can interact with other medications, including antidepressants and stimulants, which may increase the risk of seizures [14]. Similarly, Valium can interact with a wide variety of drugs, potentially leading to different side effects or complications [5].
Because of these possible interactions, it’s essential to speak with your healthcare provider before combining Wellbutrin and Valium. Your doctor can offer tailored advice, taking into account your health history and any other medications you may be using.