What Is Wellbutrin (Bupropion)?
Wellbutrin, also known as bupropion, belongs to a group of drugs called norepinephrine and dopamine reuptake blockers. It is a prescription medication used for treating mental health conditions such as major depressive disorder. In addition, it helps to prevent seasonal affective disorder [1, 2, 3]. Wellbutrin affects brain chemicals that contribute to mood disorders [1]. The drug administration of Wellbutrin is oral forms of tablets that are swallowed and the medication can come in two forms of sustained-release or extended-release Wellbutrin known as Wellbutrin SR and Wellbutrin XL respectively [1, 2, 3].
What Is Prozac (Fluoxetine)?
Prozac, or fluoxetine, is a prescription drug from a group of drugs known as selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) [4, 5]. It is used to treat mood and eating disorders and is usually prescribed for adults. However, sometimes it can be prescribed for children as well to treat major depressive disorder, obsessive-compulsive disorder, eating disorders, panic disorder or depressive symptoms in bipolar disorder [4, 5, 6]. Prozac works on the principle of influencing the serotonin levels in the brain [7].
Can I Take Prozac While Taking Wellbutrin?
Although we might falsely think that taking more antidepressant medications antidepressant medications might help our mental health conditions, the opposite is true. Combining Prozac while taking Wellbutrin can result in an increased risk of seizures and suicidal thoughts and increase the risk of incidence of severe side effects of both medications [2, 8]. Therefore, mixing these two substances is not recommended.
What will happen if I take Prozac while taking Wellbutrin?
Combining Prozac and Wellbutrin is not recommended. It may increase the risk of seizures, and suicidal thoughts and also increase the risk of potential side effects of the drugs [2]. When Wellbutrin is combined with Prozac, it blocks your body from breaking Prozac down and may increase the side effects of Prozac [2]. These side effects also include nausea, upset stomach, diarrhoea, dry mouth, sweating, increased nervousness and weight loss [2].
However, it may be still safe to take both, after careful consideration and consultation with your doctor [2].
What should I do if I took Prozac together with Wellbutrin?
In case you have taken Prozac together with Wellbutrin, monitor your symptoms closely. You might experience some of the common side effects and in case you do, contact your healthcare provider immediately [2].