What Is Wellbutrin?
Wellbutrin is the brand name for the dopamine and noradrenalin reuptake inhibitor antidepressant bupropion. It is commonly prescribed with Lexapro, as their complementary antidepressant mechanisms [1, 2].
Wellbutrin increases the availability of dopamine and noradrenalin in the central nervous system. Dopamine is an important neurotransmitter for reward and movement. In contrast, noradrenalin is the key molecule for arousal, a component of the sympathetic and parasympathetic nervous system and increases prefrontal cortex activity [3].
Due to this function, Wellbutrin is superior to other antidepressants in improving cognitive function. This was demonstrated through patients, who initially had low mental processing speed and visual memory, showing improvement in these functions after taking 150mg/day of sustained release Wellbutrin (Wellbutrin XL) [1]. These effects can also generalize to Wellbutrin SR, the faster releasing form of Wellbutrin [4].
Wellbutrin Brain Fog: What Is It?
What Is Brain Fog?
While Wellbutrin (bupropion) is not typically associated with causing brain fog, some patients may experience cognitive side effects that could be described as brain fog-like symptoms.
Brain fog is not a commonly defined scientific construct that researchers use in clinical trials. To discuss Wellbutrin brain fog in this article, we must establish what brain fog symptoms include:
- cognitive impairment: reduction of focus, attention, disrupted memory or thinking
- dizzines or feeling faint
- feeling jittery or hyperactive
- mental fatigue
- exaccerbation of mental health symptoms, including suicidal thoughts
Wellbutrin and Cognitive Impairment
The scientific literature demonstrates that Wellbutrin enhances cognitive performance and cognitive symptoms of depression [1]. Indeed, Wellbutrin has also been investigated for improving cognitive impairment and brain fog associated with COVID-19 , specifically long covid symptoms [6]. The mechanism through which this occurs is through reducing cell loss and damage in the hippocampus, a critical structure for memory, and reducing inflammatory cytokines [6].
Hence, cognitive impairment is an unlikely cause of brain fog after taking Wellbutrin. Nonetheless, a healthcare professional can determine your condition by administering cognitive tests to rule this out.
Wellbutrin and Dizziness
Dizziness, in contrast to cognitive impairment, is a common side effect of Wellbutrin in the form of bupropion [7, 8]. This is because dopamine and noradrenaline can alter the brain's excitation-inhibition balance, which is also important for perceived balance and orientation [9].
So, dizziness is a likely cause of Wellbutrin brain fog.
Wellbutrin and Hyperactivity
Wellbutrin is the most commonly used antidepressant for managing ADHD, a condition characterized by hyperactivity and impaired attention [10]. Adderall, the most common treatment for ADHD, also increases the availability of dopamine in the brain, similar to Wellbutrin.
Dopamine is a critical neurotransmitter for regulating movement in the basal ganglia. It can both increase and decrease movement, depending on whether it works more on the pro-movement or movement inhibition circuits [11]. Hence, Wellbutrin could be shifting your movement regulation towards hyperactivity, which may be causing brain fog-like symptoms.
Wellbutrin and Mental Fatigue
In a direct comparison between Wellbutrin and selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs), Wellbutrin was better at alleviating mental fatigue associated with major depression [12].
Nonetheless, although mental fatigue was lower in the Wellbutrin group, a large proportion of patients still experienced excessive sleepiness and mental fatigue. This may be attributed to the chemical balance of dopamine and noradrenaline in your brain, where insufficient or excessive levels of the neurotransmitters may promote fatigue.
Wellbutrin and Mental Health Symptoms
Wellbutrin is an antidepressant used to support mental health symptoms such as depression and seasonal affective disorder. Despite this, there are reports of increased irritability, anxiety, and even suicidal thoughts [13]. It is crucial to seek medical attention immediately if mental health symptoms are the cause of your brain fog. Make sure to have a support network to help you manage and recognize these symptoms, as they may subside within a few weeks of taking Wellbutrin.
Summary: Wellbutrin Brain Fog Causes
To summarise, the most common causes of Wellbutrin brain fog are hyperactivity, mental fatigue, dizziness or temporary mental health deterioration. If you experience these symptoms, get help from your prescribing healthcare provider. They can closely assess the cause of your brain fog, adjust your dose or direct you to further resources.