Is Wellbutrin a Stimulant Narcotic, or Benzodiazepine?

Despite the benefits of Wellbutrin, there has been anecdotal evidence that Wellbutrin may have a potential to be misused and addictive.

Wellbutrin is the brand name of a medication called bupropion. Bupropion is available by prescription as an antidepressant and smoking cessation aid. In the U.S. and Canada, it’s one of the most widely prescribed antidepressants. Wellbutrin is also prescribed for the treatment of seasonal affective disorder or SAD, especially in fall and winter. Despite the benefits, there has been anecdotal evidence that Wellbutrin may have a potential to be misused. So, is Wellbutrin a narcotic?

How Does Wellbutrin Work?

Wellbutrin is believed to work on patients differently than many other commonly prescribed antidepressants. Wellbutrin is part of a specific class of antidepressants called aminoketones. There are chemical differences between aminoketones and drugs like Zoloft and Paxil, which are selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors or SSRIs. Wellbutrin affects certain levels of brain neurotransmitters — specifically, dopamine and norepinephrine.

While primarily used for depression and to help people stop smoking, one off-label use of Wellbutrin is treating anxiety disorders. This medication can be particularly useful in patients who have both depression and anxiety, according to some reports. However, information is mixed on the use of Wellbutrin for anxiety. Other reports show Wellbutrin can cause new or worse anxiety in some people, especially if they are being treated for depression.

As with most prescription drugs, there are possible risks of Wellbutrin. One is the risk of suicidal thoughts and behaviors, particularly in children, teens and young adults. This warning isn’t exclusive to Wellbutrin and is included with most antidepressants. When young people are prescribed Wellbutrin, it’s important for the people around them to watch for unusual changes in mood. One unique side effect of Wellbutrin compared to other antidepressants is weight loss. Most other antidepressants can cause weight gain, while anecdotal evidence shows Wellbutrin is linked to weight loss. Despite this possible effect, Wellbutrin isn’t currently approved by the FDA as a weight management drug.

Wellbutrin has a lengthy list of common side effects. Some of these include:

• Constipation
• Headache
• Nausea and vomiting
• Dry mouth
• Tremors
• Insomnia

Severe side effects are possible as well, including irregular heartbeat, seizures, depression, suicidal ideation, and hallucinations. People are advised not to drink alcohol while on Wellbutrin, or at least should keep their intake minimal. There are possible drug interactions between Wellbutrin and other antidepressants, especially SSRIs.

Is Wellbutrin a Stimulant?

Wellbutrin is not typically considered a stimulant, though it may act like a stimulant if misused. Stimulants work by activating receptors in the brain that speed up the body’s normal function.

Wellbutrin does not directly act on these receptors like stimulants do, but it does increase levels of a chemical in the brain called dopamine. Dopamine can have a stimulant-type effect on the body. However, Wellbutrin normally increases dopamine levels slowly over a longer period of time and will not cause a sudden effect like stimulants would.

Is Wellbutrin a Benzodiazepine?

Wellbutrin is not a benzodiazepine. Benzodiazepines work by stimulating receptors in the brain called GABA receptors, causing an effect that depresses normal activity and brain function. Wellbutrin does not act on these receptors and is therefore not considered a benzodiazepine.

Is Wellbutrin a Narcotic?

Narcotics are a specific class of drugs, also known as opioids. Narcotics include prescription painkillers and the street drug heroin. Narcotics are derived from opium or are synthesized in a way that makes them have effects similar to opium-based drugs. This drug class affects the central nervous system by binding to certain receptors located there. Narcotics relieve pain, but they are also highly addictive and can cause a fatal overdose because they lower breathing rates. Narcotics especially suppress respiration when used at high doses.

People wonder, is Wellbutrin a narcotic? There is some confusion about Wellbutrin being a narcotic because it does have the potential for misuse. However, Wellbutrin isn’t a narcotic. It affects neurotransmitters in the brain, but it doesn’t bind to opioid receptors as narcotics do. Wellbutrin also isn’t a controlled substance in the sense that narcotics are.

How Does Wellbutrin Make You Feel?

While Wellbutrin isn’t a narcotic, that doesn’t mean it doesn’t have the potential for misuse. For the most part, Wellbutrin is considered to be a relatively safe antidepressant. However, since Wellbutrin affects the “feel-good” brain neurotransmitters norepinephrine and dopamine, it is sometimes taken to achieve a stimulant-like high. When Wellbutrin is taken in high doses or in dangerous ways, such as intravenously, it may act similarly to a stimulant, such as Adderall or cocaine. People who use Wellbutrin recreationally may use dangerously high doses of up to 1200 mg at a time, while the maximum daily dose of the drug is 450 mg for prescription use.

Along with injecting Wellbutrin, some recreational users will crush the tablets to snort them. This provides all of the effects of the drug directly into the bloodstream at one time and bypasses the time-release elements of Wellbutrin. It’s extremely dangerous, however, and can cause serious health problems. For example, Wellbutrin can be caustic when it’s injected. It can damage tissues significantly as a result. High doses of Wellbutrin can also increase the risk of seizures. In some places, such as Canada, recreational Wellbutrin use has led to the rise of the nickname “poor man’s cocaine.”

Another reason Wellbutrin is often confused with or compared to narcotics is because it does cause physical dependence in many users. Physical dependence isn’t the same as a psychological addiction. Dependence means the person’s body depends on the presence of the drug. If someone is dependent on Wellbutrin and tries to stop using it suddenly, they may go through withdrawal. The potential for withdrawal makes it important that the person taking the drug doesn’t stop taking Wellbutrin suddenly without speaking to their health care professional. As with other antidepressants, a doctor will usually recommend patients taper down their dosage of Wellbutrin gradually.

For the most part, Wellbutrin is considered a relatively safe and well-tolerated antidepressant. It’s not a narcotic, but there has been a rise in misuse of the drug, especially lately. When taken in high doses or illicit ways, such as injecting dissolved tablets, some people may experience a stimulant-like high. Taking Wellbutrin in this way can be dangerous or deadly, however. Wellbutrin isn’t a narcotic, and it’s not especially addictive, but it can lead to physical dependence, so patients should be aware of this when taking it. As with any prescription drug, it should be taken only as directed by a physician.

If you or a loved one is struggling with the weight of an addiction to prescription drugs or anything else, get in touch with The Recovery Village. Whether you just want to ask questions, learn more or get specific information about going to treatment and how to pay for it, we’re here to provide you with answers.

Editor – Jonathan Strum

Jonathan Strum graduated from the University of Nebraska Omaha with a Bachelor's in Communication in 2017 and has been writing professionally ever since. Read more

Medically Reviewed By – Benjamin Caleb Williams, RN

Benjamin Caleb Williams is a board-certified Emergency Nurse with several years of clinical experience, including supervisory roles within the ICU and ER settings. Read more