Finding the right treatment for your depression typically isn’t an instantaneous process. It may take a few attempts to find a treatment approach that works for you. When you’re working to manage your depression, it’s important to stay hopeful. A good treatment provider will work with you each step of the way as you figure out what works. As you work through your mental health challenges, changing treatment approaches can be essential to long-term success. For example, if you’re not making progress with regular therapy sessions, you may benefit from a more comprehensive program. Your treatment provider can help identify which level of care is the right fit.
One area where treatment approaches may shift is medication. There are a wide range of antidepressant medications. Each one works for many people, but they don’t all work for everyone. If you’re not sure about the effectiveness of your medication, make sure to communicate your concerns to your treatment provider.
Wellbutrin, or bupropion, is one antidepressant you may be prescribed. Wellbutrin is approved for treating major depressive disorder and seasonal affective disorder. It’s also sometimes used to help people quit smoking. This medication functions by increasing the amount of dopamine and norepinephrine available in the brain. These chemicals play key roles in attention and mood regulation. By boosting these chemicals, Wellbutrin can help reduce your depression symptoms.
Though Wellbutrin may offer significant benefits, it could also come with downsides. Like other medications, Wellbutrin may cause some negative side effects. Your treatment provider can help determine whether Wellbutrin is right for you. Learning about the signs that this medication may not be working can help you know when to ask your provider about other options.
3 signs that Wellbutrin may not work for you
- Negative side effects — Wellbutrin can cause several different side effects, and some may be more significant than others. Potential side effects include dizziness, insomnia, constipation and rashes. In some cases, Wellbutrin can also exacerbate mental health symptoms. This medication sometimes increases anxiety and irritability. Persistent side effects like these can worsen your mood and distract from progress. If you’re experiencing persistent or worsening side effects, it might be time to find a different treatment. Your treatment provider can help you find an approach that addresses your symptoms without interfering with your daily life.
- Lack of improvement — Antidepressants often take some time to create change, often between four to six weeks. If you’re not noticing any instant improvement, don’t worry. Your treatment provider can help you understand the typical rate of progress. While the benefits of Wellbutrin may take some time to appear, they should be noticeable eventually. Effective medication should have a measurable positive impact on your mental health. If you don’t notice any improvement even after an extended period of treatment, tell your provider. You may be able to change medications and find a better way forward.
- History of seizures — If you experience seizures, Wellbutrin might not be right for you. Experts say bupropion is contraindicated for people with epilepsy. Wellbutrin can also come with increased risks for people with eating disorders. When discussing treatment, it’s important to tell your provider about your medical history. This helps ensure that you get treatment that doesn’t exacerbate any existing conditions.
Top alternatives to Wellbutrin
If Wellbutrin doesn’t work for you, that’s OK. Other treatment options are available. Your treatment provider can help you take the next steps. Some potentially helpful alternatives include:
- Other medications — When one medication isn’t working, changing your medication can be a good option. There are many different medications used to treat depression. Though one doesn’t work for you, another might be highly effective. Different medications function in different ways. Wellbutrin affects dopamine and norepinephrine levels. Many antidepressants affect serotonin levels instead. Some medications are designed specifically for treatment-resistant depression. If you have tried multiple antidepressants that haven’t worked for you, then you may benefit from an innovative alternative like esketamine.
- Lifestyle changes — Medication isn’t the only aspect of effective mental health treatment. A strong approach will be comprehensive and multifaceted. Your treatment may involve making lifestyle changes, such as improving your sleep schedule or getting more exercise.
- Psychotherapy — Therapy often plays a crucial role in depression treatment. While medication can help with symptom management, it’s often most useful when synergized with psychotherapy. Working with your therapist, you can address the core processes behind your depression symptoms and make significant progress.
Get comprehensive mental health treatment designed to work for you at Lightfully U
Lightfully U can help you find treatment that offers real, lasting benefits. The framework of everything we do is based on evidence, compassion and a holistic approach. With personalized medication management and multiple levels of care, we can help you find effective solutions.
Change is possible. When you’re looking for effective depression treatment, reach out to our Admissions Concierge Team. We’ll take the next steps together, toward the fullest, brightest version of you.