Uses of Wellbutrin in Addiction Recovery
Treatment for addiction can involve a variety of prescription medications, therapies, and related support services. Recent research on Wellbutrin in addiction recovery indicates that this popular antidepressant may be beneficial element of care for people with certain substance use disorders.
If you or a loved one are considering Wellbutrin in addiction recovery, our medication-assisted treatment program can help. Call us today or visit our admissions page to take the first step toward recovery.
What Is Wellbutrin?
Wellbutrin is a brand name prescription medication that has been approved for use in the U.S. since the mid-1980s. The primary active ingredient in Wellbutrin is bupropion, which is categorized as an atypical antidepressant.
Typical Uses
When the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved bupropion in 1985, it authorized healthcare providers to use the drug to treat depression and seasonal affective disorder (SAD), as well as to help with smoking cessation.
In addition to these FDA-approved uses, doctors in the U.S. also use Wellbutrin on an off-label basis for a variety of reasons, including to treat:
- Depressive episodes among people with bipolar disorder
- Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD)
- Sexual dysfunction resulting from the use of other antidepressants
- Obesity
As noted earlier in this post, evidence indicates that there may also be a role for Wellbutrin in addiction recovery. For individuals requiring more intensive care, inpatient drug rehab may be an essential step before transitioning to medication-assisted treatment.
How It Works
In addition to being classified as an atypical antidepressant, Wellbutrin is also referred to as a norepinephrine-dopamine reuptake inhibitor, or NDRI. As this term indicates, the drug’s effects include preventing neurons from reabsorbing two neurotransmitters:
- Norepinephrine, which influences focus and alertness, and plays a key role in the body’s “fight or flight” response
- Dopamine, which is involved in functions such as mood, attention, learning, memory, and motivation
Neurons release these chemical messengers into the synapses, which are small gaps that separate nerve cells throughout the central nervous system. Usually, once the neurotransmitters have delivered their messages, they are returned to the sending neuron so they can be reabsorbed and reused later.
Wellbutrin prevents this reabsorption, which leads to elevated levels of norepinephrine and dopamine in a person’s system. For someone with depression, these elevated levels can promote improved mood.
How Is Wellbutrin Used in Addiction Recovery?
Bupropion’s mood-enhancing properties indicate clear benefits for someone who has depression But what about Wellbutrin in addiction recovery? How does this drug help people who have become dependent on alcohol or other substances?
Improving Mood
Withdrawal and recovery can be stressful experiences that, in some cases, can cause people to become depressed. Also, many people who develop substance use disorders (addictions) discover that they have also been living with undiagnosed depression.
In addition to the many direct negative effects that depression can have, it is also a risk factor for substance abuse. For someone who has depression and a co-occurring addiction, including Wellbutrin in their addiction recovery plan can minimize the risk that low mood will push them back into active substance use.
For those in need of a structured recovery environment, it’s important to know when residential treatment is necessary to provide the most effective care.
Easing Withdrawal
Multiple research efforts have indicated that Wellbutrin’s value in addiction recovery may also include suppressing intense drug cravings and other symptoms that many people experience during and after withdrawal. For example:
- A November 2005 study in the journal Neuropsychopharmacology found that participants who received Wellbutrin were less likely to respond to cues designed to trigger cravings for methamphetamine. Being able to resist triggers is a significant skill for someone who is working to achieve long-term addiction recovery.
- A meta-analysis in the December 2023 edition of the journal Drug and Alcohol Dependence found that bupropion use led to “modest reduction” in the use of amphetamine-type stimulants and “significant reduction” in cravings for these drugs. The team that conducted this analysis reported that the beneficial effects of bupropion were most pronounced in men and those who spent a longer time in treatment.
- According to an April 2025 case study in the journal Cureus, a patient with bipolar disorder who had been experiencing psychotic and mood symptoms while going through stimulant withdrawal reported “significant improvement” in these symptoms after taking bupropion for just a few days. The authors of this case study theorized that similarities in the chemical structure of bupropion and amphetamine may contribute to this beneficial effect.
Because of these potential benefits, Wellbutrin may be considered as part of long-term treatment strategies for those working toward recovery.
For individuals wondering how long it takes for the brain to recover from substance use, you can explore the timeline in our guide on rewiring the brain from addiction.
Does Wellbutrin Cause Side Effects?
Wellbutrin has a documented history of safety and effectiveness when used for legitimate mental health concerns under the supervision of a qualified healthcare provider. However, as with virtually every other prescription medication, Wellbutrin use has been linked with adverse effects.
The more common side effects of Wellbutrin include:
- Anxiety and irritability
- Body aches
- Fatigue
- Sleep disruptions
- Chills and fever
- Sore throat and runny nose
- Breathing difficulties
More severe, but less common, side effects of Wellbutrin include:
- Intense headaches
- Blurred vision
- Abnormal heart rate
- Rash or hives
- Seizure
- Suicidal ideation
The risk of side effects underscores the importance of only taking Wellbutrin as directed by your physician, and reporting any distress or discomfort you develop after taking the medication.
Depending on the nature and severity of your side effects, your doctor may adjust your dosage or switch you to a different medication.
Contact Us to Learn More About Addiction Treatment in Atlanta
Retreat of Atlanta offers medical detox and residential treatment for adults who have become addicted to alcohol and other drugs.
- Detox can help you end your use of addictive substances safely and with minimal discomfort.
- In our residential program, you can begin to develop the skills that will help you achieve a healthier future, free of compulsive substance use.
When you choose Retreat of Atlanta, you will be cared for by a team of experts who can assess the full scope of your needs and identify the programs, medications, and therapies that will best prepare you for successful, long-term recovery.
To learn more about how we can help you or a loved one, or to schedule a free assessment, please visit our Admissions page or call us today.

Begin Your Treatment Today
Your journey to a healthier, more fulfilling life starts here. The Retreat of Atlanta’s caring professionals are committed to providing individualized treatment that respects your unique needs. Reach out now to secure your place in our supportive community and take the first step towards a brighter future.