Does Wellbutrin make you emotionally numb?

A 2017 internet-based survey found that only 33% of people experienced emotional blunting while on Wellbutrin, compared with 75% who reported emotional blunting while taking Cymbalta, a common SSRI.


Does Wellbutrin suppress emotions?

Prevalence of Emotional Blunting

Unlike the others, Wellbutrin does not target a chemical transmitter in the brain—known as serotonin—that all of the other drugs so. 4 What this suggests is the inhibition of serotonin may be one of the prime causes of emotional blunting.

Do antidepressants numb your emotions?

Nearly half of patients on all types of monoaminergic antidepressants report emotional blunting,6 and it is associated with serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI) therapy as follows: among 161 patients, 46% reported a narrowed range of affect, 21% reported an inability to cry, and 19% reported apathy.


Can Wellbutrin make you apathetic?

Wellbutrin has fewer common side effects than other antidepressants, like weight gain, reduced energy, sexual performance issues, and apathy.

Is feeling depressed on Wellbutrin normal?

Bupropion may cause some people to be agitated, irritable, or display other abnormal behaviors. It may also cause some people to have suicidal thoughts and tendencies, or to become more depressed.


The emotional numbness, it'll just tear away all of the relationships in your life.



How does Wellbutrin change your personality?

While taking Wellbutrin, it's recommended that you watch for the following possible symptoms: anxiety. mood changes such as agitation, aggressiveness, hostility, and irritability. restlessness.

What is the downside of Wellbutrin?

Adverse reactions commonly encountered in subjects treated with WELLBUTRIN are agitation, dry mouth, insomnia, headache/migraine, nausea/vomiting, constipation, tremor, dizziness, excessive sweating, blurred vision, tachycardia, confusion, rash, hostility, cardiac arrhythmia, and auditory disturbance.

Will emotional blunting go away?

Depending on the cause, emotional blunting can last anywhere from a few minutes, up to months or even years. There are various reasons a person might experience emotional blunting, and what's causing it will determine how it's treated.


How do I get rid of emotional blunting?

How to manage emotional blunting
  1. Psychotherapy. If your emotional blunting is caused by a mental health condition like depression, schizophrenia, PTSD, or BPD, talk therapy may help. ...
  2. Medication changes. ...
  3. Support groups. ...
  4. Reengage in activities you love. ...
  5. Avoid drugs and alcohol. ...
  6. Stimulate your senses.


How should Wellbutrin make you feel?

Many patients report a similar experience on the medication of reduced depression symptoms and increased libido. However, it's also been known to cause restlessness, anxiety, insomnia, agitation, excitement, and shaking.

Can antidepressants make you emotionally detached?

As it is with any medication, antidepressants can have side effects, including the possibility of what is termed “emotional blunting.” According to studies, nearly half of people taking antidepressants at some point experience emotional blunting from antidepressants.


Which antidepressants cause the most emotional blunting?

Antidepressants that commonly cause emotional blunting include:
  • selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) escitalopram (Lexapro) paroxetine (Paxil) fluoxetine (Prozac) sertraline (Zoloft)
  • serotonin-norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors (SNRIs) duloxetine (Cymbalta) venlafaxine (Effexor XR) desvenlafaxine (Pristiq)


What does emotional blunting feel like?

People experiencing this side effect often describe themselves as feeling “flat” or “detached,” or having “dull” emotions. Other terms for emotional blunting include emotional indifference, diminished emotional responsiveness, and reduced emotional sensitivity.

Does Wellbutrin deplete serotonin?

Though the efficacy of bupropion is comparable to that of other antidepressants, including the SSRIs and TCAs,16 bupropion does not affect serotonin or postsynaptic receptors and therefore is an antidepressant with unique pharmacologic properties.


How do I make myself emotional again?

If you're trying to become more emotionally available yourself, the following tips can help.
  1. Identify the cause. ...
  2. Practice opening up. ...
  3. Take it slow. ...
  4. Involve your partner. ...
  5. Spend time with people in healthy relationships. ...
  6. Talk to a therapist.


How do I start feeling again?

We talk more about these methods below.
  1. Move your body. Emotional numbness may feel like being “frozen” for some people. ...
  2. Talk it out. ...
  3. Try grounding exercises. ...
  4. Release pent-up anger. ...
  5. Learn about emotions.


Why are my emotions dulled?

Feeling emotionally numb, like your emotions have somehow become blunted, or that you have no emotions at all are common symptoms of anxiety disorder. Many anxious, depressed, and stressed people experience feeling emotionally numb. It's also a common symptom associated with sleep problems, such as insomnia.


Why can't I cry anymore?

Some people find it difficult to cry because of societal pressure or their internalised beliefs about crying. For example, if we believe that crying is embarrassing and childish — or if we're simply scared of being vulnerable — it's only natural that we'll try to stave off our tears.

Can you get emotional attachment back?

Couples experiencing a lack of closeness do need to spend a lot of time together to re-establish that emotional connection. You can be together; there is no need to constantly talk or be engaged in an exciting activity. Simple spending time with each other can also bring about a sense of closeness.

What happens if I suppress my emotions for too long?

Suppressed emotions stay in the body. The effects of suppressed emotions include anxiety, depression, and other stress-related illnesses. Such suppression can lead to alcohol and substance abuse. (Read more about the link between childhood trauma and addiction here.)


Why do doctors not prescribe Wellbutrin?

This drug has a boxed warning about the following risk. This is a serious warning from the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). A boxed warning alerts doctors and patients about drug effects that may be dangerous. Antidepressants, such as Wellbutrin, may increase the risk of suicidal thoughts and behaviors.

How do you know if Wellbutrin is working?

Wellbutrin generally starts to work in two weeks, meaning you should start to see signs that it's working soon after you start treatment. These may include improvements in your moods, sleep patterns, ability to focus, physical health and general quality of life.

When should I stop taking Wellbutrin?

Bupropion should never be stopped cold turkey unless your doctor instructs you to do so. Gradually taking less and less Wellbutrin gives the body time to respond to smaller amounts of the medication. Tapering over a longer period of time will also reduce the potential for serious withdrawal symptoms.


Is Wellbutrin good for high functioning anxiety?

Wellbutrin is not FDA-approved for treating anxiety, and it can actually lead to increased risk of certain anxiety symptoms in some patients.

What are the long term effects of taking Wellbutrin?

To date, there are no known problems associated with long term use of bupropion. It is a safe and effective medication when used as directed.