Can You Safely Use Cannabis While Being on Wellbutrin?

Have you ever considered using cannabis to treat your depression? If so, you’re not alone. In fact, a growing number of people are turning to this herbal remedy to help improve their mood. 

But if you’re taking the antidepressant Wellbutrin (bupropion), is it safe to use cannabis at the same time? Here are some facts you should know before deciding what is right for you.

What Is Wellbutrin?

Wellbutrin, a brand of bupropion, is a prescription medication that is used to treat major depressive disorder and seasonal affective disorder. 

Wellbutrin is also used as a smoking cessation aid, as it can help to reduce nicotine cravings and withdrawal symptoms. Regular or extended-release tablets are available, depending on the individual’s response.

Some common side effects of Wellbutrin include:

• Dry mouth
• Insomnia
• Headache
• Drowsiness
• Anxiety
• Excitement
• Dizziness
• Nausea

Over time, these side effects usually diminish as the body adjusts to the medication. Generally, Wellbutrin causes few side effects and works well for treating depression.

Bupropion works by increasing the levels of norepinephrine and dopamine, two types of neurotransmitters, in the brain. In other words, it helps keep those feel-good neurotransmitters circulating for longer, allowing us to make better use of them. As a result, patients who take Wellbutrin may experience a boost in mood and energy levels.

Wellbutrin Interactions With Marijuana

There is little data on weed for depression and even less on mixing weed and Wellbutrin. According to a 2021 book published by Advances in Experimental Medicine and Biology, scientists find cannabis could be a potential remedy for depression, but there is still little evidence to support it.

Wellbutrin may reduce the psychoactive high from cannabis, according to a 2012 study with monkeys. It may also reduce the unpleasant side effects of cannabis withdrawal.  

The primate studies initially gave the scientific basis to move forward with human trials on cannabis and Wellbutrin later on. However, clinical studies using Wellbutrin in the context of cannabis use disorder, unfortunately, do not show superior effects to a placebo so far for treating withdrawal symptoms. The combination was at least shown to be safe.

Still, there is evidence that some cannabinoids found in cannabis, such as cannabidiol (CBD), boost neurotransmitter activity and reduce inflammation – as well as reduce the high from THC. Thus, combining CBD-rich cannabis with Wellbutrin may help improve its overall efficacy, but this is still only based on theory.

Potential Benefits and Risks of Mixing Cannabis and Wellbutrin

In light of the increase in acceptance and popularity of cannabis, it’s essential to consider any potential interactions with other medications when using the plant. 

Potential Benefits

Some people report that Wellbutrin has helped ease their withdrawal symptoms. Researchers have explored whether Wellbutrin could help ease cannabis withdrawal symptoms for people attempting to stop using the plant, but so far only found limited support for it. 

While marijuana is not commonly thought of as causing physical withdrawal effects, many people develop a psychological dependence on it and can experience withdrawal symptoms when they try to quit. 

Pharmacological interventions like Wellbutrin are commonly prescribed for smoking cessation, so the idea remains largely the same here.

On a practical note, some patients find Wellbutrin to be activating or stimulating, which has some implications. According to a 2023 publication in Cannabis and Cannabinoid Research, Wellbutrin is technically a performance-enhancing (ergogenic) substance. Yet, it isn’t tested for in drug screenings and is still permitted by the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA). 

Meanwhile, cannabis is not only a performance enhancer (non-ergogenic) but also a recognized therapeutic substance. Unfortunately, it remains a common target of drug screenings and a disqualifying factor in many professions despite its widespread acceptance.

Potential Risks

The stimulation from Wellbutrin also means that patients generally prefer taking it in the morning because it may otherwise keep them awake at night and cause insomnia or poor-quality sleep.

For some frequent cannabis users, older evidence from 2001 suggests that the antidepressant may actually worsen moods during marijuana withdrawal.

Moreover, although many people report positive outcomes when cannabis is combined with Wellbutrin, research suggests the combination may worsen depression for some people, while anxiety or insomnia may increase for others. If you experience worsening depression, that’s a sign you should talk to your healthcare provider.

Wellbutrin is often chosen because it lacks a lot of the side effects that are typical for SSRIs, such as sexual side effects, weight gain, apathy, sleepiness, and withdrawal. This makes it easier to stick to in the long run.

Final Thoughts

If you’re thinking about combining Wellbutrin and cannabis, the best thing to do is talk to your doctor or pharmacist first. They will be able to educate you on possible risks and drug interactions that could occur.  Note that none of the clinical studies have shown serious side effects, but your personal situation could be different.

While many people can safely combine these two substances, it’s important to understand that every person is different and that what may work for one person might not work for another, so be ready to adjust your routine as necessary for the best possible outcome.

Here are a few tips for if you opt to use cannabis and Wellbutrin together:

• Start with a low dose of cannabis. You can always increase the amount if you need to, but it’s best to start slowly to avoid any potential unwanted effects.
• Be patient. The effects of Wellbutrin may take a few days to weeks or even months to kick in, so don’t give up if you don’t notice an immediate difference.
• Pay attention to your body. If you feel unusually anxious or agitated, consult your doctor.

With a little trial and error, you should be able to find the right combination that works for you.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I smoke while on Wellbutrin?

While it is not considered highly dangerous to consume cannabis while taking bupropion, the interactions between this medication and cannabis products are not well-known, especially given that dosing and effectiveness can vary across individuals. Therefore, it is advisable to exercise caution and consult a healthcare provider for advice regarding your specific situation. If you do decide to use cannabis while taking bupropion, start with smaller doses of cannabis and slowly increase it so you can get an idea of how it affects you. So far, there aren’t any reported serious side effects shown.

Does bupropion interact with weed?

Some evidence has shown that cannabis may complement the effectiveness of bupropion’s antidepressant and mood-boosting effects. However, there are also reports that cannabis consumption while on bupropion can increase depression and anxiety, especially for heavy cannabis users. 

What drugs cannot be taken with Wellbutrin?

Certain drugs can increase the chance that you will experience side effects from Wellbutrin, with seizures posing the most serious risk to users of the medication. Always follow a healthcare professional’s instructions when taking prescription medication, and ask your provider about the safety of taking Wellbutrin with other substances, such as cannabis or alcohol. 

Generally, you should be particularly careful about combining Wellbutrin with other antidepressant drugs, monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs), and heavy alcohol intake. 

Note: The content on this page is for informational purposes only and is not intended to be professional medical advice. Do not attempt to self-diagnose or prescribe treatment based on the information provided. Always consult a physician before making any decision on the treatment of a medical condition.

This article was first published on December 22, 2022, and updated in October 2024.