Can I Take Nootropics With Wellbutrin?

Taking nootropics with Wellbutrin is not a good idea. 

This is because different nootropics react differently with Wellbutrin. If you accidentally consume a nootropic that reacts adversely with Wellbutrin, you might experience a severe imbalance of neurotransmitters or even serotonin syndrome.

What Are Nootropics?

Nootropics are known as cognitive enhancers that are believed to offer an extra boost of energy and productivity to your brain cells (1). People use these ‘smart drugs’ to:

• Boost cognitive function
• Improve memory and creativity
• Sharpen focus

Veteran consumers of nootropics say you can take these supplements anytime you’re feeling down or need an extra push to perform your best.

For example, let’s say you’re in good health but are unable to give a presentation because you’re so anxious. You can consider cosmic anxiety nootropics, which might reduce nervousness and improve focus, to give you a subtle cognitive boost. This, in turn, might help you overcome anxiety and deliver the presentation confidently. 

In fact, a recent study uncovered that many students and night shift workers achieve success while using these cognitive enhancers (2). They are believed to help them stay motivated, alert, and ahead of the curve.

What Are Nootropics Made Of?

Nootropics can be produced artificially in a laboratory or they can be extracted from plants (3). For this reason, their composition and depth of effect can vary by type.

Generally, we can classify nootropics into two broad categories–prescription nootropics and over-the-counter nootropics. (4).

Prescription Nootropics

Prescription nootropics include:

• Modafinil: This promotes wakefulness and can be of help in treating sleep disorders such as narcolepsy, obstructive sleep apnea, and shift work sleep disorder.
• Armodafinil: Similar to modafinil, this enhances wakefulness and alertness.
• Adderall: This is a prescription medication used to treat attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) that can also have cognitive-enhancing effects.

Over-the-Counter Nootropics

Nootropics available without a prescription include:

• Racetams: These include piracetam, aniracetam, oxiracetam, and others. 
• Natural Nootropics: Herbal extracts such as ginkgo biloba, bacopa monnieri, and rhodiola rosea are often sold as dietary supplements.
• Adaptogens: Herbs like ashwagandha and rhodiola rose fall into this group. 
• Amino Acids Supplements: These include L-theanine and L-tyrosine.
• Neuroprotective Agents: These include resveratrol and curcumin.

What Is Wellbutrin?

Wellbutrin (the brand name for bupropion) is an antidepressant (5). It is often prescribed to treat conditions like seasonal affective disorder, major depressive disorder, and nicotine use disorder. Unlike other antidepressants–which boost serotonin levels–Wellbutrin works by blocking the reabsorption of dopamine and norepinephrine.

These two brain chemicals are responsible for making you feel energized, happy, and satisfied. When their reabsorption is blocked, they still stay active in the brain for a while. 

Which Nootropics Are Safe With Wellbutrin?

The following nootropics are considered to be relatively safe to consume with Wellbutrin:

• Caffeine: It can increase alertness and focus. However, taking excessive amounts of caffeine with Wellbutrin may lead to seizures.

• L-Theanine: This amino acid is often found in tea leaves and is known for promoting relaxation without sedation. It might balance out some of the potential stimulant effects of Wellbutrin (6).

• Bacopa monnieri: This herb is used to support cognitive function and may have some mood-enhancing effects.

• Rhodiola rosea: This is another herb that might help with stress, mood, and cognitive function. However, it can also have stimulant effects, so be careful.

• Ashwagandha: This adaptogen is commonly used for stress reduction and may have some positive effects on mood and cognitive function.

Remember, it’s crucial to consult your healthcare provider before adding a nootropic supplement to your daily routine. Every person’s health history is unique and needs to be considered when adding a supplement to your regimen. You may also want to ask if nootropics can cause depression.

What Nootropics Are Not Safe With Wellbutrin?

The following nootropics have the potential to cause unpleasant effects when combined with Wellbutrin:

• Stimulant-based nootropics: Nootropics that have stimulant properties (such as modafinil or phenylpiracetam) could increase the risk of elevated heart rate, blood pressure, and anxiety when combined with Wellbutrin.

• Serotonin-boosting nootropics: Some nootropics can increase serotonin levels in the brain. Wellbutrin primarily affects the neurotransmitters dopamine and norepinephrine, but it also has some effect on serotonin levels. Combining it with other serotonin-boosting nootropics could potentially lead to serotonin syndrome–a serious and potentially life-threatening condition (7).

• Ginkgo biloba: Ginkgo biloba may have blood-thinning properties. Combining it with Wellbutrin could potentially increase the risk of bleeding.

In Summary

Combining any nootropic and Wellbutrin is not something to do lightly. You don’t want the combination to cause any unexpected adverse reactions. If you want to take a supplement while on any medication, you need to discuss this with your physician beforehand. 

Wondering whether you can take nootropics with Lexapro? Don’t miss our latest post!

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Sources:

1. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC9415189/
2. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC8000838/ 
3. https://www.mdpi.com/2223-7747/12/6/1364 
4. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5021479/ 
5. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK470212/
6. https://journals.sagepub.com/doi/full/10.1177/2045125316629071 
7. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3865832/