Wellbutrin and Exercise: How Can it Affect You?

Starting exercise on top of antidepressants can reduce depressive symptoms even further, but can Wellbutrin affect exercise performance?

Wellbutrin and Exercise

Both antidepressants and exercise can help reduce the symptoms of depression. They play a significant role in the holistic treatment of depression, together with proper sleep management and therapy.

Wellbutrin is a commonly prescribed antidepressant known for its beneficial impact on energy levels and motivation. Combining Wellbutrin and exercise can help manage the symptoms of depression, but it may have other effects on the body as well.

Wellbutrin

Wellbutrin, also known by its generic name Bupropion, is classified as a norepinephrine-dopamine reuptake inhibitor (NDRI). It works by increasing the levels of norepinephrine and dopamine in the brain, which are neurotransmitters associated with mood regulation.

Unlike many other antidepressants, Wellbutrin is less likely to cause weight gain or sexual dysfunction as side effects, which has made it one of the most popular antidepressants in the recent decade.

Wellbutrin lowers the treshold of seizures and should not be taken by those with a heightened risk of getting them. This includes a history of previous seizures.

Physical Activity & Depression

Regular physical activity has long been recognized as beneficial for mental health, including in the management of depression. Medical research shows that regular exercise is equally effective as antidepressants in treating depressive symptoms, no matter what age group.

Exercise stimulates the release of endorphins, neurotransmitters that promote feelings of well-being and reduce pain perception. Additionally, engaging in physical activity can help distract from negative thoughts, improve self-esteem, and provide a sense of accomplishment. 

Both endurance exercise, such as running, and strength training, such as lifting weights, are beneficial for mental health and effective as a treatment for depression. Science indicates that high-intensity training may be more beneficial than moderate-intensity exercise. 

Wellbutrin and Exercise

There are various potential ways that Wellbutrin and physical exercise may interact with one another. These include mood-enhancing, ergogenic, and cardiovascular effects. 

1. Effects on Depression

Regular physical activity and antidepressants have both been proven effective in the treatment of major depressive disorder. While there is a limited amount of research on exactly how Wellbutrin and exercise may influence each other, it is known that antidepressant medications together with exercise can promote a greater reduction of depressive symptoms, compared to antidepressants alone. 

Wellbutrin can also make the person taking it feel more energized and motivated, something that increases the likelihood of initiating a regular exercise routine. The additional beneficial effect of starting exercise on top of medical therapy with an antidepressant can be seen already after 4 weeks of working out. 

2. Exercise Performance

Some psychiatric medications, such as Methylphenidate (Ritalin) used in the treatment of ADHD, have been shown to have performance-enhancing effects. As a result, these medications have often been banned in competitive sports. Although Bupropion (Wellbutrin) is not outright banned in sport, the World Anti-Doping Agency has included Bupropion in their monitoring program.

Wellbutrin has a similar mechanism of action compared with Methylphenidate, as both drugs inhibit the reuptake of dopamine and norepinephrine in the brain nerve connections. However, this may not translate to any performance-enhancing effect due to Bupropion's comparatively weak affinity to these receptors. Bupropion is also quickly metabolized in the body to Hydroxybupropion, which selectively binds to norepinephrine receptors and has a minimal dopaminergic effect.

Under normal exercise conditions, scientific studies have failed to show any significant benefits in aerobic performance from taking Wellbutrin. However, it may improve performance while exercising under warm conditions (30C / 86 F).

3. Cardiovascular effects

There are a multitude of benefits from regular exercise on physical health, including the heart. It should be noted that Wellbutrin's stimulating properties can lead to increased pulse frequency and blood pressure as a side effect of taking the medication. During exercise, these effects may then be amplified, particularly during higher-intensity activities.

As such, individuals with severe cardiovascular conditions or significant hypertension should be cautious when combining Wellbutrin with intense physical activity, as this could potentially increase the risk of cardiac events. Always consult with your doctor if you are unsure whether this applies to you.

4. Weight Loss

Wellbutrin has been shown to reduce appetite and may lead to weight loss in patients taking it. In fact, it is the only antidepressant assosciated with decreased bodyweight from long-term use. 

Combined with exercise, this may fascilitate an increased weight loss and benefit patients who struggle with overweight. Inversly, individuals with anorexia must not take Wellbutrin, as it may further worsen any the condition and increase the risk of developing seizures.

Is it Safe To Exercise on Wellbutrin?

In general, it is safe for physically healthy adults to engage in exercise while taking Wellbutrin. As previously stated, incorporating exercise alongside medical treatment for depression may further alleviate depressive symptoms and is good for your overall health. 

If you suffer from underlying heart disease or experience any other problems with your physical health, consult with your physician before combining a new exercise regimen with Wellbutrin. Those with a history of seizures, or those with an underlying risk of having seizures, should not be taking Wellbutrin. 

Cover image by rawpixel.com on Freepik

Author: J. Martin, M.D.
Last update: March 04, 2024

Disclaimer: The information provided is intended for general informational purposes only. It is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always consult with a qualified healthcare provider, such as a physician, before starting any new treatment or making changes to your existing treatment plan. Individual responses to treatment may vary, and a healthcare professional can provide personalized guidance based on your specific needs and circumstances. If you are experiencing severe or persistent symptoms of disease or mental illness, seek immediate medical attention.