Is it normal to feel high on Wellbutrin? Separating Fact from Fiction

October 7, 2025 •

4 min read

According to research published by the National Institutes of Health, while prescribed Wellbutrin (bupropion) has a low potential for abuse, cases of misuse involving high doses can produce stimulant-like effects. It is not normal to feel high on Wellbutrin when taking it as directed by a healthcare professional.

Quick Summary

A euphoric high from Wellbutrin is a sign of misuse, not a typical side effect, though initial use may cause mild stimulant-like feelings. Misusing the medication by taking high doses or altering its form can lead to dangerous side effects like seizures and hallucinations.

Key Points

Not Normal, But a Risk of Misuse: Experiencing a euphoric or intense "high" on Wellbutrin is not a normal side effect but a symptom of dangerous misuse or abuse, often involving high doses.
Initial Stimulant Effects Are Common: During the first weeks of therapeutic use, it is common to feel mild stimulant-like effects, such as increased energy or jitteriness, as the body adjusts.
Serious Risks at High Doses: Taking Wellbutrin in doses higher than prescribed significantly increases the risk of severe side effects, including fatal overdose and seizures.
Sign of Mania: The stimulating effects of Wellbutrin can trigger a manic episode in individuals with undiagnosed bipolar disorder, a serious side effect that requires immediate medical attention.
Do Not Crush Tablets: Crushing or otherwise altering the extended-release formula of Wellbutrin can override its slow-release mechanism, causing a dangerous rush of the drug into your system.
Contact Your Healthcare Provider Immediately: If you or a loved one feels a "high" on Wellbutrin, or experiences hallucinations, paranoia, or other severe symptoms, it is vital to contact a doctor or seek emergency care.

What Is Wellbutrin and How Does It Work?

Wellbutrin is the brand name for the prescription medication bupropion, a widely used antidepressant and smoking cessation aid. It is classified as an atypical antidepressant because it works differently than more common selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs). Instead of primarily affecting serotonin, Wellbutrin acts as a norepinephrine-dopamine reuptake inhibitor (NDRI). By blocking the reabsorption of these neurotransmitters, it increases their levels in the brain, which can lead to improved mood, energy, and motivation.

The Difference Between Initial Stimulant Effects and a "High"

While feeling high on Wellbutrin is not a normal side effect, some people do experience a stimulating sensation, particularly during the first few weeks of treatment. This is different from the intense euphoria associated with drug misuse. The mild, normal stimulating effects of Wellbutrin, as the body adjusts, may include:

Increased energy levels and motivation
Feelings of being slightly "wired" or jittery
Improved mood and alertness
Increased focus and concentration

These effects are typically temporary and tend to subside within a few weeks as the body adjusts to the medication. Experiencing a rush of euphoria or a powerful, amphetamine-like high, however, is a clear sign of misuse and not a standard response to therapeutic doses.

The Dangers of Wellbutrin Misuse and Abuse

For those seeking a recreational high, Wellbutrin is sometimes misused by taking high doses or by crushing and snorting tablets. The extended-release (XL) formulation is designed to be slowly absorbed over many hours. Crushing the pill bypasses this mechanism, causing a rapid flood of the drug into the bloodstream and significantly increasing the risk of adverse effects.

Abusing Wellbutrin to get a high is extremely dangerous and can lead to a range of severe health consequences. Reported side effects of misuse include:

Seizures: This is one of the most serious risks associated with high doses of bupropion, and the risk increases with higher dosage.
Hallucinations and Paranoia: High dopamine levels can cause psychosis, paranoia, and visual or auditory hallucinations.
Cardiovascular Issues: Rapid or irregular heartbeat (tachycardia) and elevated blood pressure are common.
Mania: In individuals with underlying bipolar disorder, the potent stimulating effect of Wellbutrin can trigger a manic episode characterized by extreme energy, euphoria, and reckless behavior.
Psychological Dependence: The stimulant-like rush can lead to a pattern of abuse and dependency, despite the medication being non-habit-forming when used correctly.

Wellbutrin Misuse vs. Therapeutic Use


Feature	Therapeutic Use	Misuse/Abuse
Dose	As prescribed by a doctor (typically 150-450mg/day)	Higher than prescribed (e.g., >600mg)
Intended Effect	Improved mood, increased energy, smoking cessation	Euphoric "high" or intense energy rush
Method	Swallowing tablets whole, as intended	Crushing, snorting, or injecting
Primary Risk	Common side effects (headache, insomnia), rare seizures	Seizures, hallucinations, cardiac arrest, addiction
Feeling of High	Not experienced	Strong, stimulant-like euphoria

What to Do If You Feel High on Wellbutrin

If you have taken your prescribed dose of Wellbutrin and feel a stimulant-like rush or euphoria that is persistent, overwhelming, or accompanied by other severe symptoms, it is crucial to act immediately. The feeling is not normal and requires medical attention.

Immediate actions to take include:

Call your doctor or seek emergency care: Contact your healthcare provider immediately if you experience racing thoughts, extreme energy, hallucinations, or a seizure. An overdose can be fatal.
Report all side effects: Be open and honest with your doctor about your symptoms. Do not be embarrassed; this information is critical for them to assess your treatment plan.
Never adjust your dosage: Do not increase or decrease your dose without a doctor's instruction. Suddenly stopping can also cause withdrawal symptoms.
Do not alter your medication: Never crush, chew, or break extended-release tablets. Swallow them whole as prescribed.

Conclusion: The Importance of Taking Wellbutrin as Prescribed

While some initial side effects of Wellbutrin, like increased energy or restlessness, can be mildly stimulating, feeling a euphoric "high" is not normal and is a strong indicator of misuse. Taking Wellbutrin as prescribed by a healthcare professional minimizes the risk of severe side effects and ensures the medication works safely to manage your condition. Misusing Wellbutrin by altering its form or taking high doses is extremely dangerous and can lead to seizures, hallucinations, and other life-threatening complications. If you or a loved one experiences a high on Wellbutrin or exhibits signs of misuse, seek immediate medical help. For reliable, up-to-date information on bupropion and other medications, consult trusted sources like the National Library of Medicine. [https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK470212/]

Managing Common Side Effects

If you are experiencing less severe side effects, there are ways to manage them while continuing your prescribed treatment:

Insomnia: Take your dose in the morning to prevent it from interfering with sleep.
Dry Mouth: Stay hydrated, chew sugarless gum, or suck on sugarless candy.
Nausea: Take the medication with a small amount of food to help settle your stomach.
Anxiety/Agitation: Limit your intake of caffeine, which can exacerbate these stimulant-related effects.
Headaches: Stay hydrated and discuss options with your doctor, such as over-the-counter pain relievers.

Frequently Asked Questions

Feeling high on Wellbutrin is a result of misusing the drug, typically by taking very high doses or by crushing the extended-release tablets. This causes a rapid, large surge of bupropion into the bloodstream, producing a stimulant-like rush or euphoria similar to cocaine.

No, the initial energy boost is different from a "high." During the first weeks, many people feel a mild increase in energy or restlessness as their body adjusts. A "high," in contrast, is an intense, euphoric sensation resulting from dangerous misuse and is not a normal or therapeutic effect.

Yes, Wellbutrin can cause a manic episode, especially in individuals with undiagnosed bipolar disorder. Symptoms of mania include extreme energy, euphoria, racing thoughts, and impulsive behavior. This is a serious side effect that requires immediate medical attention.

Misusing Wellbutrin carries significant risks, including an increased risk of seizures, hallucinations, severe agitation, paranoia, high blood pressure, and cardiac problems. Overdose can be fatal.

Normal stimulant-like side effects, such as increased energy or jitteriness, are typically temporary and resolve within the first few weeks as your body adjusts to the medication.

If you suspect you or someone else has taken too much Wellbutrin, seek emergency medical attention immediately. An overdose can cause seizures, hallucinations, and heart problems.

Yes, Wellbutrin increases levels of dopamine and norepinephrine by inhibiting their reuptake in the brain. This action contributes to its effects on mood and energy, distinguishing it from many other antidepressants.