In a clinical investigation conducted in 2001, the effects of cocaine taken before and after Wellbutrin (bupropion) were examined. The case study demonstrated that combining cocaine and bupropion poses a risk of synergistic cardiovascular toxicity.
This increased toxicity can cause:
People who take bupropion responsibly should notice an improvement in their mood, while those who misuse it will notice adverse side effects. Wellbutrin abuse can result in:
These symptoms are only increased when Wellbutrin is mixed with cocaine.
Bupropion (Wellbutrin) is an antidepressant medication that works in the brain. It is prescribed for the treatment of the major depressive disorder (MDD), and seasonal affective disorder (SAD), and to aid people who are trying to quit smoking. Bupropion may also be helpful when prescribed for bipolar disorder and attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD).
Some studies show that Wellbutrin might be useful in treating methamphetamine dependence as well. Bupropion hydrochloride is available in 3 different forms: extended release, sustained release, and immediate release. There are other products with the active ingredient of bupropion including Zyban, Aplenzin, and Forfivo.Â
Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors make up the majority of antidepressants (SSRIs). They increase serotonin levels in the brain. Bupropion works differently than other antidepressants. It is a norepinephrine-dopamine reuptake inhibitor (NDRI).
The neurotransmitters dopamine and norepinephrine, commonly known as noradrenaline, are increased by an NDRI. Although the FDA views Wellbutrin as a prescription drug that is not addictive, there is some evidence that, when misused, the drug can lead to addiction. It’s also one of the more widely used and accessible prescription medications.
Abusing Wellbutrin has some parallels to abusing cocaine. Both drugs function similarly, activating the neural system and preventing dopamine and norepinephrine from being reabsorbed. Cocaine and amphetamines both cause liver toxicity and damage.
When considering a prescription for Wellbutrin, doctors should proceed with the utmost caution in treating patients who have liver impairment, particularly cirrhosis of the liver. In those whose livers were unable to effectively process it, Wellbutrin has been associated to long-lasting liver issues. There is a high risk of liver toxicity or damage when Wellbutrin and cocaine are taken together.
When misused, both cocaine and Wellbutrin (bupropion) can have life-threatening and even lethal effects. Health concerns only get worse when drugs are combined. Wellbutrin is regarded as a non-habit-forming drug, although some users have abused it since it may mimic the high from cocaine when crushed and snorted.
Seizures may happen if a person consumes too much of either or both substances. The body’s seizure threshold is lowered by cocaine, and when combined with Wellbutrin, the threshold is further lowered. Furthermore, Bupropion and cocaine can both cause significant cardiovascular complications including:
No one should mix cocaine with anything, period. There is no safe usage of the stimulant. Cocaine psychosis, characterized by paranoia, hallucinations, strange thoughts, and uncharacteristic behavior, can also be brought on by high dosages and regular heavy usage. If you are prescribed Welbutrin and you think you have an addiction to cocaine or other narcotics, its important to find help.
Those who abuse Bupropion by snorting or injecting it while also abusing cocaine put themselves at high risk. As noted above, Wellbutrin has very similar effects to stimulant narcotics when not taken as recommended. It’s difficult to say if other drugs can be more or less harmful when cocaine is extremely dangerous on its own.
SSRI stands for serotonin reuptake inhibitor. Common SSRI drugs include:
These types of medication will not change in effectiveness or potency by changing the method of consumption. Therefore it is not common for people to abuse or attempt to “get high” from these substances.
Although abusing bupropion may make the person feel wonderful, this won’t continue for very long. Norepinephrine levels rise in the body as a result of drug abuse. A quick influx of the neurotransmitter will make the body need more in order for the user to feel good, developing an unmanageable dependence on the substance. Treatment is strongly advised if you or a loved one struggle with cocaine, Wellbutrin, or both.
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DeAnne Phillips (2012) Wellbutrin®: Misuse and Abuse by Incarcerated Individuals. Journal of Addictions Nursing, 23:1, 65-69,
Oliveto, A., McCance-Katz, F. E., Singha, A., Petrakis, I., Hameedi, F., & Kosten, T. R. (2001). Effects of cocaine prior to and during bupropion maintenance in cocaine-abusing volunteers. Drug and Alcohol Dependence, 63(2), 155–167.
Klega, A. E., & Keehbauch, J. T. (2018). Stimulant and designer drug use: primary care management. American Family Physician, 98(2), 85-92.
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Magnified Health Systems aims to improve the quality of life for people struggling with substance use or mental health disorder with fact-based content about the nature of behavioral health conditions, treatment options and their related outcomes. We publish material that is researched, cited, edited and reviewed by licensed medical professionals. The information we provide is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. It should not be used in place of the advice of your physician or other qualified healthcare providers.
Dr. Bickley graduated from U.C. Irvine with honors: Phi Beta Kappa, Golden Key International Honor Society, Cum Laude. He has been featured on national radio and print media. He is also a frequent lecturer at National Conferences. He holds an A.S. degree in Drug & Alcohol Studies, and two B.A. degrees in Criminology & Psychology, and masters and doctoral degree in Clinical Psychology. He is a licensed California Drug & Alcohol Counselor Level II, a licensed Clinical Supervisor and is certified in treating Eating Disorders.
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