While buspirone (brand name: Wellbutrin) is milder than antidepressant like alprazolam (Xanax) and lorazepam (Ativan), it still is a pharmaceutical drug, and it still has side effects that you’d probably like to do without.
But is hemp-derived cannabidiol (CBD) a viable natural alternative?
While CBD has far fewer side effects than Wellbutrin, it’s also not scientifically proven or FDA-approved as an antidepressant.
However, CBD may promote a calm, balanced mind, and it’s been researched for use with depression, with many studies showing promising results.
So although CBD isn’t yet a proven replacement for Wellbutrin, it may be an effective supplement.
In this article, we’re going to explore the relevant differences between CBD and Wellbutrin so you can get a better idea of how the two options compare.
What is Wellbutrin?
Wellbutrin is the brand name for bupropion (we’ll use “Wellbutrin” for simplicity), an antidepressant drug used to treat mental health conditions such as major depressive disorder (MDD) and seasonal affective disorder (SAD).
Due to Wellbutrin’s effects – as compared to other antidepressants – it isn’t prescribed as frequently for people who have anxiety disorders in addition to depression, and it’s prescribed more frequently for patients concerned with experiencing sexual dysfunction and weight gain, side effects that Wellbutrin isn’t as likely to cause [1].
Wellbutrin is not a first-choice antidepressant medication, meaning, it’s usually only prescribed when other options aren’t working. Typically, selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs), such as Lexapro, are the first-choice medications.
Wellbutrin isn’t an SSRI, so it offers another way to address depression.
Benefits of Wellbutrin for Depression
Wellbutrin is an FDA-approved drug and is backed by extensive research that supports its efficacy. We’ll look at two studies that highlight its benefits.
A research review by scientists from King’s College, London, looked at 51 studies done on bupropion. They found that bupropion is a viable antidepressant, especially if weight gain or sexual dysfunction are, or are likely to be, significant problems [2].
A group of US researchers in 2005 found that bupropion is an “effective antidepressant with efficacy comparable to selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors and other antidepressants” [3].
While Wellbutrin works differently than many antidepressants, research indicates that it’s still very effective.
How Does Wellbutrin Work in the Body?
Most antidepressants work by increasing levels of serotonin in the brain. These drugs are called SSRIs, or selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors. Per their name, they prevent the reuptake of serotonin, allowing it to stay between your nerve endings for longer.
Wellbutrin, on the other hand, works by increasing your levels of dopamine and norepinephrine, two neurotransmitters in the brain.
Increases in these neurotransmitters are associated with feelings of pleasure, satisfaction, and motivation (dopamine), as well as attention and cognitive function (norepinephrine).
When these chemicals are released in the brain, Wellbutrin partially blocks the nerve cells from taking these chemicals back up, allowing them to render their effects more intensely, thereby reducing feelings of depression.
What is CBD?
Cannabidiol, or CBD, is a cannabinoid that naturally occurs in the hemp plant. It’s one of more than 100+ cannabinoids found in hemp, and it has a wide variety of potential therapeutic applications.
Unlike THC, CBD is not inebriating. Instead, it will promote mild mental and physical relaxation.
Because CBD is able to render benefits without creating a high, it’s often the cannabinoid of choice for people looking for natural alternatives to traditional medicine.
Potential Benefits of CBD for Depression
Several studies have looked into whether CBD may be beneficial for people with depression.
A 2018 study from Washington State University found that medical cannabis users perceived a 50% reduction in depression following cannabis use. The researchers also noted that high-CBD, low-THC cannabis was associated with the largest change in depression ratings [4].
A 2020 study investigated the impact of CBD on rats exposed to various stressors. Over a 28-day period, the researchers found that CBD decreased the symptoms of depression and anhedonia (ability to experience pleasure) [5].
In a 2019 case study out of Austria, researchers examined the impact of CBD on an adolescent struggling with multiple substance use disorder, severe depression, and other issues. After taking CBD, the patient’s symptoms improved and they were able to quit abusing drugs [6].
Anecdotally, many people use CBD for seasonal affective disorder and find that it helps them stay mentally calm and balanced.
While the early research is promising, however, CBD isn’t yet an FDA-approved depression treatment and shouldn’t be regarded as one. Instead, it should be used as a supplement to more proven methods.
How Does CBD Work in the Body?
Scientists are still unsure of the precise link between CBD and depression, however, there are several different ways it may work.
Like other cannabinoids, CBD works by interacting with your body’s endocannabinoid system (ECS).
The ECS is a transmitter system in your body that controls most of your vital functions, including the stress and anxiety responses, with its ultimate purpose being to promote homeostasis (balance).
CBD is thought to promote the function of the ECS and prevent the breakdown of endocannabinoids (internal cannabinoids). In this way, CBD may amplify what the ECS already does: keep your mind and body balanced.
Research also suggests that CBD impacts the transmission of serotonin, a neurotransmitter. A 2019 study found that CBD may cause serotonin to stay between the nerve endings of the brain for longer than normal [7].
Higher serotonin levels are associated with feelings of calm, focus, emotional stability, and happiness.
CBD may also work by enhancing the transmission of anandamide, a neurotransmitter associated with feelings of relaxation [8].
By supporting your body’s natural processes through its interaction with the ECS, and by influencing neurotransmission, CBD may promote a healthy, balanced mind.
CBD vs. Wellbutrin: Side Effects & Safety Considerations
Potential side effects of Wellbutrin include:
- Anxiety
- Dry mouth
- Hyperventilation
- Irregular heartbeats
- Irritability
- Restlessness
- Shaking
- Trouble sleeping
While Wellbutrin isn’t as potent as drugs like Xanax, research shows it may still be addictive [9]. This shouldn’t be a problem if you use it according to your prescription, but it is a possibility.
Potential side effects of CBD include:
- Dry mouth
- Drowsiness
- Diarrhea
- Reduced appetite
- Fatigue
CBD will not get you high and is not addictive.
Pros and Cons of Wellbutrin
Wellbutrin has upsides and downsides that you’ll want to consider when using it for depression.
Pros
- Very effective: Wellbutrin is FDA-approved as an antidepressant, and there is lots of research in support of its efficacy.
- Science-backed: Compared to CBD, Wellbutrin is more proven from a research standpoint, as there have been an abundance of clinical trials and reviews showing that it works for depression.
Cons
- May cause dependency and addiction: While not as habit-forming as many antidepressant drugs, Wellbutrin has the potential to cause physical or psychological dependence.
- May cause withdrawal effects: Wellbutrin may cause withdrawal effects such as anxiety, sleeping problems, and flu-like symptoms.
- Requires a prescription: Wellbutrin requires a prescription, whereas CBD does not. This is not a downside from a therapeutic perspective – Wellbutrin is a powerful drug that should only be used in select circumstances – but it is a logistic obstacle.
Pros and Cons of CBD
CBD has upsides and downsides that you’ll want to consider when using it for depression.
Pros
- Research-backed: Multiple studies suggest CBD has therapeutic potential for depression. Anecdotally, it may promote mental balance and relaxation. However, as compared to FDA-approved medications, CBD is not a proven treatment for depression, and more research is needed to understand how well it works.
- Has fewer side effects than Wellbutrin: The potential side effects of CBD include dry mouth, drowsiness, diarrhea, reduced appetite, and fatigue. Compared to Wellbutrin, these side effects are mild (and unlikely to be felt, with careful dosing).
- Doesn’t require a prescription: CBD is an over-the-counter natural health supplement, making it ideal if you’re not experiencing severe problems and just need something to promote balance.
Cons
- Poorly regulated: The CBD industry isn’t regulated by the FDA as the pharmaceutical industry is, and the vast majority of products you’ll find online and in-store have not been evaluated by clinical trials. While safe, high-quality CBD products exist, you’ll need to shop carefully to find them since poor-quality options also abound.
- May interact with prescriptions: CBD may affect how your body metabolizes certain medications, including Wellbutrin. Using CBD together with some prescription medications may create side effects such as sleepiness, fatigue, and even falls and accidents while driving, according to Harvard Health.
- Not legal in all states: Every form of CBD may not be legal in every state in the US, and as a result, you might have trouble legally accessing the products you need.
Can You Take CBD and Wellbutrin Together?
We do not recommend taking CBD and Wellbutrin together.
CBD has been found to increase or decrease the Wellbutrin level in the body. This could increase your risk of side effects from Wellbutrin (if the level increases), or lower the efficacy of Wellbutrin (if the level decreases).
While CBD may supplement Wellbutrin, they must be taken separately and under the guidance of your doctor.
Conclusion: CBD, A Potential Supplement for Wellbutrin?
CBD works differently than Wellbutrin, so a direct comparison of how effective they are doesn’t make sense. And CBD, while very beneficial, is never a replacement for drugs prescribed by your doctor.
Instead, CBD should be viewed as a potential supplement to Wellbutrin.
It may offer some of the same benefits with fewer side effects. We encourage you to try it, but we recommend speaking with your doctor beforehand to ensure you can do so safely.
Additionally, if you’re already using CBD and may soon be starting Wellbutrin, it’s critical that you let your doctor know.
CBD and hemp-derived cannabinoids offer vast therapeutic potential, but careful use is imperative to see good results.
CBD vs. Wellbutrin: Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some questions our customers frequently ask us about the differences between CBD and Wellbutrin.
Is CBD more effective than antidepressants?
CBD may offer some of the same benefits as antidepressant medications, but its comparative efficacy is unknown. More research on CBD is needed to understand how well it works in comparison to antidepressants.
Is there a better alternative to Wellbutrin?
Besides Wellbutrin, there are other antidepressants that have different mechanisms of action in the body. This means there may be alternatives that work better in specific situations. CBD may also offer benefits Wellbutrin can’t. However, be sure to speak to your doctor first before stopping Wellbutrin and/or starting something else.
What to pair with Wellbutrin for anxiety?
Depending on your situation, your doctor may recommend that you take an SSRI medication along with Wellbutrin for anxiety. We do not recommend pairing anything with Wellbutrin without first speaking to your doctor.
What mg of CBD is best for depression?
Starting out, we recommend using the following CBD dosage formula for depression: (0.2) x (your body weight in lbs.) = your daily dose of CBD for depression. This is just a recommendation; CBD isn’t a proven treatment for depression, and as such, there are no official dosing guidelines.
Sources
[1] Zimmerman, Mark et al. “Why isn’t bupropion the most frequently prescribed antidepressant?.” The Journal of clinical psychiatry vol. 66,5 (2005): 603-10. doi:10.4088/jcp.v66n0510
[2] Patel, Krisna et al. “Bupropion: a systematic review and meta-analysis of effectiveness as an antidepressant.” Therapeutic advances in psychopharmacology vol. 6,2 (2016): 99-144. doi:10.1177/2045125316629071
[3] Fava, Maurizio et al. “15 years of clinical experience with bupropion HCl: from bupropion to bupropion SR to bupropion XL.” Primary care companion to the Journal of clinical psychiatry vol. 7,3 (2005): 106-13. doi:10.4088/pcc.v07n0305
[4] Cuttler, Carrie et al. “A naturalistic examination of the perceived effects of cannabis on negative affect.” Journal of affective disorders vol. 235 (2018): 198-205. doi:10.1016/j.jad.2018.04.054
[5] Gáll, Zsolt et al. “Effects of Chronic Cannabidiol Treatment in the Rat Chronic Unpredictable Mild Stress Model of Depression.” Biomolecules vol. 10,5 801. 22 May. 2020, doi:10.3390/biom10050801
[6] Laczkovics, Clarissa et al. “Cannabidiol treatment in an adolescent with multiple substance abuse, social anxiety and depression.” “Cannabidiol-Therapie eines Jugendlichen mit multiplem Substanzabusus, Sozialphobie und Depression.” Neuropsychiatrie : Klinik, Diagnostik, Therapie und Rehabilitation : Organ der Gesellschaft Osterreichischer Nervenarzte und Psychiater vol. 35,1 (2021): 31-34. doi:10.1007/s40211-020-00334-0
[7] De Gregorio, Danilo et al. “Cannabidiol modulates serotonergic transmission and reverses both allodynia and anxiety-like behavior in a model of neuropathic pain.” Pain vol. 160,1 (2019): 136-150. doi:10.1097/j.pain.0000000000001386
[8] Leweke, F M et al. “Cannabidiol enhances anandamide signaling and alleviates psychotic symptoms of schizophrenia.” Translational psychiatry vol. 2,3 e94. 20 Mar. 2012, doi:10.1038/tp.2012.15
[9] Stall, Nathan et al. “Bupropion abuse and overdose.” CMAJ : Canadian Medical Association journal = journal de l’Association medicale canadienne vol. 186,13 (2014): 1015. doi:10.1503/cmaj.131534
