If these exams dont point to a specific cause, you may need an MRI scan or CT scan to rule out any neurological conditions, such as Parkinsons disease. Your healthcare provider may recommend regularly checking your blood pressure to check for this side effect. 2016;33:S545. It's less likely to cause sexual side effects than other antidepressants. To help you remember, use it at the same times each day. Some people with phantosmia will find that the. Taking MAO inhibitors with this medication may cause a serious (possibly fatal) drug interaction. Among antidepressants, bupropion is in a category all its ownit's the only medication in its class, called norepinephrine-dopamine reuptake inhibitors (NDRIs). Symptoms of a severe allergic reaction include: Left untreated, anaphylaxis can lead to organ failure and death. He is the medical director at Alcohol Recovery Medicine. Review/update the It's only when sweat encounters bacteria on the skin that a smell can emerge. Answer this question 5 Answers Sort by LI Lissa1986 7 July 2020 Its normal. In: Cummings Otolaryngology Head & Neck Surgery. nasal polyps. If you notice symptoms for more than a day or two, contact your doctor to rule out any underlying causes that need treatment. Wellbutrin is sometimes used off-label for the following conditions: Wellbutrin is less likely than SSRIs to cause a loss of libido and other sexual side effects, so its sometimes used as a replacement for other antidepressants. Ask your doctor when to start or stop taking this medication. This survey is being conducted by the WebMD marketing sciences department. Phantosmia refers to detecting smells that aren't really there. Join the UHN newsletter to receive FREE health news and information to your inbox! antiarrhythmics, such as amiodarone or flecainide, anticonvulsants, such as carbamazepine, phenytoin, phenobarbital, or primidone, antidepressants, such as SSRIs (eg, fluoxetine, sertraline), tricyclic antidepressants (such as desipramine, nortriptyline), or MAOIs (such as phenelzine or selegiline), antipsychotics (such as butyrophenones, phenothiazines, or thioxanthenes) and atypical antipsychotics (eg, olanzapine, quetiapine, ziprasidone), any medication that lowers the seizure threshold, such as tramadol, reserpine, and volatile anesthetics, beta-blockers, such as atenolol or metoprolol, blood thinners, such as clopidogrel or ticlopidine, corticosteroids, such as prednisone or methylprednisone, HIV medications, such as ritonavir or lopinavir, Wellbutrin (bupropion) (Package Insert). High blood pressure doesnt always produce symptoms. Smell and taste disorders in primary care. Do not stop taking this medication without consulting your doctor. Your dosage may need to be changed or the medication switched to ease these effects. Different Types of Depression: An Overview, Symptoms of a severe allergic reaction include, Wellbutrin XL: Highlights of prescribing information, A systematic review of the use of bupropion for attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder in children and adolescents, A systematic review of the use of bupropion for hypoactive sexual desire disorder in premenopausal women, Wellbutrin (bupropion hydrochloride) tablets, What are the symptoms of high blood pressure, ACOG guidelines on psychiatric medication use during pregnancy and lactation, Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), Have a known hypersensitivity to bupropion or any inactive ingredient in Wellbutrin, Have recently stopped taking drugs like benzodiazepine, anticonvulsants, and barbiturates, or consuming alcohol, all of which can trigger seizures, Have a prior history of anorexia or bulimia (because it can increase the risk of seizures), Are taking monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs; there is a risk of a drug interaction). If you have any underlying conditions, they should be closely monitored by a qualified healthcare provider while you are taking Wellbutrin. You have an eating disorder, seizure disorder, angle-closure glaucoma, or you are allergic to bupropion. How Long Do Wellbutrin Side Effects Last? Dysphasia and phantosmia as first presentation of multifocal cerebral anaplastic astrocytomas: Case report and review of the literatures. Lafreniere D. Taste and olfactory disorders in adults: Anatomy and etiology. The relationship between early weight loss and weight loss at 1 year with naltrexone ER/bupropion ER combination therapy. Mayo Clinic on Incontinence - Mayo Clinic Press, NEW Mayo Clinic on High Blood Pressure - Mayo Clinic Press, Mayo Clinic on Hearing and Balance - Mayo Clinic Press, FREE Mayo Clinic Diet Assessment - Mayo Clinic Press, Mayo Clinic Health Letter - FREE book - Mayo Clinic Press. Metallic smells, cooked food, and dusty or dirty odors were also noted. For example, bupropion may also be prescribed for weight loss. The dosage is based on your medical condition and response to treatment. If you buy through links on this page, we may earn a small commission Heres our process. During the first week or two of taking Wellbutrin, you may experience headaches, dry mouth, nausea, dizziness, insomnia, constipation, sore throat, and a fast heartbeat. People with lower socio-economic status may have health conditions that contribute to phantom odors, either directly or because of medications needed to treat their health conditions, Dr. Bainbridge explains. Wellbutrin should be used with caution during pregnancy, as animal studies have suggested that it may have adverse effects on the human fetus. Wellbutrin, used for the treatment of MDD, is available as 75-milligram (mg) and 100-mg tablets. Speak to your doctor about how drug interactions should be managed. Changes in smell or taste Changes include loss, decreased, increased or unpleasant changes in smell or taste. Other than . HONcode standard for trustworthy health information: verify here. Smoking cessation medications. ions/temporal-lobe-seizure/expert-answers/ phantosmia/faq-20058131, Nicole Leigh Aaronson, MD, MBA, CPE, FACS, FAAP, This Is What Its Like to Live Without Your Sense of Smell, What Normal (and Abnormal) Urine Test Results Reveal, Debra Sullivan, Ph.D., MSN, R.N., CNE, COI, Exercise May Be as Beneficial as Drugs in Treating Premature Ejaculation, Study Finds, 'Grower' or 'Shower': Scientists Define Categories for Penis Erections, Urinary Tract Infections: A New Antibiotic May Be on the Way to Treat UTIs, irritation from smoking or poor air quality, exposure to neurotoxins (substances that are toxic to the nervous system, such as lead or mercury), new cosmetics, body wash, shampoo, or other personal care products, rinsing your nasal passages with a saline solution (for example, with a, using an anesthetic spray to numb your olfactory nerve cells. Warnings: Bupropion is an antidepressant used to treat a variety of conditions, including depression, other mental/ mood disorders, and . We avoid using tertiary references. Do not double the dose to catch up. 2023 Dotdash Media, Inc. All rights reserved, Verywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Do not share this medication with others. Wellbutrin was used to relieve the symptoms of depression in Major Depressive Disorder (MDD) and Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD). This is not a complete list of possible side effects. Another brand of bupropion (the active ingredient in Wellbutrin), called Zyban, is used to help people quit smoking. Each tablet contains the labeled amount of bupropion hydrochloride and the inactive ingredients: 75-mg tablet - D&C Yellow No. MedlinePlus. Lalwani AK. Less commonly, the cause of phantosmia is either nerve cells sending abnormal smell signals to the brain, or a problem with the brain itself. Causes include a head injury, brain tumor, Parkinsons disease, upper respiratory infection, and inflamed sinuses. Some smell the odor in one nostril while others catch a whiff through both. Avoid alcoholic beverages. However, people with phantosmia more often describe unpleasant, foul, or disgusting odors. As for their negative qualities, phantom smells can have an impact a persons internal warning system. Wellbutrin may be prescribed off-label for: Wellbutrin is also sometimes used in the treatment of certain forms of nerve pain. Wellbutrin is offered in three different formulations, and dosing varies for each version. Then, the anticonvulsant destabilizes the nerve membrane [so] the nerves dont fire off and the smell goes away.. Consult your pharmacist or local waste disposal company. I can smell their natural scent (not BO) coming from their breath (as in their internal breath) and it makes me very nauseous my sense of smell is also completely heightened with everything else. Psychiatric drugs can and do effect us in various ways. Dosing is different for each version: Typically, a healthcare provider will start you off on a lower dose and increase as needed until the desired effect is achieved. By Nancy Schimelpfening Interventions: Patients with neuropathic pain received 1 week of 150 mg SR bupropion once daily followed by 7 weeks of 150 mg SR bupropion twice daily. These include odors from: When you smell an unusual odor, try to note any patterns. I have been on Wellbutrin for a couple of years and I have definitely noticed an increased sense of smell which has affected me quite a bit! Dizziness can increase the risk of falling. So I have to ask my husband if it tastes weird. Available for Android and iOS devices. AFP. Norepinephrine is responsible for adrenaline release. This product may contain inactive ingredients, which can cause allergic reactions or other problems. Book: Mayo Clinic Family Health Book, 5th Edition, Newsletter: Mayo Clinic Health Letter Digital Edition, Phantosmia - What causes olfactory hallucinations, Advertising and sponsorship opportunities. Any use of this site constitutes your agreement to the Terms and Conditions and Privacy Policy linked below. I will research and hopefully have a definite/more information on your question. It is also used as part of a support program to help people stop smoking. Flint PW, et al., eds. By inhibiting serotonin reuptake, SSRIs help increase active serotonin levels in the brain, improving moodand anxiety. The most common side effects of Wellbutrin are gastrointestinal. (2014). Do not stop Wellbutrin abruptly unless on a doctor's advice or if an allergic reaction occurs. You can learn more about how we ensure our content is accurate and current by reading our. What should I know regarding pregnancy, nursing and administering Wellbutrin 75 Mg Tablet to children or the elderly? Some of the most common causes of phantom smells may include: Those who are of a low socio-economic status are more likely to experience phantom smells. Cookies collect information about your preferences and your devices and are used to make the site work as you expect it to, to understand how you interact with the site, and to show advertisements that are targeted to your interests. other information we have about you. You may have mild side effects from Wellbutrin. V Parma et al. information submitted for this request. DOI: Landis BN, et al. What You Should Know About Prozac for Kids, Daily Tips for a Healthy Mind to Your Inbox, Small Ways to Feel Better When You're Depressed, eating disorder such as anorexia or bulimia, Increased libido as a buproion-SR side effect: Clinical description of a case, Wellbutrin (bupropion hydrochloride) tablets, Bupropion for attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) in adults, Pharmacotherapy for neuropathic pain: A review, Bupropion for smoking cessation in patients hospitalized with acute myocardial infarction: A randomized, placebo-controlled trial, The relationship between early weight loss and weight loss at 1 year with naltrexone ER/bupropion ER combination therapy, Wellbutrin SR (bupropion hydrochloride) sustained-release tablets, Wellbutrin XL (bupropion hydrochloride) extended-release tablets. This medication may raise your blood pressure. Possible symptoms include: One of the most serious concerns when taking any drug is a hypersensitive reaction, such as anaphylaxis or Stevens-Johnson syndrome. It's also used to help prevent seasonal affective disorder (SAD) in adults. The FDA has also approved a medication called Contrave, which is a combination of bupropion and naltrexone, for weight loss. As a service to our readers, University Health News offers a vast archive of free digital content. According to a study published in JAMA Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, one in 15 Americans smells a phantom smell. The temporal onset of hyposmia coincides with starting this drug. Sometimes they're an indication that something more serious is going onlike a brain tumor or an epileptic seizure. Wellbutrin (bupropion hydrochloride) is an antidepressant drug. This can affect the levels of Wellbutrin and its metabolites in your bloodstream. Steph Coelho is a freelance health writer, web producer, and editor based in Montreal. Wellbutrin is a brand (trade) name for bupropion which is an antidepressant that may be used to treat Major Depressive Disorder (MDD) and Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD). This drug may make you dizzy or affect your coordination. smell loss) to improve phantosmia. During the pandemic I got to my lowest point so I decided to try. Alcohol or marijuana (cannabis) can make you more dizzy or affect your coordination. Thank you, {{form.email}}, for signing up. If you are having suicidal thoughts, contact the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 988 for support and assistance from a trained counselor. If you miss a dose, skip the missed dose. According to Hirsch, the first step to treating phantom smells is diagnosing their cause. People with major depression have several of these symptoms for at least two weeks: Seasonal MDD: A major depressive episode with the symptoms above that also consistently recurs at particular times during the year, usually during the dark winter months. U.S. Food and Drug Administration. On a positive note, some phantosmic people experience their phantom smell as neutral or positive (e.g., perfume or a flower). Be alert for changes in behavior or mood including agitation, depression, or suicide-related events. Bupropion is used to treat depression. Steven Gans, MD, is board-certified in psychiatry and is an active supervisor, teacher, and mentor at Massachusetts General Hospital. May interact with other drugs, such as other antidepressants; antipsychotics; agents that affect the electrical conductivity in the heart; those that induce or inhibit hepatic enzymes CYP2B6 or are metabolized by CYP2D6; other drugs that increase dopamine; or those that increase bleeding risk. A very serious allergic reaction to this drug is rare. Try searching for what you seek or ask your own question. Perspiration itself actually has no odor. May increase blood pressure. The FDA-approved uses for Wellbutrin include MDD and seasonal MDD. Bupropion is an aminoketone antidepressant and is chemically unrelated to any other type of antidepressant. If your side effects last longer, are severe, or worsen, contact your healthcare provider right away. Do not flush medications down the toilet or pour them into a drain unless instructed to do so. If you no longer need Wellbutrin, thedose should be gradually taperedto avoid withdrawal symptoms. Commonly reported phantom smells are bad, such as rotten eggs or burning hair. (2008). Photo 115713562 Kowniewping - Dreamstime.com. Severe neuropsychiatric symptoms, including agitation, anxiety, delusions, hallucinations, panic disorder, paranoia, and psychosis have been reported with Wellbutrin (bupropion) and it carries a black box warning for these effects. Bupropion tablets may have a strange odor. Wellbutrin is available in three different formulations. SSRIs are typically used to treat depression and other mental health issues. 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