You’ve probably seen the forum threads or the hushed whispers in certain circles. People call it "the poor man’s cocaine." They talk about crushing it up, snorting it, or taking massive doses to find some kind of illicit spark. But if you’re asking can you get high on Wellbutrin, the reality is far messier—and a lot more terrifying—than a simple yes or no.
It’s an antidepressant. Specifically, it’s bupropion. It doesn’t work like Xanax or Percocet. It isn't a shortcut to euphoria.
Most people take it to stop smoking or to climb out of the dark pit of major depressive disorder. It’s effective for that. It keeps dopamine and norepinephrine hanging around your brain longer. Because it hits those dopamine receptors, some folks assume it’s basically legal speed. They are wrong. While it shares a chemical skeleton with some stimulants, the way it interacts with your central nervous system is fundamentally different from traditional drugs of abuse.
The Science of Why Bupropion Isn't a "High"
Let’s get into the weeds. Drugs like cocaine or meth cause a massive, sudden flood of dopamine. It’s a tidal wave. Bupropion is more like a leaky faucet. It’s a norepinephrine-dopamine reuptake inhibitor (NDRI). It prevents the "cleanup" of these chemicals, but it doesn't force the brain to dump them all at once.
If you try to force a high by taking way more than prescribed, you aren’t going to feel like you’re at a rave. You’re more likely to feel like your heart is a trapped bird fluttering against your ribs. You get the "jitters" from hell. Tremors, sweating, and a profound sense of impending doom are common.
Honestly, the "high" people claim to find is usually just a toxic level of overstimulation. It's physiological chaos. According to the Journal of Addiction Medicine, cases of bupropion abuse often involve people seeking a stimulant effect but ending up in the Emergency Room with tachycardia (rapid heart rate) and severe agitation.
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The Seizure Threshold: A Real Danger
This is the part where things get scary. Every drug has a profile, and Wellbutrin’s most famous quirk is its effect on the seizure threshold. It lowers it. At therapeutic doses—usually 150mg to 450mg a day—this is rarely an issue for healthy people.
But start doubling or tripling those doses? You’re playing Russian Roulette with your brain’s electrical signals.
Seizures caused by bupropion are notoriously difficult to treat. They aren't always a quick "fainting spell." They can be status epilepticus—a state of continuous seizure that can lead to permanent brain damage or death. Medical literature is full of reports of young people trying to get high on Wellbutrin and waking up in an ICU with no memory of the last 48 hours, lucky to be alive.
Snorting Wellbutrin: A Recipe for Disaster
There is a disturbing trend of "insuflation," which is just a fancy word for snorting. People do this to bypass the "extended release" (XL) or "sustained release" (SR) mechanisms built into the pill. The idea is to get it all into the bloodstream at once.
It burns. Like, really burns.
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The pill is full of binders and fillers not meant for the delicate tissues of your nasal cavity. Beyond the physical pain, snorting it spikes the concentration of the drug in your blood so fast that the seizure risk we talked about goes through the roof. It’s a fast track to a medical emergency, not a party.
What Does the Research Say?
Research published in the Primary Care Companion for CNS Disorders has highlighted that while bupropion abuse exists, it is almost exclusively found in "high-risk" populations, such as those in correctional facilities where other drugs aren't available. Even then, the "high" is described as poor. It’s a drug of desperation, not a drug of choice.
Dr. Richard Ries, a professor of psychiatry and an expert in dual-diagnosis, has noted that the stimulant-like effects of bupropion are "weak and inconsistent" compared to actual amphetamines. Basically, the "reward" is tiny, but the "risk" is gargantuan.
Side Effects vs. The "High"
People often mistake the side effects of a dose increase for a high. If your doctor moves you from 150mg to 300mg, you might feel a bit "up" or energized for a few days. You might have trouble sleeping. This isn't a high; it’s your body adjusting to a different level of neurotransmitters.
- Insomnia: You’ll stay awake, but you won’t be productive.
- Anxiety: It feels like you’ve had 12 espressos and then got some bad news.
- Weight Loss: Some people chase the drug for this, but it’s a side effect, not a recreational perk.
- Psychosis: At high doses, bupropion can cause hallucinations and paranoia.
If you’re feeling "weird" on your prescribed dose, talk to your doctor. Don't assume it’s working "better" because you feel tweaked out. It might actually mean your dose is too high for your specific metabolism.
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Mixing Wellbutrin with Other Substances
Some people ask about getting high on Wellbutrin by mixing it with alcohol or other drugs. This is an even worse idea. Alcohol and bupropion are a volatile mix. Since both can affect the seizure threshold, combining them is like pouring gasoline on a fire.
Many people report that Wellbutrin actually makes alcohol taste "off" or makes the "buzz" feel dampened. However, the internal strain on your liver and brain is massive. If you're on this med, you've gotta be careful with the drinks.
The Reality of Addiction and Misuse
Can you get addicted to Wellbutrin? Not in the way you get addicted to heroin or nicotine. There isn't the same "craving" or "withdrawal" cycle for most people. However, psychological dependence is a thing. If someone is convinced they need a massive dose to function or feel "stimulated," they’re dealing with a substance use disorder that needs professional help.
The "kick" just isn't there. If it were, it would be a controlled substance like Adderall or Ritalin. It’s not. It’s a Schedule IV equivalent in many places or simply a non-scheduled prescription drug because its "abuse potential" is considered low by the DEA and other regulatory bodies.
Actionable Steps If You’re Struggling
If you or someone you know is trying to misuse Wellbutrin, it’s time for a reality check. There are better ways to manage your mental health or seek the stimulation you feel you're lacking.
- Check Your Intent: Are you trying to escape something? If the Wellbutrin isn't helping your depression, it might not be the right med. There are dozens of other options (SSRIs, SNRIs, or different NDRIs).
- Consult a Professional: If you've already taken more than prescribed, call Poison Control or go to the ER. Don't "wait it out." Seizures can happen hours after the dose was taken.
- Be Honest with Your Doc: Tell your psychiatrist if you feel the urge to misuse your medication. They aren't cops. They can help adjust your treatment plan to something that doesn't trigger those urges.
- Understand the Mechanics: Remind yourself that the "high" is a myth. You're mostly just stressing your heart and risking a neurological "short circuit."
Seeking a high from an antidepressant is usually a sign that your current treatment isn't meeting your needs. Don't settle for "poor man’s cocaine" when you could have a life where you don't feel the need to chase a dangerous, fake high in the first place.
If you're in the U.S. and need to talk to someone about substance use, you can call the SAMHSA National Helpline at 1-800-662-HELP. It’s free, confidential, and available 24/7. Your brain is worth more than a risky experiment with a prescription bottle.