No…Wellbutrin does not treat panic disorder. Panic disorder is treated using antidepressant medications that increase serotonin in the CNS (Central Nervous System). Wellbutrin (generic name bupropion) is an antidepressant medication that blocks the reuptake of the neurotransmitter dopamine in the synapse, thereby increasing the concentration of dopamine in the neuronal synapses. Dopamine is not implicated in anxiety disorders such as panic disorder. Dopamine is implicated in depression, and therefore Wellbutrin is effective for major depressive disorder.
Panic disorder can be treated with medications that increase serotonin in the neuronal synapse. Examples of this include SSRIs (Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors) and SNRIs (Serotonin Norepinephrine Reuptake Inhibitors). SSRIs include Prozac (fluoxetine), Paxil (paroxetine), Zoloft (sertraline), Celexa (citalopram), Lexapro (escitalopram), and Luvox (fluvoxamine). SNRIs include Effexor (venlafaxine), Cymbalta (duloxetine), and Pristiq (desvenlafaxine). TCAs (tricyclic antidepressants) and MAOIs (monoamine oxidase inhibitors) also increase serotonin and are effective for panic disorder, but their severe side effect profile makes it difficult to prescribe. For this reason, most psychiatrists only prescribe TCAs and MAOIs for severe cases, and are usually a last resort treatment option.
Panic disorder can also be treated by medications that modulate GABA, an inhibitory neurotransmitter. Medications that modulate GABA include benzodiazepines such as Ativan (lorazepam), Klonopin (clonazepam), Xanax (alprazolam), and Valium (diazepam). Benzodiazepines are effective for panic disorder and panic attacks, but their addictive potential and other problematic side effects of sedation and tolerance make them only suitable for short term use.
In summary, Wellbutrin does not treat panic disorder. Panic disorder responds to medications that increase serotonin in the neuronal synapse, and to medications that modulate GABA.
eric says
your article is completely false. i was diagnosed with panic disorder, Wellbutrin is the Only drug that has worked for me. this drug has done wonders to change my life back to normalcy.
Dr. Carlo says
Wellbutrin is not indicated for any anxiety disorder, as detailed in my article. Anxiety disorders are treated by medications that have effects on serotonin and GABA. Wellbutrin increases dopamine, which is not implicated in anxiety.
Brian says
People with Panic Disorder are typically in a depression are they now?
So treating the depression may take care of the panic.
Dr. Carlo says
Some people with panic disorder have depression, but not all of them. If you have both, treating the depression DOES NOT address the panic disorder.
Christine says
Lexapro and Zoloft kept me heavily sedated in my house for 3 years. It didn’t help me, it didn’t do anything but render me basically unconscious. Sleeping 20 hours a day was hardly conducive to quality of life.
Maybe more time should be spent looking at Panic disorder as a symptom rather than a cause?
Clonazepam is the only drug that helps me to actually breathe without crippling chest pain, It keeps the racing, intrusive thoughts quiet, and I can function meaningfully.
Dr. Carlo says
Try KalmPro…natural, safe, and effective.