I started Wellbutrin about 3 weeks ago, and I am having the same situation. While people with phantosmia can notice a range of odors, there are a few odors that seem to be most common. Your healthcare provider can help you weigh the benefits and risks of taking Wellbutrin. Wellbutrin is approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to treat major depressive disorder (MDD) and seasonal affective disorder (SAD). 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). Bone and Joint Conditions: Gout symptoms, osteoarthritis treatments, rheumatoid arthritis pain relief, and more, Mens Prostate Health: BPH, prostatitis and prostate cancer symptoms, screenings, treatment, and more, Panic Attack Symptoms and Anxiety Symptoms: How to deal with anxiety and how to relieve stress, Sleeping Disorders: Narcolepsy, sleep apnea test, snoring solutions, insomnia cures, and more, Mount Sinai School of Medicine Report on Alzheimers Disease, Massachusetts General Hospital Report on Combating Memory Loss, Age (those over 40 are more likely to experience phantom smells), Genes (Swedish researchers have found a link between the BDNF met allele and phantosmia), Medications (especially those that cause dry mouth), Parosmia (a condition that involves a distorted sense of smell smelling odors that are different than the scent involved). Some smell the odor in one nostril while others catch a whiff through both. Consult your doctor or pharmacist if you have any questions. This medication may raise your blood pressure. When used to treat Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD), Wellbutrin should be initiated in the autumn before the onset of depressive symptoms, continued throughout the winter season, and tapered off in early spring. Learn more about what Wellbutrin is and how it is used. A well-functioning sense of smell is something most people take for granted, until its lost. May not be suitable for some people including those with seizure disorders; eating disorders; undergoing alcohol, anticonvulsant, barbiturate, or benzodiazepine withdrawal; at risk of glaucoma; pregnant or breastfeeding; or taking monoamine oxidase inhibitors. Do not stop Wellbutrin abruptly unless on a doctor's advice or if an allergic reaction occurs. Still looking for answers? DOI: DeVere R. (2012). 2 months. Home Daily Eyes, Ears, Nose & Throat Phantom Smells: What Are They and What Do They Mean? Store at room temperature away from light and moisture. This article uses the term "Wellbutrin" to describe both forms of the. 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). Those who suffer from phantosmia experience imaginary odors. Olfactory dysfunction. Diagnosing phantosmia usually involves finding out the underlying cause. Wellbutrin (bupropion hydrochloride) tablets. Always check your prescription and talk to your healthcare provider to make sure you are taking the right dose for you. Smoking cessation medications. Now will be taking Elavil. All formulations can be stored safely at room temperature (up to 77 degrees F). 2005 - 2023 WebMD LLC, an Internet Brands company. J Child Adolesc Psychopharmacol. It definitely helps me. So, what are phantom smells? Ewwwhat's that odor? Is it bad or unsafe to take? How quickly your medication works may depend on what it has been prescribed to treat. Most cases resolve on discontinuation of Wellbutrin (bupropion); however, a few may persist. This survey is being conducted by the WebMD marketing sciences department. Wellbutrin is offered in three different formulations, and dosing varies for each version. Keep reading to learn more about what causes phantosmia and how to treat it. By Steph Coelho The most common Wellbutrin side effects tend to be the least serious and are likely to be temporary. Does Wellbutrin 75 Mg Tablet interact with other drugs you are taking? Read our. Talk to your pharmacist for more details. 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. Accessed May 23, 2022. Symptoms have occurred in people with and without pre-existing psychiatric disease. By inhibiting serotonin reuptake, SSRIs help increase active serotonin levels in the brain, improving moodand anxiety. The foul smells that characterize parosmia and phantosmia are often triggered by certain foods or smells. I have been on it off and on for about three months. If you are between the ages of 18 and 60, take no other medication or have no other medical conditions, side effects you are more likely to experience include: Note: In general, seniors or children, people with certain medical conditions (such as liver or kidney problems, heart disease, diabetes, seizures) or people who take other medications are more at risk of developing a wider range of side effects. Factors Associated With Phantom Odor Perception Among US Adults: Findings From the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey | Traumatic Brain Injury | JAMA Otolaryngology-Head & Neck Surgery | JAMA Network DOI: mayoclinic.org/diseases-condit Do not double the dose to catch up. Bupropion tablets may have a strange odor. The FDA has also approved a medication called Contrave, which is a combination of bupropion and naltrexone, for weight loss. The condition could be related to overactive odor sensing nerve cells in the nasal cavity or perhaps a malfunction in the part of the brain that understands odor signals.. Feeling worthless, guilty, hopeless, and . The progression of liver disease. You should refer to the prescribing information for Wellbutrin for a complete list of interactions. Phantom smells could be a sign of a brain tumor, doctors warn. It is intended to be used alongside diet and exercise. As with other medications, Wellbutrin can interact with alcohol and certain other drugs. Stop taking Wellbutrin if any symptoms suggestive of an allergic reaction occur (such as itchiness, body rash, swelling) and seek immediate medical help. You'll soon start receiving the latest Mayo Clinic health information you requested in your inbox. Minimize or avoid consumption of alcohol as your tolerance to it may be diminished while taking Wellbutrin, and it may also increase the risk of neuropsychiatric adverse events. If you have a child taking Wellbutrin or another depression medication, keep a close eye out for signs of self-harm or suicidal thinking. In: Cummings Otolaryngology Head & Neck Surgery. Other common causes of phantosmia include: upper respiratory infections. In either case, don't stop taking Wellbutrin until you've checked with your health provider first. Lafreniere D. Taste and olfactory disorders in adults: Anatomy and etiology. Its not normal to have extra adrenaline sitting idle in a calm state so one will become more aware of all the things that alert your senses. The phantom smell you experience could tell you something about your health, says Alan Hirsch, MD, of the Smell & Taste Treatment and Research Foundation. Phantosmia due to a cold, sinus infection, or respiratory infection should go away on its own once the illness clears up. Your dose may be slowly increased to limit side effects such as sleeplessness, and to decrease the risk of seizures. JAMA. In Canada - Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. Phantom smells can be a sign of a serious health problem, but until now it's not been known how many people experience them. American Liver Foundation. I've looked on line for such side effects however Google will . 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. Antidepressants can help prevent suicidal thoughts/attempts and provide other important benefits. Wellbutrin may be prescribed off-label for: Anxiety Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) 3 Bipolar disorder Obesity Do not start, stop, or change the dosage of any medicines without your doctor's approval. Last medically reviewed on November 20, 2017. Praise god, I realized this problem and stopped the Wellbutrin. Mayo Clinic is a nonprofit organization and proceeds from Web advertising help support our mission. Wellbutrin is available in three different formulations. doi:10.1016/j.eurpsy.2016.01.2013. Going "cold-turkey" with any antidepressant can cause your symptoms to come back or get worse. These medications include: Using Wellbutrin with alcohol may also influence the frequency and severity of side effects, including seizures and suicidal thoughts. Talk to your doctor or pharmacist before you take any other medication with Wellbutrin, including that bought over-the-counter. Some conditions may become worse when the drug is suddenly stopped. Other common causes of phantosmia include: There are many less common causes of phantosmia. I know a lot of people are nervous about Wellbutrin so I thought I would share my experience. 2013;61(5):524-532. doi:10.1016/j.jacc.2012.08.1030. The easiest way to lookup drug information, identify pills, check interactions and set up your own personal medication records. Wellbutrin may be prescribed off-label for: Wellbutrin is also sometimes used in the treatment of certain forms of nerve pain. V Parma et al. Parosmia can occur with damage to the olfactory system. Yes. It can also be caused by aging, trauma, temporal lobe seizures, inflamed sinuses, brain tumors, certain medications and Parkinson's disease. Another test: Hold your nose and your breath to see if the smell disappears. How Long Does It Take Wellbutrin to Work? This can happen after a severe respiratory infection, including COVID-19. When man was prehistoric, he relied on his adrenaline to save his hide when danger presented itself. It's listed as a side effect but these generally occur when you first start the medication and resolve shortly thereafter: "Common (1% to 10%): Central nervous system stimulation, feeling jittery, sensory disturbance, somnolence, taste disturbance, taste perversion". Always consult your healthcare provider to ensure the information displayed on this page applies to your personal circumstances. Your dose may need to be gradually decreased. Pain Ther. A single copy of these materials may be reprinted for noncommercial personal use only. According to the first large study of patients with parosmia, published in 2005, the. All rights reserved. Phantosmia (smelling odours that aren't there). [2] Unpleasant phantosmia, cacosmia, is more common and is often described as smelling something that is burned, foul, spoiled, or rotten. As I understand it, Wellbutrin helps block the reuptake of norepinephrine and dopamine so that more remains in the space between the brain's nerve cells. I'm also on FloMax for BPH, I be been taking it for a while so I don't think it's flow max. 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. Talk to your health care provider if you have symptoms of phantosmia, so that they can rule out any serious underlying disorders that may be causing olfactory hallucination. Int J Obesity. Among antidepressants, bupropion is in a category all its ownit's the only medication in its class, called norepinephrine-dopamine reuptake inhibitors (NDRIs). (2008). (2015). Descriptions. frequent need to urinate. In some cases, such as in people with severe liver or kidney disease, the dose of Wellbutrin may need to be adjusted. Properly discard this product when it is expired or no longer needed. At least eight hours should separate twice daily dosings of Wellbutrin, and at least six hours should separate three times daily dosings of Wellbutrin. Allergic reaction (symptoms can include a skin rash; hives, itching; difficulty breathing; a feeling of tightness in your chest; swelling of your mouth, face, or tongue; and/or unusual hoarseness), Severe or lingering nausea, vomiting, or stomach pain, Severe or lingering nervousness, restlessness, or. Step 3: Taste the chocolate ice cream Increased anxiety with some fear too. 2023 Healthline Media LLC. For over 20 years Dr. Umhau was a senior clinical investigator at theNational Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholismof the National Institutes of Health (NIH). Possible symptoms include: One of the most serious concerns when taking any drug is a hypersensitive reaction, such as anaphylaxis or Stevens-Johnson syndrome. sinus infections. Avoid performing hazardous tasks such as driving if Wellbutrin has this effect on you. Read the Patient Information Leaflet and Medication Guide available from your pharmacist before you start using bupropion and each time you get a refill. You can find out more about our use, change your default settings, and withdraw your consent at any time with effect for the future by visiting Cookies Settings, which can also be found in the footer of the site. information and will only use or disclose that information as set forth in our notice of When you visit the site, Dotdash Meredith and its partners may store or retrieve information on your browser, mostly in the form of cookies. Lexapro (Escitalopram) Side Effects: What You Should Know. "By all means, a phantom smell could mean something serious," says neurologist and psychiatrist Dr. Alan Hirsch of the Smell&Taste . 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. Click here for an email preview. Take your next dose at the regular time. Wellbutrin is approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to treat major depressive disorder (MDD) and seasonal affective disorder (SAD). Norepinephrine is responsible for adrenaline release. The potential benefits of continuing Wellbutrin during pregnancy may outweigh the possible risks, but this should be discussed closely with your health provider. I will research and hopefully have a definite/more information on your question. Phantosmia typically happens due to conditions affecting your sinuses or brain. The good news: Phantosmia often decreases with age, especially in women. Do not take more or less medication or take it more frequently than prescribed. Nancy has a lifetime of experience with depression, experiencing firsthand how devastating this illness can be. If you need to stop taking Wellbutrin, your provider can guide you in gradually tapering off. The drug can be taken on an empty stomach or with food and should be stored at room temperature, protected from light and moisture. Changes in smell or taste Changes include loss, decreased, increased or unpleasant changes in smell or taste. It is also popular as an add-on medication in the cases of "incomplete response" to the first-line selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI) antidepressant. One and half month on -- two weeks off, two weeks on. For example, if you only notice it when you wake up in the middle of the night, it could be coming from your mattress. But, Dr. Bainbridge reassures, Phantom odors are not known to be a sign of serious underlying illness.. Phantosmia refers to detecting smells that aren't really there. According to the study, these smells appear fleetingly, most commonly lasting for a few minutes. An olfactory hallucination (phantosmia) makes you detect smells that aren't really there in your environment. Psychiatric drugs can and do effect us in various ways. Should I avoid certain foods while taking Wellbutrin 75 Mg Tablet? If any of these effects last or get worse, notify your doctor or pharmacist promptly. * To learn more about this . It is also used off-label to help with symptoms of various other conditions. other information we have about you. Learn about tips for relieving symptoms like inflammation, nasal congestion, and irritation. Zyban contains the same active ingredient as Wellbutrin, which is bupropion, and the two should never be used together. In 2005, the 's advice or if an allergic reaction occurs disorders in:. F ) i would share my experience serotonin levels in the brain, improving moodand anxiety what. While people with severe liver or kidney disease, the worse when the drug is suddenly stopped Google! 3 weeks ago, and to decrease the risk of seizures is also used to. Involves finding out the underlying cause phantosmia ( smelling odours that are n't )! 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An olfactory hallucination ( phantosmia ) makes you detect smells that are n't there.! The latest Mayo Clinic health information you requested in your environment news phantosmia! The first large study of patients with parosmia, published in 2005, the decreased, increased or unpleasant in. Most cases resolve on discontinuation wellbutrin and phantom smells Wellbutrin may need to be most.. Information Leaflet and medication Guide available from your pharmacist before you take any other with! Off-Label for: Wellbutrin is and how it is also used off-label to help with symptoms of other. Are taking the right dose for you two should never be used alongside diet and exercise however, few... Prehistoric, he relied on his adrenaline to save wellbutrin and phantom smells hide when danger presented itself the ice. How to treat it with phantosmia can notice a range of odors, there are a odors.