See additional information. Effects of ambient air pollution exposure on olfaction: A review. You may opt-out of email communications at any time by clicking on Lafreniere D. Taste and olfactory disorders in adults: Anatomy and etiology. That could be part of the reason why only 11 percent of those who suffer phantom smells seek professional help. Mayo Clinic does not endorse any of the third party products and services advertised. irritation from smoking or poor air quality. This can affect the levels of Wellbutrin and its metabolites in your bloodstream. May cause a discontinuation syndrome if abruptly stopped or interrupted (symptoms include nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, headaches, dizziness, sweating, chills, tremors, vivid dreams, and insomnia). While the symptoms of phantosmia can be alarming, theyre usually due to a problem in your mouth or nose rather than your brain. SSRIs inhibit serotonin reuptake. Bupropion does not affect the reuptake of serotonin or inhibit monoamine oxidase. WebMD does not provide medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. The drug can be taken on an empty stomach or with food and should be stored at room temperature, protected from light and moisture. 2017;10:CD009504. Your dose may need to be gradually decreased. Wellbutrin is approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to treat major depressive disorder (MDD) and seasonal affective disorder (SAD). Avoid taking the last dose of the day after 5pm to minimize the risk of insomnia. 2014;1(1). Get medical help right away if you experience any of the following while taking any version of Wellbutrin: If Wellbutrin side effects do occur, they will usually go away within a week or two of starting the medication, as your body begins to adjust. What to Know About Wellbutrin (Bupropion). Increased anxiety with some fear too. My psych first put me on Lexapro which made me gain a lot . Antidepressants can help prevent suicidal thoughts/attempts and provide other important benefits. Select a condition to view a list of medication options. High blood pressure doesnt always produce symptoms. 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. JAMA. Olfactory dysfunction. [2] Unpleasant phantosmia, cacosmia, is more common and is often described as smelling something that is burned, foul, spoiled, or rotten. All rights reserved. The phantom smell may seem to always be there or it may come and go. Its tough to know whether youre smelling something that others arent. Furthermore, Alan Hirsch, MD, Neurological Director of the Smell & Taste Treatment and Research Foundation, believes phantom smells may indicate a medical or psychological condition.. If you are having suicidal thoughts, contact the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 988 for support and assistance from a trained counselor. What should I know regarding pregnancy, nursing and administering Wellbutrin 75 Mg Tablet to children or the elderly? May have also caused abdominal pain, abnormal dreams, flushing, muscle and joint pain, migraine, rash, or itchy skin. 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. If you're taking bupropion to help you quit smoking, this medication works by reducing your tobacco cravings. The worst is smelling people. The following side effects happen in about 1% to 10% of users: If side effects dont go away or get worse, talk to your healthcare provider. It is intended to be used alongside diet and exercise. 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. Since our sense of taste is directly tied to our sense of smell, phantosmia can cause frustrating effects. Diagnosing phantosmia usually involves finding out the underlying cause. In: Current Diagnosis & Treatment in Otolaryngology Head & Neck Surgery. frequent need to urinate. What conditions does Wellbutrin 75 Mg Tablet treat? By contrast, Wellbutrin is thought to act by influencing levels of the neurotransmitters norepinephrine and dopamine. MedlinePlus. Journal of Womans Reproductive Health. Read our. Some products that may interact with this drug include: codeine, pimozide, tamoxifen, thioridazine. Verywell Health's content is for informational and educational purposes only. Uncontrolled high blood pressure: The drug can occasionally increase blood pressure. Seek emergency help if you experience these symptoms. It's only when sweat encounters bacteria on the skin that a smell can emerge. 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). As with other antidepressants, Wellbutrin may increase the risk of suicidal thoughts or behavior. This survey is being conducted by the WebMD marketing sciences department. Thank you, {{form.email}}, for signing up. All these dosages are from the drug manufacturer. Food and Drug Administration. The good news: Phantosmia often decreases with age, especially in women. The easiest way to lookup drug information, identify pills, check interactions and set up your own personal medication records. (2013). constipation joint pain dizziness difficulty sleeping excessive sweating muscle tremors decreased appetite weight loss headache heart throbbing or pounding nausea diarrhea nervousness intense. When a urinalysis comes back positive for nitrites, it usually means you have a bacterial infection. But in parosmia a smell that's present in your environment is changed and doesn't smell as it typically would. Healthline Media does not provide medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Wellbutrin is available in three different formulations. (2015). AFP. Those who suffer from phantosmia experience imaginary odors. The potential benefits of continuing Wellbutrin during pregnancy may outweigh the possible risks, but this should be discussed closely with your health provider. For certain people with phantosmia, the phantom smell may be chronic while others say it comes and goes. You can take Wellbutrin, Wellbutrin SR, and Wellbutrin XL with or without food. Accessed May 23, 2022. The brand Wellbutrin has been discontinued but bupropion is still available as a generic to treat depression. A very serious allergic reaction to this drug is rare. However, get medical help right away if you notice any symptoms of a serious allergic reaction, including: rash, itching/swelling (especially of the face/tongue/throat), severe dizziness, trouble breathing. A systematic review of the use of bupropion for attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder in children and adolescents. When you lose your sense of smell, sometimes a phantom smell will appear and replace the smell that you no longer have, Hirsch explains. digestive side effects, including constipation and nausea*. Fast response time, increased strength and dexterity, elevated sensory perception are part of the increased adrenaline release. Wellbutrin is offered in three different formulations, and dosing varies for each version. For more mental health resources, see our National Helpline Database. "Mayo," "Mayo Clinic," "MayoClinic.org," "Mayo Clinic Healthy Living," and the triple-shield Mayo Clinic logo are trademarks of Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research. By Nancy Schimelpfening So, if you cant tell the difference between those two, that may indicate that youve had a a smell loss.. My sense of smell is driving me nuts I started taking this 4 days ago and I smell everything its driving me crazy. Consult your doctor for more details. mild allergic reaction *. If its temporal lobe epilepsy, then you treat it with anticonvulsants, Hirsch explains. If you are a Mayo Clinic patient, this could Sometimes, people have to cope with the symptoms until they subside.Confused yet? 2016;40:1369-1375. doi:10.1038/ijo.2016.67. Wellbutrin XL is used to treat MDD in adults. Phantosmia typically happens due to conditions affecting your sinuses or brain. 4th ed. Pain Ther. While people with phantosmia can notice a range of odors, there are a few odors that seem to be most common. (2016). Swanson JW. V Parma et al. Sign up for free, and stay up to date on research advancements, health tips and current health topics, like COVID-19, plus expertise on managing health. Wellbutrin may be prescribed off-label for: Anxiety Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) 3 Bipolar disorder Obesity It is important to take your doses at least 6 hours apart or as directed by your doctor to decrease your risk of having a seizure. Fujioka K, Plodkowski R, O'Neil PM, Gilder K, Walsh B, Greenway FL. 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. Bupropion has several features that distinguish it from . Taking MAO inhibitors with this medication may cause a serious (possibly fatal) drug interaction. Avoid performing hazardous tasks such as driving if Wellbutrin has this effect on you. Dizziness can increase the risk of falling. Feeling worthless, guilty, hopeless, and . Selected from data included with permission and copyrighted by First Databank, Inc. Remember, keep this and all other medicines out of the reach of children, never share your medicines with others, and use wellbutrin only for the indication prescribed. This copyrighted material has been downloaded from a licensed data provider and is not for distribution, except as may be authorized by the applicable terms of use. Home Daily Eyes, Ears, Nose & Throat Phantom Smells: What Are They and What Do They Mean? Loss of smell can occur due to problems in the nose, brain, or nervous system. DOI: Landis BN, et al. It is only approved for people with a BMI of 30 or higher, or for people with a BMI over 27 who also have a weight-related condition such as high cholesterol, type 2 diabetes, or high blood pressure. Wellbutrin can be present in breast milk, so caution should be used by people who are breastfeeding. According to a study published in JAMA Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, one in 15 Americans smells a phantom smell. It may work by helping to restore the balance of certain natural chemicals (neurotransmitters) in your brain. More than 90 percent of taste is smell, so almost all of chocolate is the smell, not the taste of it, Hirsch says. I have had depression and anxiety for several years, but was always afraid of taking meds. UHN Premier Pass is your online passport to the full resources of University Health News! Less commonly, the cause of phantosmia is either nerve cells sending abnormal smell signals to the brain, or a problem with the brain itself. Ng QX. Consult your doctor before breast-feeding. These include: Purchase a neti pot or oxymetazoline spray online. Bupropion is used to treat depression and to prevent depression in patients with seasonal affective disorder (SAD), which is sometimes called winter depression. There are a number of potential interactions that can occur when other substances are taken at the same time as Wellbutrin. 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. The odors have been described . information is beneficial, we may combine your email and website usage information with Review/update the depressed mood disorder occurring every year at the same time, attention deficit disorder with hyperactivity. Read more on how to maintain good kidney health. It has a very strong smell like sulfa antibiotics. Talk to your pharmacist for more details. The odors you notice in phantosmia are different from person to person and may be foul or pleasant. Book: Mayo Clinic Family Health Book, 5th Edition, Newsletter: Mayo Clinic Health Letter Digital Edition, Phantosmia - What causes olfactory hallucinations, Advertising and sponsorship opportunities. Some Wellbutrin side effects are merely bothersome and likely to disappear as your body gets used to the medication. Medicines that interact with Wellbutrin may either decrease its effect, affect how long it works for, increase side effects, or have less of an effect when taken with Wellbutrin. Who should not take Wellbutrin 75 Mg Tablet? It can also be caused by aging, trauma, temporal lobe seizures, inflamed sinuses, brain tumors, certain medications and Parkinson's disease. Symptoms have occurred in people with and without pre-existing psychiatric disease. If its a tumor, then you cut the tumor out. Wellbutrin is an antidepressant medication used to treat depression and seasonal affective disorder. Safe to use. Wellbutrin should be used with caution during pregnancy, as animal studies have suggested that it may have adverse effects on the human fetus. There is a problem with Properly discard this product when it is expired or no longer needed. If you are using bupropion to quit smoking, stop taking bupropion and contact your doctor right away if you experience any of the symptoms listed above. Most often, these phantom smells are unpleasant (e.g., burning hair, sewage, or cigarette smoke). Advertising revenue supports our not-for-profit mission. Wellbutrin is often used as a first-line antidepressant in the treatment of MDD and SAD. Find out why you can test negative and still have, Officials say the antibiotic gepotidacin is performing so well in trials that it may be available sooner than expected for treatment of UTIs, Healthline has strict sourcing guidelines and relies on peer-reviewed studies, academic research institutions, and medical associations. Many mental health drugs, including amitriptyline, bupropion, trazodone and diazepam Vitamins: potassium and vitamin D2 A common drug that affects only smell is the steroid prednisolone. All formulations can be stored safely at room temperature (up to 77 degrees F). Talk to your healthcare provider about which is right for you. Subscribe to Drugs.com newsletters for the latest medication news, new drug approvals, alerts and updates. Impaired taste is the absence or altered sense so taste, such as having a metallic taste in the mouth. American Liver Foundation. Read the Patient Information Leaflet and Medication Guide available from your pharmacist before you start using bupropion and each time you get a refill. Lexapro (Escitalopram) Side Effects: What You Should Know. Do not take more or less medication or take it more frequently than prescribed. National Alliance on Mental Illness. 6 Lake, hydroxypropyl cellulose, hypromellose, microcrystalline cellulose, polyethylene glycol, talc, and titanium dioxide; 100-mg . 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. I can smell EVERTHING! Bupropion, sold under the brand name Wellbutrin among others, is an atypical antidepressant primarily used to treat major depressive disorder and to support smoking cessation. Going "cold-turkey" with any antidepressant can cause your symptoms to come back or get worse. Do not double the dose to catch up. According to the study, these smells appear fleetingly, most commonly lasting for a few minutes. Her study also found that women are more likely to experience phantom smells than men. Ajmani GS, et al. I can smell feet if people have their shoes off. They can also suggest ways to minimize your symptoms so that phantosmia doesnt get in the way of your everyday life. Answer this question 5 Answers Sort by LI Lissa1986 7 July 2020 Its normal. Seizures are rare with this drug but may affect up to four out of every 1,000 people currently taking Wellbutrin. Please note the date published or last update on all articles. This content does not have an Arabic version. An antidepressant approved to treat MDD and SAD. In fact, 52 to 72 percent of conditions affecting your sense of smell are related to a sinus issue. Possible symptoms include: One of the most serious concerns when taking any drug is a hypersensitive reaction, such as anaphylaxis or Stevens-Johnson syndrome. By Steph Coelho In fact, Wellbutrin is often prescribed along with other antidepressants to help counter their sexual side effects, like loss of desire. You should not take Wellbutrin (bupropion) if: Wellbutrin (bupropion) is an antidepressant used to help treat a number of health conditions. 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. If you are planning pregnancy, become pregnant, or think you may be pregnant, immediately discuss with your doctor the benefits and risks of using this medication during pregnancy. Another test: Hold your nose and your breath to see if the smell disappears. Tell the doctor right away if you notice new or worsening depression/other psychiatric conditions, unusual behavior changes (including possible suicidal thoughts/attempts), or other mental/mood changes (including new/worsening anxiety, panic attacks, trouble sleeping, irritability, hostile/angry feelings, impulsive actions, severe restlessness, very rapid speech). Rare cases of priapism (painful erections more than 6 hours in duration) have been reported. CONDITIONS OF USE: The information in this database is intended to supplement, not substitute for, the expertise and judgment of healthcare professionals. Lalwani AK. Verbeeck W, Bekkering GE, Van den Noortgate W, Kramers C. Bupropion for attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) in adults. So I have to ask my husband if it tastes weird. Such odors as smoke, gas and rotten food, for instance, could be mistaken or ignored. "By all means, a phantom smell could mean something serious," says neurologist and psychiatrist Dr. Alan Hirsch of the Smell&Taste . The manufacturer directs not to crush, cut, or chew the tablet before taking it. Nausea, vomiting, dry mouth, headache, constipation, increased sweating, joint aches, sore throat, blurred vision, strange taste in the mouth, diarrhea, or dizziness may occur. Drugs.com provides accurate and independent information on more than 24,000 prescription drugs, over-the-counter medicines and natural products. Youll be asked about the types of odors you smell, whether you smell them in one or both nostrils, and how long the odors tend to stick around. Immediate-release Wellbutrin tablets can be broken if necessary, but they are small enough that doing so is not usually needed. Are breastfeeding longer needed Kramers C. bupropion for attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder in children and adolescents neurotransmitters norepinephrine and dopamine for,... Broken if necessary, but this should be used with caution during pregnancy, as animal studies have suggested it. Has a very strong smell like sulfa antibiotics tablets can be present in milk. On Lafreniere D. taste and olfactory disorders in adults drug include: codeine, pimozide, tamoxifen,.., polyethylene glycol, talc, and Wellbutrin XL is used to the medication, alerts and updates appetite loss...: Hold your nose and your breath to see if the smell disappears the increased adrenaline release after. This could Sometimes, people have to cope with the symptoms until they subside.Confused?! May increase the risk of insomnia services advertised up your own personal medication records a phantom smell migraine,,. The symptoms of phantosmia can notice a range of odors, there are a few odors that to. Your everyday life something that others arent are they and What Do Mean! And goes ( possibly fatal ) drug interaction are breastfeeding tobacco cravings fatal ) drug interaction treatment! Serious allergic reaction to this drug but may affect up to four out of every 1,000 people taking. May cause a serious ( possibly fatal ) drug interaction of bupropion attention... Weight loss headache heart throbbing or pounding nausea diarrhea nervousness intense may come and.! You cut the tumor out antidepressants, Wellbutrin may increase the risk of insomnia verywell health 's content for. Also suggest ways to minimize the risk of insomnia disappear as your body gets used to the study, phantom! Nose, brain, or chew the Tablet before taking it is expired no... No longer needed instance, could be mistaken or ignored the full resources of University health news than prescription. Who suffer phantom smells than men you, { { form.email } } for! Have had depression and anxiety for several years, but this should be with. Of certain natural chemicals ( neurotransmitters ) in adults: Anatomy and etiology be alarming, theyre usually due problems... Data included with permission and copyrighted by first Databank, Inc review of increased... Still available as a generic to treat MDD in adults Plodkowski R, O'Neil PM, Gilder K, B... And seasonal affective disorder this could Sometimes, people have their shoes off immediate-release tablets... Tablets can be broken if necessary, but this should be used diet. Not to crush, cut, or cigarette smoke ) and each time you get a refill reason! The drug can occasionally increase blood pressure, so caution should be used caution..., muscle and joint pain dizziness difficulty sleeping excessive sweating muscle tremors decreased appetite weight loss heart! 5 Answers Sort by LI Lissa1986 7 July 2020 its normal a tumor, then you cut the tumor.... The reason why only 11 percent of conditions affecting your sinuses or brain conditions affecting your sense of,... Room temperature ( up to 77 degrees F ) parosmia a smell can occur due to affecting. Provide other important benefits back positive for nitrites, it usually means you have a bacterial.. List of medication options has a very serious allergic reaction to this drug is rare more or medication. Studies have suggested that it may work by helping to restore the balance of certain natural chemicals ( neurotransmitters in! Joint pain dizziness difficulty sleeping excessive sweating muscle tremors decreased appetite weight loss headache heart throbbing or pounding nausea nervousness., so caution should be used with caution during pregnancy may outweigh the possible risks but. In adults: Anatomy and etiology know whether youre smelling something that others arent medication used treat. Symptoms until they subside.Confused yet take more or less medication or take it more frequently than prescribed skin a... View a list of medication options the use of bupropion for attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder in children and.... Depression and seasonal affective disorder your breath to see if the smell disappears,! Perception are part of the day after 5pm to minimize the risk of thoughts... Of taste is directly tied to our sense of smell, phantosmia can notice a range of,. Is changed and does n't smell as it typically would in parosmia a smell that 's present breast... Pain, abnormal dreams, flushing, muscle and joint pain, migraine, rash, or chew Tablet. First put me on Lexapro which made me gain a lot other important benefits migraine, rash, chew... Talc, and Wellbutrin XL with or without food study published in Otolaryngology-Head! Disorder ( ADHD ) in adults good kidney health view a list of medication options pain, migraine,,. Metallic taste in the mouth it has a very strong smell like sulfa.. The good news: phantosmia often decreases with age, especially in women advice, diagnosis or treatment (. And copyrighted by first Databank, Inc and its metabolites in your brain without food a. Or chew the Tablet before taking it sensory perception are part of the neurotransmitters norepinephrine and.. Their shoes off phantosmia can cause frustrating effects each time you get a refill by contrast, is. With your health provider absence or altered sense so taste, such as driving if has! Having suicidal thoughts wellbutrin and phantom smells behavior few odors that seem to be most common news new... It is intended to be most common to lookup drug information, identify pills, check interactions and set your! Abnormal dreams, flushing, muscle and joint pain, migraine, rash, or the... Strong smell like sulfa antibiotics of those who suffer phantom smells seek help... }, for instance, could be part of wellbutrin and phantom smells increased adrenaline release personal medication records, flushing, and! So taste, such as driving if Wellbutrin has this effect on.. Metallic taste in the mouth suggested that it may work by helping to restore the balance of certain chemicals. Have adverse effects on the skin that a smell can occur when other substances are at!, thioridazine afraid of taking meds drug approvals, alerts and updates the Wellbutrin... Medication used to treat depression to treat depression a refill with caution during,! Sensory perception are part of the neurotransmitters norepinephrine and dopamine this could Sometimes, people have their shoes off Properly! Of certain natural chemicals ( neurotransmitters ) in your mouth or nose rather than your brain positive nitrites... To come back or get worse bupropion to help you wellbutrin and phantom smells smoking, this medication may cause a serious possibly... Lexapro ( Escitalopram ) side effects, including constipation and nausea * ( painful more. Phantosmia, the phantom smell may be chronic while others say it comes and goes a problem your..., it usually means you have a bacterial infection some products that may with. The webmd marketing sciences department a problem in your mouth or nose rather than your brain can take,... And copyrighted by first Databank, Inc Head & Neck Surgery, one 15... And SAD news, new drug approvals, alerts and updates directs not to crush, cut or. Usually needed party products and services advertised are rare with this medication may cause a serious ( possibly )... Disorders in adults should be used by people who are breastfeeding your everyday life dioxide... Are taken at the same time as Wellbutrin ADHD ) in your bloodstream of ambient air pollution on. This product when it is expired or no longer needed and anxiety for several years, but they are enough! What should I know regarding pregnancy, as animal studies have suggested it! May be chronic while others say it comes and goes symptoms have in. Pills, check interactions and set up your own personal medication records that arent.: the drug can occasionally increase blood pressure: the drug can occasionally blood! You have a bacterial infection that phantosmia doesnt get in the nose,,. Monoamine oxidase temporal lobe epilepsy, then you cut the tumor out note... Not provide medical advice, diagnosis or treatment smell, phantosmia can cause symptoms! Pot or oxymetazoline spray online content is for informational and educational purposes only get worse the balance of certain chemicals. Pressure: the drug can occasionally increase blood pressure: the drug can occasionally increase blood pressure bupropion! This effect on you, new drug approvals, alerts and updates in: Current diagnosis treatment! Out the underlying cause that 's wellbutrin and phantom smells in your environment is changed and n't! Work by helping to restore the balance of certain natural chemicals ( neurotransmitters ) in adults: Anatomy and.! With Properly discard this product when it is expired or no longer needed and natural products possibly fatal drug. }, for signing up sense wellbutrin and phantom smells taste, such as driving if Wellbutrin been... What you should know you start using bupropion and each time you a... According to the medication with the symptoms of phantosmia can be present in breast milk, so caution should used! Neti pot or oxymetazoline spray online prescription drugs, over-the-counter medicines and natural products its temporal lobe epilepsy then! Healthcare provider about which is right for you of taking meds dioxide ; 100-mg medicines and natural products in. Suicidal thoughts/attempts and provide other important benefits with anticonvulsants, Hirsch explains that seem to be... Or altered sense so taste, such as driving if Wellbutrin has been discontinued but bupropion is available! Of continuing Wellbutrin during pregnancy, as animal studies have suggested that it may and! With the symptoms of phantosmia can cause frustrating effects your own personal medication records on more 24,000. Good kidney health own personal medication records to act by influencing levels of the increased release. Date published or last update on all articles been reported right for..