My Dog Ate Wellbutrin What Should I Do?

Has your dog eaten some Wellbutrin? Are you worried the Wellbutrin will make your dog sick? If so, then you’ve come to the right place. We understand it can be scary when your dog eats medication that’s not meant for him.

In this article, we’ll take a look at Wellbutrin and whether or not it can make your dog sick. Let’s get started!

What is Wellbutrin?

Wellbutrin (also known as bupropion, Aplenzin, Wellburtrin SR, Zyban, and Wellbutrin XL) is an antidepressant medication. It is used to treat a wide range of health conditions, including depression, other mood disorders, smoking cessation, and more. This medication is classed as a dopamine reuptake inhibitor.

Wellbutrin is not used in veterinary medicine, which means this drug is only made for humans. So, what happens if a dog eats Wellbutrin?

Wellbutrin & Dogs

Wellbutrin tends to absorb quickly, which means it can get into the system very fast. It can cause dogs to become very sick.

Symptoms of Wellbutrin Ingestion in Dogs

You may notice these symptoms if your dog has eaten Wellbutrin:

• Vomiting
• Breathing difficulties
• Lack of coordination
• Tremors
• Seizures

If you notice any of these symptoms in your dog, call the vet immediately. This is a medical emergency. Try to figure out how many pills your dog has eaten and see if you can find the dosage information on the medication packaging. This information can help the vet.

Treatment of Wellbutrin Ingestion in Dogs

At the vet’s, they will first check your dog’s condition and ensure he’s stable. Next, the vet may try to induce vomiting and/or use activated charcoal to remove the medication from your dog’s system. It may also be necessary to try gastric lavage or an enema to get the medication out of your dog’s system.

In most cases, your dog will need an IV for fluids and to administer medicine to treat symptoms. The vet may run some lab work and other tests to check your dog’s organs. This is done to make sure the organs are functioning correctly.

It’s also possible your canine companion will need to be hospitalized for a day or two. This is done to watch for additional symptoms and to make sure he’s stable before coming home.

The good news is that dogs who receive prompt medical care can go on to make a full recovery. The key is to get your dog to the vet as soon as possible after he eats Wellbutrin.