Wellbutrin Bupropion Withdrawal, Effects & Timeline

Since you cannot simply “cut” the extended release version, you may want to switch over to the IR (immediate-release) to conduct a proper taper. If you notice a significant amount of withdrawal symptoms, taper at a slower rate. Wellbutrin is different in that it doesn’t have a major effect on serotonin. Rather, it affects the levels of the neurotransmitters dopamine and noradrenaline.

Do not stop taking your antidepressant all of a sudden, and discuss safe tapering options with your doctor. If your withdrawal symptoms are severely affecting your quality of life, they can prescribe medications to reduce them and help you feel better. Days 15 to 28- During the third week of withdrawal, the symptoms should improve dramatically. If you experience any lingering anxiety, insomnia, mood swings, or other symptoms, they should be much less severe than previously. As mentioned, the withdrawal symptoms may last up to several months for some people, although all symptoms should gradually decrease until they disappear completely.

If my dose of Wellbutrin is increased from 150 mg to 300 mg, will I experience more side effects?

• They’ll treat each case on an individual basis and adjust medications according to your specific needs.
• They vary based on several factors – everything from dosage to personal health conditions plays a part.
• Unlike most antidepressants (which affect sertraline levels), bupoprion affects the levels of dopamine and noradrenaline.
• To gauge whether you’ve been in remission or not, think about if the specific symptoms that drove you to seek treatment have resolved, Dr. DeYoung says.
• The content of this article is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, examination, diagnosis, or treatment.
• Studies have shown that antidepressant drugs can increase the risk of suicidal thoughts and behaviors in certain people.

But the gist is that your risk of relapse or recurrence—symptoms returning or worsening when you stop medication—goes down the longer you’ve been stable. The main calculation they’re trying to make is the likelihood that you’ll continue to do well in the absence of medication, Dr. Siegel says. Either way, it’s a valid question that’s worth discussing—and probably doesn’t come up enough. “There are times where physicians won’t bring it up, and there are other times that maybe patients are nervous to,” Dustin Z. DeYoung, MD a psychiatrist at UCLA Health, tells SELF. “It really is a shared decision between you and your physician,” Dr. DeYoung says. On that note, having a doc you trust and feel comfortable talking to is key here, whether that’s your primary care physician or a psychiatrist.

Auvelity vs. Wellbutrin: Effectiveness for Depression?

If you have suicidal thoughts or behaviors with Wellbutrin, your doctor will have you stop taking it. For more information about this side effect, see the “Side effects explained” section. With 10 years of experience working in and writing about mental health and addiction treatment, societal issues, and history, she ensures the quality and authenticity of written content at RU.

Signs that you might be ready to come off of your antidepressants

The most severe long-term side effect is suicidal thoughts and behaviors. The drug has a boxed warning for this side effect, which is the most serious drug warning the FDA issues. Your doctor may recommend Wellbutrin if the benefits of treatment outweigh the risks of side effects. Keep reading to learn about other possible mild and serious side effects of this drug. Generally, weaning off bupropion takes two to four weeks under medical supervision; however, everyone’s timeline differs based on individual factors.

Bupropion Withdrawal Symptoms: Comprehensive Guide to Understanding and Coping

Cognitive functions start to improve, with concentration and mental clarity slowly returning to baseline. However, some individuals experience what’s known as “protracted withdrawal,” where certain symptoms – particularly those affecting mood and energy levels – persist for months. For most people, withdrawal symptoms begin to gradually subside during the third week and beyond, though the timeline varies considerably between individuals. Wellbutrin withdrawal symptoms can vary from person to person, but understanding them can help you prepare and manage the process more smoothly. Your ideal tapering regimen will depend on factors like your health and mental health, your dosage, how long you’ve been taking bupropion, and more. For this reason, you should work with the doctor who’s prescribing your medication and they can make a plan for you to taper your dosage safely.

Taking it long-term can lead to physiological dependence, which means you’ll experience withdrawal symptoms after discontinuing this antidepressant medication. If you or your loved one is addicted to Wellbutrin or are experiencing withdrawal symptoms, don’t despair. You can achieve sobriety and find relief from the withdrawal symptoms with time, patience, determination, grit, and a supportive network of family and friends.

• When you stop taking an antidepressant cold turkey, your brain doesn’t have time to adjust its chemical balance properly—an unwelcome surprise party if there ever was one.
• Possible side effects include constipation, headaches, insomnia, nausea, weight loss, and stomach pain.
• Your doctor may also recommend you switch to a different antidepressant if the reason for your tapering was because of Wellbutrin side effects.
• But you might’ve also wondered at some point, Do I still need to take these if I’m feeling good?

How someone recovers from Wellbutrin® withdrawal depends on the individual. It is essential to always work closely with a healthcare professional to ensure the safe management of your symptoms. By the fourth day of withdrawal, expect mood swings, irritability, anxiety, body aches, and chills. These symptoms can be challenging to manage and are more severe than those experienced during the first few days of withdrawal. You should seek guidance from a healthcare professional to explore management options.

Support from Social and Personal Relationships

Wellbutrin abuse can manifest in different ways, and it is important for individuals prescribed this medication to be aware of these risks, as it can lead to addictive behaviors. Attempting to stop taking Wellbutrin instantly, especially the extended-release form, can significantly intensify the withdrawal process. Though it is not a narcotic, people can become addicted to and misuse Wellbutrin.

It is highly advisable to avoid alcohol while taking Wellbutrin to ensure your safety and well-being. Prolonged drug abuse can cause dependency, making it harder to go through Wellbutrin withdrawal and might lead to a cycle of continued use. Withdrawal from Wellbutrin is a topic that deserves more attention and care since it’s not something that’s often talked about. Peachtree Wellness Mental Health offers compassionate care and personalized support to help you through every step of your recovery.

If you were only on it for a few weeks, you may be able to quit cold turkey without any major withdrawal symptoms. On the other hand, if you were on this drug for over a year or many years, the withdrawal process will likely be more difficult. Generally the longer you are on this medication, the more gradually you should taper off of it to minimize with withdrawal effects. In the process, many experience antidepressant discontinuation syndrome, also known as withdrawal.

But “it can potentially help you get off antidepressants a little bit easier,” Dr. DeYoung says. The intensity and length of Wellbutrin withdrawal symptoms can vary widely among individuals. Several factors come into play, such as the duration of use, dosage level, overall health status, and whether other drugs or alcohol are used. Furthermore, mixing Wellbutrin with other antidepressant medications, especially those that influence serotonin levels, can be dangerous as it raises the risk of serotonin syndrome.

But if you have symptoms that are ongoing or bothersome, side effects of going off wellbutrin talk with your doctor or pharmacist. Avenues Recovery is a community-based drug and alcohol rehabilitation center with locations across the United States. There are a million different opinions online, but when it comes to your life, health and wellness only peer reviewed reputable data matters.