For so many, Wellbutrin (or the generic version, bupropion) starts out as a sigh of relief or a glimmer of hope. As an antidepressant that’s prescribed for major depressive disorder and for seasonal affective disorder, it can help you finally feel like yourself again after a long struggle with depression. It’s also a smoking cessation aid, so you might use it to finally kick cigarettes or nicotine to the curb and free yourself from the costs and complications of smoking. But Wellbutrin can cause a dependence of its own, and when you choose to stop taking it, you may experience withdrawals. The most common of these include mood swings and flu-like symptoms, which might seem manageable on paper.
Never change or discontinue medications without consulting your healthcare provider. They can advise you on the right way to make the transition (such as tapering off your dose gradually) and help you cope with symptoms you might experience. Wellbutrin, or bupropion, is classified as an antidepressant and is usually used to treat depression—though, the drug is also used as a smoking cessation aid under the name Zyban. Since Wellbutrin affects brain chemistry, it should not be stopped without consulting your doctor. The best way to stop Wellbutrin is to taper off usage under the care of a doctor, taking note of any side effects that may occur during the process.
Whether or not the person took the drug as prescribed, or as a drug of choice for abuse, the risks, barriers, and difficulties of abrupt Wellbutrin withdrawal are well-documented. Gently tapering off Wellbutrin is the safest approach to managing Wellbutrin withdrawal symptoms. Cold turkey Wellbutrin withdrawal is NOT recommended, except in the case of a medical emergency, such as seizures presenting while on this antidepressant drug. There are many reasons to NOT quit Wellbutrin cold turkey, as well as trying to quit too suddenly. Do not stop taking Wellbutrin without first speaking to your doctor.
Lengthier use of Wellbutrin will likely produce more intense withdrawal symptoms than short-term consumption. Similarly, higher doses typically lead to a stricter withdrawal process than lower ones. It is because your brain gets more accustomed to the drug’s presence over time.
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. Like all antidepressants, it offers many potential benefits but doesn’t work for everyone. Unlike the others, however, it carries a much lower risk of withdrawal symptoms. Withdrawal symptoms of Wellbutrin may include excessive perspiration, digestive problems, insomnia, and others that are outlined in this article. Generally, weaning off bupropion takes two to four weeks under medical supervision; however, everyone’s timeline differs based on individual factors.
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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. This is why it’s advisable for anyone looking to overcome Wellbutrin addiction to seek out proper treatment for withdrawal.
There are numerous withdrawal symptoms that one might experience when they decide to go cold turkey on Wellbutrin. Common side effects and withdrawal symptoms include both physical and psychological symptoms caused by addiction to the drug. Wellbutrin withdrawal occurs when you suddenly stop taking your medication. You may experience withdrawal symptoms like brain zaps, insomnia, suicidal ideation, vomiting, dizziness, and tremors. The best way to prevent Wellbutrin withdrawal symptoms is to talk to your doctor about creating a tapering schedule. Regarding antidepressant medications, SSRIs are commonly prescribed for depression and other mental health conditions.
Wellbutrin Withdrawal Symptoms: Antidepressant Discontinuation Syndrome
Still, if you’re thinking of quitting Wellbutrin, talk to your doctor. They can create a gradual tapering schedule in which you slowly wean off the medication, which can reduce symptoms and help your body adjust to lower doses. Wellbutrin, also known as bupropion, is a medication commonly used to treat depression, seasonal affective disorder, and smoking cessation. While it can be an effective treatment for these conditions, stopping the medication abruptly can lead to withdrawal symptoms and potentially serious complications.
Clinicians, family members, and friends can provide the much-needed support you need to go through a Wellbutrin withdrawal. Exercise has been shown to produce chemical substances that help to alleviate symptoms of depression. A great recommendation for exercise is at least 45 minutes a day for at least 3 days a week. When you want to wean a child off breast milk, you don’t just stop breastfeeding one day and start feeding the child solid food. You allow the child some time to adjust to the changing meals and give his body a heads-up about the eventual change that is about to occur. It’s also important to remember recovery from addiction is a personal journey, and the path to recovery can vary for each individual.
- Antidepressants are among the top three most commonly prescribed medications in the United States.
- This combination might be recommended by healthcare professionals to address nicotine withdrawal symptoms.
- With the right treatment and support, one can achieve recovery without too many dire consequences.
- Understanding these signs is the first step towards managing them effectively.
Signs and Symptoms of Wellbutrin Withdrawal
In a somewhat puzzling set of guidelines, regulars recommend Zyban for quitting smoking but not for treating depression. Brand names in the US include Aplenzin©, Buproban©, ForfivoXL©, Wellbutrin SR©, Wellbutrin XL©, Zyban©, Zyban Advantage Pack©, and Budeprion XL©. The stimulant effects of Wellbutrin were overlooked in early research, but researchers have more closely studied these in recent years.
Medication-Assisted Treatment
- Furthermore, mixing Wellbutrin with other antidepressant medications, especially those that influence serotonin levels, can be dangerous as it raises the risk of serotonin syndrome.
- They may abuse bupropion by crushing the pills and snorting the powder, although some people also inject this antidepressant too 5.
- Here are a few tips that can make it easier to manage the withdrawal process.
- Symptoms may differ based on various elements, from dosage to individual health circumstances.
- If you are in need of support regarding withdrawal and recovery assistance, please don’t hesitate to contact us.
- The dosage regimen of Wellbutrin is dependent on your doctor’s diagnosis and current therapeutic intervention phase.
We adhere to strict editorial standards as declared in our editorial policy. We only reference evidence-based, peer-reviewed publications, reputable medical associations or government health websites as our source of information. Wellbutrin can increase the risk of suicidal thinking and behavior in children, teenagers, and young adults between the ages of 18 and 24. Before getting carried away by Wellbutrin’s efficacy, please note that you should inform your doctor about all the drugs you are taking, both prescription and over-the-counter drugs.
Published papers have shown that bupropion’s molecular profile is similar to that of amphetamines and cocaine. By Corinne O’Keefe can i stop wellbutrin cold turkey OsbornCorinne Osborn is an award-winning health and wellness journalist with a background in substance abuse, sexual health, and psychology. If you are having suicidal thoughts, contact the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 988 for support and assistance from a trained counselor. If you are having suicidal thoughts, contact the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 988 for support and assistance from a trained counselor.
Special Warning About Wellbutrin Withdrawal Symptoms
Wellbutrin is often prescribed to treat depression and help people quit smoking. Unlike other antidepressants, such as Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors, it inhibits your brain’s reuptake of dopamine, norepinephrine, and serotonin. In some cases, individuals may also use both Wellbutrin and nicotine replacement therapy to help them quit smoking. This combination might be recommended by healthcare professionals to address nicotine withdrawal symptoms. However, it’s essential to undergo smoking cessation under the supervision and guidance of a healthcare provider.