Wellbutrin, cocaine, and amphetamines are all DRI drugs (dopamine reuptake inhibitors). To compare effects, cocaine is a DRI, meaning it enhances the stimulating effects by Inhibiting the reuptake of dopamine. Please note that all the above estimated times can vary according to an individual’s general health, dosage, and other factors. Should a protracted withdrawal develop, be sure to enlist a professional to help you who is familiar with Wellbutrin alternatives and withdrawal management. Wellbutrin (bupropion) is a common antidepressant that’s also prescribed for many other conditions such as anxiety, attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), bipolar disorder, and more.

And if you are not in psychotherapy, find a therapist in the directory and schedule some appointments. Our fun & effective California and Florida treatment programs are evidence-based and covered by most major insurance providers, with expert staff and a great alumni and aftercare program. If you or a loved one are struggling with drug dependence or addiction, our world-class treatment programs are here to help you get sober. By following these tips, you can help your body adjust to the change and reduce the likelihood of experiencing withdrawal symptoms.

Tapering off Wellbutrin

  • When you take your Wellbutrin as prescribed, you will develop a dependence on the medication.
  • But you might’ve also wondered at some point, Do I still need to take these if I’m feeling good?
  • Some of these benefits might include more energy, a brighter mood, a better quality of sleep, more vitality overall, and therefore not needing the artificial stimulation of medication.
  • By using these preventive measures, you can reduce the chance of experiencing severe withdrawal symptoms and make the process of stopping Wellbutrin much smoother.
  • Besides treating off-label diagnoses like ADHD, Bupropion’s unique pharmacological profile has led to its off-label use in conditions such as bipolar depression, anxiety disorders, and neuropathic pain.

Research has found that people who engage in evidence-based therapy (like CBT) throughout treatment, remission, and tapering are less likely to relapse into depression than people who don’t, 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.

  • This is not typically recommended for a severe addiction or someone who has a co-occurring medical or psychological condition.
  • However, this may not be true for people who abuse Wellbutrin or take it with other drugs.
  • The content of this article is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, examination, diagnosis, or treatment.
  • Stopping Wellbutrin should be done carefully to avoid any unpleasant withdrawal symptoms.

Wellbutrin has a half-life of 21 (±9) hours,4 which is about average for antidepressants. The longer the half-life, the slower the medication will leave your body, which, generally speaking, makes the tapering easier. As is common with stimulants, fatigue, and depression are common features of this withdrawal. If you take high doses of Wellbutrin, your doctor may suggest reducing the amount by small increments every few days or weeks. This gradual reduction gives your body time to adjust without causing a sudden shock to your system. Following a tapering schedule is the safest way to stop Wellbutrin while avoiding or minimizing withdrawal symptoms.

Your addiction does not have to define who you are.

By using these coping strategies, you can manage Wellbutrin withdrawal symptoms more effectively and make the transition smoother. Always keep in close contact with your healthcare provider throughout the process. If your symptoms become too severe to manage on your own, don’t hesitate to seek medical help. This includes symptoms like extreme mood swings, thoughts of self-harm, or severe physical symptoms. Your doctor will guide you on how to taper off Wellbutrin based on your specific situation. They will likely suggest a tapering schedule that gradually lowers your dose over a few weeks.

Long-Term Treatment for Wellbutrin Withdrawal

Never stop Wellbutrin on your own without talking to your doctor, as this can lead to more severe withdrawal symptoms. Bupropion, commonly marketed as Wellbutrin, is used to treat depression and help people stop smoking. 2 Like many medications, your body can become used to Wellbutrin over time. Stopping Wellbutrin cold turkey or reducing your dosage too quickly, you might experience withdrawal symptoms. This happens because your brain and body have adjusted to the medication’s effects, and when it’s no longer present, they need time to readjust.

Addiction Resource is an educational platform for sharing and disseminating information about addiction and substance abuse recovery centers. Addiction Resource is not a healthcare provider, nor does it claim to offer sound medical advice to anyone. Addiction Resource does not favor or support any specific recovery center, nor do we claim to ensure the quality, validity, or effectiveness of any particular treatment center. No one should assume the information provided on Addiction Resource as authoritative and should always defer to the advice and care provided by a medical doctor. Coping strategies of Wellbutrin withdrawal symptoms include gradual tapering of the medication under healthcare provider guidance.

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Your prescribing physician may be able to guide you on how to cut the dosage which may involve actually cutting the pills. In the case of Wellbutrin, the lowest dosage is 75mg yellow round tablets. The tablets can be cut in half when needed providing a 37.5mg option, but it will lose the extended-release attribute, which reduces the half-life elimination of the drug.

In cases of overdose, whether accidental or intentional, Bupropion can lead to serious medical consequences. The risk of overdose is heightened when exceeding prescribed dosages, combining Bupropion with other substances, or in individuals with pre-existing medical conditions. The results we achieve for our clients at Alternative to Meds Center would never be possible with a cookie-cutter-style program. Each client has a program aimed toward neurotransmitter rehabilitation, designed specifically for their needs and their health profile.

The safest way to stop taking antidepressants is to slowly taper down your dose. Working with your doctor, you can reduce your dose over the course of one or two weeks. 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. Quitting cold turkey can worsen these symptoms, and they can last longer than if you had tapered off slowly. If you want to stop Wellbutrin, always work with your doctor to develop a safe plan.

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. The best way to prevent bupropion withdrawal symptoms is to work with your doctor to gradually taper off the Wellbutrin. They will create a tapering plan that’s individualized for you based on factors like your dosage, your health, and how long you’ve been taking the medication. During the tapering process they will adjust the regimen if you experience unwanted side effects or symptoms.

On the other hand, if your symptoms have only kinda gone away, or a couple are still hanging around, you’re not completely in remission. Unlike withdrawal from opioids, alcohol, or other types of antidepressants (e.g. SSRIs), physical symptoms of withdrawal after stopping Wellbutrin are not commonly reported. Discontinuation of Wellbutrin results in withdrawal how do i wean myself off of wellbutrin symptoms for some individuals. Wellbutrin withdrawal symptoms include mood changes like irritability and heightened emotional sensitivity, as well as physical symptoms such as headaches, fatigue, and dizziness. These symptoms vary in duration and intensity, and manifest differently for each individual. Of course it’s always a good idea to taper off, rather than stop suddenly.

Understanding Wellbutrin Withdrawal: Symptoms, Causes and Coping Strategies

When individuals misuse or abuse Wellbutrin, they may develop a dependence on the drug, leading to Bupropion withdrawal symptoms upon cessation. Yet approximately 20% of patients experience Wellbutrin withdrawal symptoms when abruptly ceasing or significantly reducing the dosage of an antidepressant they have been taking continuously for one month. Research for other antidepressants indicates that lowering the dosage every 4 weeks may be a safe strategy to minimize the risk of withdrawal and rebound symptoms. Administering a safe and effective Wellbutrin tapering program must include helping to prevent a person’s symptoms from returning as the medication is being incrementally reduced. The goal is to administer Wellbutrin tapering without these fluctuations, without major or intense Wellbutrin discontinuation symptoms, and without a return of original symptoms as much as possible. Alternative to Meds Center has been helping clients wean off Wellbutrin and many other drugs safely and gently for more than a decade and a half.

Bupropion is the only approved antidepressant with this chemical capacity. After your Wellbutrin taper, any long-term treatment will be directed toward treating the condition that led you to take Wellbutrin in the first place. If you are struggling with depression, your doctor may want to switch you to an SSRI that you haven’t tried before or suggest other options. Finding the right medication or combination of medications can take several tries. Antidepressants such as Wellbutrin affect certain neurotransmitters in your brain, the chemical messengers that help with complex functions such as eating, sleeping, and emotional regulation.