Wellbutrin is mainly given to individuals who suffer from depression. The drug starts making them feel much better and boosts their mood. Consistent drug consumption unfortunately makes the brain and body dependent on it, however. A tapering schedule is designed to help you gradually reduce your dose of Wellbutrin over time.
Common side effects and withdrawal symptoms include both physical and psychological symptoms caused by addiction to the drug. Do not stop taking Wellbutrin without first speaking to your doctor. If you need to stop taking Wellbutrin, follow your doctor’s instructions on how to safely stop taking it. They may slowly lower your dose over 6 to 8 weeks to prevent withdrawal symptoms.
Recognizing Symptoms of Wellbutrin Withdrawal
Since the drug leaves your system quickly, stopping abruptly can lead to a sudden change in brain chemistry, causing withdrawal symptoms like irritability, headaches, or trouble sleeping. If you miss a Wellbutrin dose, the best approach is to take the next scheduled dose at the regular time. Avoid doubling up to make up for the missed pill, as this can cause side effects. Consult your physician if you’re unsure what to do or experience any symptoms.
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.
- Understand that everyone is different and you can’t really compare your journey through withdrawal with that of another person.
- Understanding these signs is the first step towards managing them effectively.
- If you or someone you know struggles with an addiction, help is available at Synergy Sobriety Solutions in Palm Beach, Florida.
- Generally, treating the psychological symptoms from your underlying disorder may take some time.
- The timeline for how long it takes to detox from Wellbutrin can vary from person to person.
Wellbutrin, a brand name for bupropion, is a prescription antidepressant. At Renaissance Recovery our goal is to provide evidence-based treatment to as many individuals as possible. Give us a call today to verify your insurance coverage or to learn more about paying for addiction treatment. Physical discomfort, such as nausea and body aches, might occur too. Research suggests rebound symptoms can appear when you suddenly stop taking your medication. These are like a mirror image of the benefits provided by Wellbutrin; if it gave you energy, now you might feel fatigued.
Wellbutrin (Bupropion) Withdrawal Symptoms: How Long Do They Last?
It’s important to commit to attending therapy on an ongoing basis so you can work through various issues, address mental health symptoms, and work through problems together. 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.
How Long Does Wellbutrin Withdrawal Last? A Withdrawal Timeline
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. While Wellbutrin is an FDA-approved medication used to treat conditions like major depressive disorder (MDD), suddenly stopping antidepressants carries significant risks. Stopping Wellbutrin should be done carefully to avoid any unpleasant withdrawal symptoms. The best way to do this is by slowly reducing, or tapering, the amount you take instead of quitting all at once. 3 This allows your body to adjust to lower levels of the medication over time, reducing the chance of uncomfortable symptoms like mood swings, anxiety, or trouble sleeping.
Tapering off Wellbutrin
Mental and emotional issues, however, are still likely to persist. For example, you may suffer from irregular sleep, nightmares, and depression. You may also experience depression, confusion, and physical aches. If you are experiencing something like this, do not try to increase the dose yourself to feel the effect of the medication.
In a somewhat puzzling set of guidelines, regulars recommend Zyban for quitting smoking but not for treating depression. You live at the detox facility during Wellbutrin withdrawal but there is limited access to medical care. No matter the given name, bupropion or Wellbutrin withdrawals have the potential to cause similar adverse effects. While Wellbutrin can be discontinued safely, stopping cold turkey should never be attempted.
You can ask questions about our program, the admissions process, and more. The “IR” version stands for “immediate release” – these tend to be shorter acting than the other two subtypes. The “SR” version is “sustained release” and typically is taken twice throughout the day, while the “XL” version is “extended release” and only taken once a day. It is generally going to be easier to come off of the SR version because you can simply reduce the pills.
- At Renaissance Recovery our goal is to provide evidence-based treatment to as many individuals as possible.
- Similar to recovering from any other addiction, overcoming Wellbutrin addiction is entirely possible, albeit it may pose some challenges.
- When you begin your recovery with detox at Gratitude Lodge, you can access medications to reduce cravings and withdrawal symptoms.
- Use a nicotine patch or gum if you were using Wellbutrin to quit smoking.
- 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.
Additionally, it can also be categorized as an off-label medication to treat conditions like ADHD, bipolar disorder, and sexual dysfunction. Wellbutrin is sometimes prescribed, can you cold turkey wellbutrin or misused, along with other drugs. If you are stopping multiple drugs, not just Wellbutrin, additional risks and dangers may apply. If you or someone you know has been abusing Wellbutrin—also known as “poor man’s cocaine”—drug detox and substance abuse treatment may be recommended.
Wellbutrin withdrawal symptoms (AKA bupropion) can range from mild to moderate or be severe enough to require hospitalization. Wellbutrin is a stimulating drug and the effects look a lot like the reactions of coming off any other stimulant drug. Gradual tapering can help to avoid otherwise hard-to-tolerate discomforts as well as life-threatening or health-compromising risks. More information on the risks and phenomena of Wellbutrin withdrawal can be found below. 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.
A licensed therapist or counselor provides valuable tools for managing stress and anxiety that often come with discontinuing medication. Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) has effectively dealt with drug withdrawal situations. Regular exercise, even brisk walking or yoga, can alleviate some physical symptoms and boost mood by triggering endorphin release. Withdrawal may bring about physical effects such as headaches, exhaustion, chills, and body pains akin to flu-like sensations.
This is the body’s reaction to the lack of Wellbutrin in your system. 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. Whether you choose inpatient or outpatient care, having professional help during detox can make the experience more manageable and improve your chances of a successful recovery.
Make sure you are getting plenty of exercise, eating a healthy diet, and getting outside for some sunlight. Do your best to socialize with friends and family, and stay as productive as you can. For most individuals, they will return to normal mental functioning within a couple of weeks. For most people, the withdrawal symptoms will depend on how long they took Wellbutrin and how quickly they tapered off of it. It can be difficult for someone who has been on this medication for years to come off of it without experiencing significant withdrawal symptoms. For other individuals the withdrawal process is very minimal and may last just a few days before the majority of symptoms subside.
