Coming Off Antidepressants: How to Know Whether You’re Ready to Taper Off

In Glenmullen’s experience, patients quitting Wellbutrin often feel symptoms like those quitting nicotine do, such as extreme agitation and uncharacteristically hostile, rude, or aggressive behavior. Sobriety—whether from substances, bad relationships, or unnecessary medications—isn’t just about removing things from your life. This is why tapering off Wellbutrin should be done with the same seriousness and structure as getting sober.

You reside at home and attend detox sessions for a few hours each week. This is not typically recommended for a severe addiction or someone who has a co-occurring medical or psychological condition. People refer to Wellbutrin as “poor man’s cocaine” due to its stimulant-like effects and high.6 And chronic Wellbutrin abuse can lead to more severe physiological dependence and subsequent withdrawal. Your doctor may also recommend you switch to a different antidepressant if the reason for your tapering was because of Wellbutrin side effects. Transcend Recovery Community is dedicated to helping individuals in their journey through withdrawal and recovery from addiction. Abusing Wellbutrin, like any other substance, carries significant risks and can be extremely dangerous.

Treatments

There’s no way to know how your body will react, so even if you know someone who has done this and didn’t have complications, it’s not safe to take the gamble. It's crucial to recognize that recovery is an ongoing process with no finish line. This is why it's so important to stay connected with your health providers and support network in case of any potential relapse. Wellbutrin is an antidepressant designed to regulate brain neurotransmitters to alleviate depression. Generally, it is prescribed as a standalone medication, not to be combined with any other drugs. However, there are individuals who ignore the warnings and choose to mix it with other substances.

How should I discuss tapering off Wellbutrin with my healthcare provider?

  • But in practice, Dr. DeYoung says, everyone’s symptoms are unique to them—and therefore, so is what their recovery looks like.
  • Factors such as dosage, the duration of Wellbutrin use, and the approach to discontinuing Wellbutrin can influence the timeline.
  • Always reach out to your doctor if these symptoms are affecting your quality of life.
  • But in practice, many doctors look for at least six if not 12 months of full recovery before stopping “maintenance” antidepressants, Dr. DeYoung says.
  • 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, 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.

  • They may abuse bupropion by crushing the pills and snorting the powder, although some people also inject this antidepressant too 5.
  • 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.
  • These include the dosage and duration of use, as well as a person's unique physiology.
  • As an antidepressant, Wellbutrin helps with mood swings and depression symptoms that one might experience.
  • You may need extra therapy sessions to help you manage for a while.

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. 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. The effects of stopping Wellbutrin can be quite intense, potentially involving physical symptoms and quite possibly even a relapse into depression.

Psychotherapy, or talk therapy, is a long-term process in which you explore the reasons for your feelings and actions. Together with a qualified therapist, you will learn how to work toward the life you want by reforming the unhealthy patterns standing in your way. A place to discuss your medical experiences with bupropion, aka Wellbutrin / Voxra / Zyban.This is community run, not medical professionals. ADS is an umbrella term for all the symptoms you might be experiencing when you’re discontinuing your antidepressant. Withdrawing from an antidepressant you were previously taking could result in unpleasant symptoms, including headaches, nausea, or sleep difficulties.

How long will Wellbutrin withdrawal symptoms last?

Serotonin syndrome is a life-threatening condition characterized by symptoms such as confusion, agitation, rapid heartbeat, high blood pressure, and elevated body temperature. It is crucial to avoid combining Wellbutrin with such medications to prevent this serious and potentially fatal condition. During your taper, it’s essential to stay tuned into how you’re feeling.

While it is generally considered a safe and effective medication, suddenly stopping its use can lead to uncomfortable and even dangerous withdrawal symptoms. In this article, we will explore whether it is possible to stop Wellbutrin cold turkey after just two weeks and what you should consider before making such a decision. Supporting those that are taking antidepressants for anxiety, depression, OCD, panic disorder, etc. This sub is for offering support, sharing experiences, sharing information, helping people in withdrawal or tapering. This is not a substitute for medical advice, all medication changes should be discussed with your doctor.

Treatment

You might choose to stop taking your antidepressants after deciding with your doctor that it’s the best decision for your mental health. Symptoms may differ based on various elements, from dosage to individual health circumstances. They vary based on several factors – everything from dosage to personal health conditions plays a part. People with solid physical health often recover faster from withdrawal symptoms than those with weaker constitutions.

These episodes are often marked by intense feelings of sadness, hopelessness, and despair, which can sometimes escalate to include severe symptoms such as suicidal thoughts and frequent crying spells. It's worth mentioning that this timeline may vary from person to person experiencing Wellbutrin withdrawal symptoms. Factors such as dosage, the duration of Wellbutrin use, and the approach to discontinuing Wellbutrin can influence the timeline.

Some individuals might try and get "high" from it, as Wellbutrin addiction can develop relatively easily. This altered state of consciousness is not medically recommended and should be generally avoided. 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. If you're considering taking Wellbutrin, it's important to keep in mind that this medication should not be taken without supervision by a healthcare provider.

These are like a mirror image of the benefits provided by Wellbutrin; if it gave you energy, now you might feel fatigued. Regular exercise, even brisk walking or yoga, can alleviate some physical symptoms and boost mood by triggering endorphin release. Keep yourself hydrated by having a container of water close at all times to stop your symptoms from worsening due to dehydration. Mixing Wellbutrin with other substances like alcohol or illicit drugs further complicates the picture. These combinations can intensify withdrawal effects, making it much harder for you to manage them effectively. Harvard Health explains that having more mood-regulating chemicals floating around can reduce depressive symptoms and improve mood.

Do not stop taking your antidepressant all of a sudden, and discuss safe can i stop wellbutrin cold turkey after 2 weeks 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. If you are experiencing Wellbutrin withdrawal symptoms after stopping this antidepressant, make sure you alert your therapist or doctor so they can support you during this uncomfortable time. You may need extra therapy sessions to help you manage for a while. This tapering schedule may last for a few weeks until you eventually reach 0mg.

Are you unraveling the mystery of Wellbutrin withdrawal symptoms and timeline? You’ve learned how Wellbutrin works, why stopping can lead to a Wellbutrin withdrawal timeline here, and what signs may pop up. 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.

Additionally, it can also be categorized as an off-label medication to treat conditions like ADHD, bipolar disorder, and sexual dysfunction. As a leader in the sober living community, Transcend Recovery Community aims to shed light on this issue and help those suffering from Wellbutrin withdrawal. If you are in need of support regarding withdrawal and recovery assistance, please don't hesitate to contact us. Scroll on to learn more about Wellbutrin withdrawal and its effects. If Wellbutrin didn’t help, work with your doctor to find a different medication or combination of medications that might be more effective. And if you are not in psychotherapy, find a therapist in the directory and schedule some appointments.

I have to quit Bupropion cold turkey. Has anyone else had to?

Wellbutrin (Bupropion), which is not an SSRI, also plays a significant role in treating these conditions. Our offerings include medical detox, support groups, access to healthcare professionals, counseling, and behavioral therapy, ensuring we provide a complete spectrum of support. Furthermore, mixing Wellbutrin with other antidepressant medications, especially those that influence serotonin levels, can be dangerous as it raises the risk of serotonin syndrome.