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. 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. Occurring in a hospital, acute care setting, or freestanding detox center, this is the most intensive detox option, offering 24/7 medical care and support to keep you safe during withdrawal. Dr. Samuel Lee is a board-certified psychiatrist, specializing in a spiritually-based mental health discipline and integrative approaches. He graduated with an MD at Loma Linda University School of Medicine and did a residency in psychiatry at Cedars-Sinai Medical Center and University of Washington School of Medicine in Seattle.
Wellbutrin Withdrawals & Effects
There’s a specific timeline that individuals go through when overcoming Wellbutrin addiction. The duration and severity of bupropion withdrawal symptoms depend on several factors. These include the dosage and duration of use, as well as a person’s unique physiology. The safest and most stress-free way to discontinue Wellbutrin is to enroll in an inpatient facility that is equipped to carefully monitor and avoid severe withdrawal symptoms. Programs at Alternative to Meds Center utilize holistic psychiatry and are highly enriched with alternative treatments to safely resolve underlying causes of symptoms. Nutritional psychiatry is a fundamental pillar of regaining mental wellness.
- Prolonged drug abuse can cause dependency, making it harder to go through Wellbutrin withdrawal and might lead to a cycle of continued use.
- One of Wellbutrin’s adverse effects is seizures, and this effect is dose-dependent – the higher the dose you take, the greater the intensity of the seizures.
- Nevertheless, some people may choose to disregard this advice or may be unaware of the potential consequences.
- Transcend Recovery Community is dedicated to helping individuals in their journey through withdrawal and recovery from addiction.
- Talk to your doctor about creating a tapering schedule to safely guide you through the discontinuation process.
When to Seek Professional Help for Wellbutrin Withdrawal
Tapering allows your brain chemistry to adapt slowly to functioning without the medication. With slow tapering under medical supervision, most people can stop taking Wellbutrin with tolerable withdrawal effects. Having coping strategies and a strong support system is crucial.
Understanding Addiction
Generally, the half-life is three or four hours if someone takes it just a few times; however, can you stop taking wellbutrin cold turkey when taking it every day as prescribed by a doctor, the half-life is about 21 hours 1. How long will you have symptoms from Wellbutrin withdrawal, if you have them at all? The timeline largely depends on the half-life of this antidepressant medication. Do not attempt to stop bupropion or any antidepressant drug suddenly, or too quickly.
Medication-Assisted Treatment
Wellbutrin is thought to treat depression by changing chemicals in the brain. As a result, it can sometimes cause uncomfortable symptoms for a while when you stop taking it. The risk of withdrawal symptoms is higher if you stop taking Wellbutrin cold turkey.
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. Some people assume tapering is optional and try to stop Wellbutrin completely in one day.
- Read on to find out about the symptoms of ADS and how to best manage these symptoms once you stop taking your antidepressants.
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- If you’re experiencing headaches, they might advise you to take acetaminophen or a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) like ibuprofen (Advil).
- And if you are not in psychotherapy, find a therapist in the directory and schedule some appointments.
The extended release forms like Wellbutrin XL and Wellbutrin CT may prolong the withdrawal period slightly. This is because it takes longer to fully clear the medication from your system. For all these reasons, doctors never recommend stopping Wellbutrin abruptly. Tapering is essential for both physical safety and mental wellbeing. It’s also important to remember recovery from addiction is a personal journey, and the path to recovery can vary for each individual.
What works best will depend on the person’s unique circumstances, the extent of their addiction, and their commitment to change. 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. Prolonged drug abuse can cause dependency, making it harder to go through Wellbutrin withdrawal and might lead to a cycle of continued use.
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. Do not stop taking Wellbutrin without first speaking to your doctor.
It entails a range of emotional, mental, and physical symptoms that can significantly disrupt a person’s daily life. 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.
Wellbutrin Withdrawal Symptoms, Bupropion Side Effects, Treatment Help
The active pharmaceutical ingredient in Wellbutrin is Bupropion Hydrochloride. You live at home and attend detox treatment sessions at a clinic for up to 30 hours per week, depending on the specific program. As studies consistently show, a combination of psychotherapy and medication works better for depression and anxiety than medication alone. Reaching out to loved ones or support groups can make a big difference in managing withdrawal. Discontinuing Wellbutrin can be difficult even with a gradual taper.
This classifies it as a norepinephrine and dopamine reuptake inhibitor (NDRI). 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.
Related support groups
However, the shock of abruptly stopping Wellbutrin makes withdrawal symptoms far more intense. To safely discontinue Wellbutrin, work closely with your prescribing doctor to create a tapering schedule. This will gradually reduce your dosage over a period of weeks or months. Another major concern is the potential for suicidal thoughts during Wellbutrin withdrawal. Depression, irritability, and lack of energy already increase suicide risk.