The withdrawal journey from Wellbutrin doesn’t end right after the acute phase. There’s more to it, which includes rebound symptoms and post-acute withdrawal. Peachtree Wellness Mental Health offers compassionate care and personalized support to help you through every step of your recovery. Not everyone experiences all of these symptoms, and their intensity varies based on factors like dosage and how long you’ve been taking Wellbutrin.
Medical detox involves close supervision by healthcare professionals who monitor the patient’s physical and mental state. Wellbutrin withdrawal triggers irritability, anxiety, headaches, and, in more severe cases, seizures. If you experience severe psychological symptoms, persistent physical discomfort, or suicidal ideation, consult your healthcare provider immediately. Discontinuing bupropion can lead to antidepressant withdrawal symptoms, especially if done abruptly. Understanding the timeline can help individuals prepare for what to expect.
Initial Phase – First few days
Wellbutrin is different in that it doesn’t have a major effect on serotonin. Rather, it affects the levels of the neurotransmitters dopamine and noradrenaline. Consequently, the withdrawal symptoms are typically mild, or, more often, nonexistent. 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 how long does wellbutrin withdrawal last symptoms. Withdrawal symptoms of Wellbutrin may include excessive perspiration, digestive problems, insomnia, and others that are outlined in this article.
Also, keep in mind that how long a medicine lingers in the body is influenced by personal circumstances. Suicidal thoughts and feelings are much more common in young adults under the age of 24 and children, but they can strike anyone. Antidepressants cause neurons to become acclimated to a specific level of these neurochemicals in the body after long-term use. The body adjusts to these levels of neurochemicals, and abrupt shifts can result in a variety of unpleasant side effects, particularly sexual Wellbutrin side effects. We work with most insurance plans as an in-network or out-of-network provider. By Corinne O’Keefe OsbornCorinne Osborn is an award-winning health and wellness journalist with a background in substance abuse, sexual health, and psychology.
Know that you can work together and come up with strategies that can make this journey less challenging. Without the psychoactive ingredient, bodily systems may have to recalibrate, leading to flu-like symptoms and headaches in rare cases. Remember, though, it’s essential not to go solo – medical supervision is crucial when discontinuing Wellbutrin. Keep yourself hydrated by having a container of water close at all times to stop your symptoms from worsening due to dehydration. By blocking the reuptake of dopamine and norepinephrine, Wellbutrin increases their availability in the synaptic cleft.
This could help ease the transition to a new medication and ensure you’re not experiencing unpleasant symptoms. It’s important to taper your antidepressants slowly instead of stopping them suddenly. There are a million different opinions online, but when it comes to your life, health and wellness only peer reviewed reputable data matters.
Treatment Options for Wellbutrin® Addiction
- Remember to talk to your doctor first, though, as some herbal supplements can interact poorly with certain medications or health conditions.
- With 10 years of experience working in and writing about mental health and addiction treatment, societal issues, and history, she ensures the quality and authenticity of written content at RU.
- You can be monitored and tapered off Wellbutrin with the help of a medically assisted program.
- They can continue their rehabilitation and recovery in an outpatient setting or through group or individual counseling after completing residential treatment.
You, nor your loved one, are under any obligation to commit to a Treatment X treatment program when calling the helpline. Addiction Resource aims to provide only the most current, accurate information in regards to addiction and addiction treatment, which means we only reference the most credible sources available. Call us today to learn more about Wellbutrin detox and to find detox options at a treatment center that’s right for you. If you or a loved one has been misusing Wellbutrin, we may be able to help you find the treatment you’re looking for. You may also call our helpline to speak with one of our staff about whether Wellbutrin detox is right for you.
Symptoms of antidepressant discontinuation syndrome
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. Since everyone has a unique experience in regards to drug withdrawal, symptoms are subject to variation. Some people may experience anxiety and lethargy, while others may experience crying spells and body aches.
- The best way to prevent Wellbutrin withdrawal symptoms is to talk to your doctor about creating a tapering schedule.
- 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.
- This helpline is answered by Treatment X LLC, an addiction treatment provider with treatment facilities in Ohio, Pennsylvania, and California.
- If you are taking Wellbutrin® and considering ending your treatment, you must be aware of the potential withdrawal symptoms.
For some, symptoms last a few days, while for others, it may take several weeks. Following a proper tapering schedule and seeking professional help can shorten the duration and alleviate the symptoms. Coping strategies can include therapy, mindfulness practices, spending time with loved ones, engaging in physical activity, proper nutrition and sleep, herbal supplements, and relaxation techniques. If misuse has occurred, professional detox followed by drug rehab programs might be necessary. Detox options for Wellbutrin withdrawal include medical detox, non-medically managed residential detox, partial hospitalization, intensive outpatient programs, and standard outpatient detox. Transitioning into inpatient or outpatient drug rehab after completing detox can help address underlying reasons for Wellbutrin misuse.
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. Bupropion, also known by the brand name Wellbutrin, is a common antidepressant medication used to treat major depressive disorder and as a smoking cessation aid. While effective, discontinuing bupropion can lead to various withdrawal symptoms, commonly known as wellbutrin withdrawal symptoms. This article explores bupropion withdrawal symptoms, provides an overview of the withdrawal timeline, and offers practical advice on safely overcoming antidepressant withdrawal.
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. 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. 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.
Related medical questions
For every past depressive episode, the likelihood of having another one goes up. So in general, the more severe or debilitating past bouts of depression have been, the riskier it is to go off medication, Dr. Siegel explains. If you have a longer and/or more severe history of depression, the goal is typically to wait for a longer period of remission before considering tapering. During drug withdrawal, you may experience mild symptoms like headaches, nausea, dizziness, and fatigue in the initial few days. However, these symptoms are easily manageable with over-the-counter pain relievers, proper rest, and hydration.
Wellbutrin withdrawal is the body’s natural adaptation to the presence of the medication and is not the same as addiction. Symptoms may include mood swings, insomnia, nightmares, body aches, brain zaps, suicidal ideation, vomiting, dizziness, and tremors. Compared to SSRIs like Zoloft and Lexapro, Wellbutrin withdrawal symptoms tend to be milder.
Support from Social and Personal Relationships
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. The American Psychiatric Association recommends that all antidepressants be tapered down to lower the risk of withdrawal symptoms.
However, some individuals experience what’s known as “protracted withdrawal,” where certain symptoms – particularly those affecting mood and energy levels – persist for months. Days 1 to 3- Within the first three days of the last dose, it is vital to stay hydrated to help the body rid itself of the drug. It is expected to feel slight dizziness, mild nausea, and headaches, all of which can be relieved with over-the-counter medications and rest. It’s worth noting that Bupropion can still be detected in a standard drug test even if you stopped taking it a few days before the test. The problem is that when such people try to stop taking the medicine for any reason, such as a pending drug test, Bupropion withdrawal symptoms can make life extremely difficult. In addition to treating depression, bupropion is commonly prescribed for smoking cessation.