Understanding Wellbutrin Withdrawal: Symptoms, Causes and Coping Strategies

Wellbutrin is commonly prescribed for major depression, seasonal affective disorder, ADHD, and smoking cessation. It often helps improve mood and energy in many users. However, discontinuing Wellbutrin can lead to withdrawal symptoms, especially if the dose is reduced quickly or if the medication is stopped abruptly.

Wellbutrin withdrawal symptoms include mood changes like irritability and anxiety, as well as physical symptoms such as headaches, dizziness, or fatigue. Healthcare providers generally recommend gradually tapering the medication rather than stopping it suddenly to manage withdrawal effects better.

Table of Contents

• Wellbutrin (Bupropion) Uses
• What is Wellbutrin Abuse and Overdose?
• Wellbutrin Withdrawal Syndrome
• Bupropion Withdrawal Syndrome Symptoms
• Coping Strategies for Bupropion Withdrawal
• Antidepressant Withdrawal Takeaways
• People Also Ask

What is Wellbutrin Withdrawal?

When someone stops Wellbutrin (bupropion) suddenly, the brain and body react with withdrawal symptoms. After discontinuing the medication, the brain needs time to rebalance since it has been relying on the drug to maintain its natural chemical levels and regulate certain neurotransmitters. During this transition, some individuals may experience physical or emotional symptoms until their bodies stabilize.

There are two ways in which withdrawal symptoms appear: stopping the medication as a part of the treatment plan or suddenly stopping after misusing the drug for some time.

What is Wellbutrin Abuse and Overdose?

Although Bupropion shares structural and pharmacologic similarities with amphetamine, it was initially believed to lack psychostimulant effects. Nevertheless, clinical observations and a growing number of case reports indicate instances of Bupropion abuse.

Wellbutrin Withdrawal Syndrome

Bupropion withdrawal syndrome refers to the collection of symptoms that individuals may experience when discontinuing or reducing the dosage.

This syndrome arises due to the adjustments the body and brain undergo when the medication is removed, leading to a temporary state of imbalance. Bupropion withdrawal can occur when individuals discontinue the medication, either as part of a prescribed treatment plan or after the abuse of the drug.

Bupropion Withdrawal Syndrome Symptoms

Mild withdrawal symptoms can occur after stopping almost any type of antidepressant. These symptoms usually appear within 2 to 4 days of discontinuing the medication and often last 1 to 2 weeks, though in rare cases they may persist longer.

Restarting the same or a similar medication may relieve symptoms within one to three days. However, Wellbutrin withdrawal symptoms can differ in duration and severity from person to person and may include physical and psychological symptoms:

Physical Symptoms

• Flue-like sensations
• Headaches
• Fatigue
• Nausea or vomiting
• Stomach cramps
• Lightheadedness
• Numb feelings in the face, lips, and limbs

Psychological Symptoms

• Heightened anxiety
• Mood swings
• Irritability or angry outbursts
• Low mood
• Insomnia
• Nightmares
• Brain zaps – (the person experiences a brief electric shock in the head)
• Suicidal ideation

How Long Does Wellbutrin Withdrawal Last?

Wellbutrin withdrawal is not the same for everyone. The symptoms can vary from person to person, but they usually begin within a few days after stopping the medication. For most people, the withdrawal phase may last for a couple of weeks before the body gradually readjusts and symptoms begin to improve.

Some factors determine how long the withdrawal lasts. The withdrawal timeline varies from one person to another.

Factors Influencing Duration

• Dosage and duration: When a person uses Wellbutrin for longer durations and in higher doses, the chances of withdrawal symptoms continuing longer are also high.
• Individual health: The person’s physical health also determines how long withdrawal symptoms last. With robust health, managing withdrawal symptoms gets easier.
• Tapering approach: Slowly reducing the dose under a doctor’s guidance usually makes withdrawal more manageable than stopping abruptly.
• Pre-existing mental health conditions: If a person already has mental health challenges like anxiety or depression, withdrawal may feel more intense, and they might need extra support to navigate the challenges. 

Wellbutrin Withdrawal Timeline

Withdrawal symptoms usually begin once most of the drug is out of your system. Bupropion’s half-life is about 21 hours. The half-life is the time it takes for the body to eliminate half of a drug; shorter half-lives can lead to quicker withdrawal effects.

Knowing this timeline helps both individuals and healthcare providers better anticipate and manage withdrawal symptoms.

Initial Phase: Days 1 – 3

After the last dose of Wellbutrin, mild withdrawal symptoms can start to appear, including anxiety, irritability, mild headaches, and fatigue, as the body and brain begin adjusting to the absence of the medication.

Peak Phase: Days 4 – 7

During this period, withdrawal symptoms often reach their peak. For many, this is the toughest phase to deal with. Mood swings, sleep problems, dizziness, nausea, muscle aches, increased irritability, and changes in appetite are common symptoms. 

Week 2 – 4: Stability Phase

By the second week, many people begin to feel relief as physical symptoms like dizziness, nausea, and headaches ease, moods start to stabilize, and sleep patterns improve. However, some lingering anxiety, low mood, or sleep difficulties may still persist and require therapeutic support.

One Month and Beyond: Recovery Phase

For most, withdrawal eases within a month, but some may still need coping strategies, especially for long-term or high-dose users, who might have lingering mild symptoms, making ongoing support helpful.

How to Stop Taking Wellbutrin Safely

Safe withdrawal is possible when an individual follows a gradual tapering plan. This typically involves slowly reducing the dose over several weeks—for example, from 300 mg to 150 mg, then 75 mg, before fully discontinuing the medication. Tapering helps the body heal, and the brain slowly adjusts to the absence of Wellbutrin. Self-tapering is not advised as it is risky, and medical guidance is essential for altering the medication dose.

When To Seek Professional Help

Managing Wellbutrin withdrawal is usually feasible, but it is crucial to seek medical assistance if severe symptoms occur, such as intense mood swings, suicidal thoughts, or major physical effects. Additionally, consulting a healthcare professional becomes necessary if symptoms last longer than a month or if pre-existing mental health conditions could complicate withdrawal.

Coping Strategies for Bupropion Withdrawal

Coping with Bupropion withdrawal involves implementing strategies to manage and alleviate potential symptoms. Here are some coping strategies:

• Gradual Tapering: Work closely with your healthcare provider to develop a tapering schedule. Gradual reduction of the medication can help minimize withdrawal symptoms.
• Psychotherapy: Consider incorporating psychotherapy or counseling into your treatment plan. Therapy can provide support and a safe space to discuss emotional aspects of the Wellbutrin withdrawal process.
• Mindfulness and Relaxation Techniques: Practice mindfulness, deep breathing or meditation to manage stress and anxiety associated with withdrawal.
• Social Support: Engage with a support network of friends, family or a support group. Receiving encouragement can be valuable during the withdrawal process.
• Pharmacological Support: In some cases, healthcare providers may recommend temporary use of other medications to manage specific withdrawal symptoms, such as anxiety or insomnia.

Antidepressant Withdrawal Takeaways

Navigating Bupropion withdrawal can be a challenging and disheartening journey, but remember you’re not alone

Reach out to professionals for support. If Wellbutrin doesn’t work, don’t despair and follow your doctor’s advice. Be patient, trust the recovery journey, and know that healing is a collaborative effort with dedicated professionals by your side. Gradual tapering, open communication with healthcare providers, and a robust support network are paramount.

People Also Ask

What happens when you stop taking Wellbutrin?

Discontinuing this medication may lead to Wellbutrin withdrawal manifestations, including mood changes, fatigue, and irritability. Consult a healthcare professional for personalized guidance on tapering off the medication to ensure a smoother recovery.

Do I need to taper off 150 mg Wellbutrin?

Yes, it is generally recommended to taper off 150 mg of Wellbutrin gradually under the guidance of a healthcare professional. You should not try to start getting off Wellbutrin by yourself, as abrupt discontinuation may lead to withdrawal symptoms while weaning off Wellbutrin slowly helps to minimize potential side effects.

How to taper off Wellbutrin?

You should not stop taking Wellbutrin without first speaking to your healthcare provider. If you need to stop taking Wellbutrin, follow your physician’s instructions on how to stop taking Wellbutrin safely. They may slowly lower your dose over 6 to 8 weeks to prevent withdrawal symptoms. This is called tapering down and a common timeline that your doctor can recommend when tapering off a moderate dose of 150mg is the following wellbutrin taper schedule:

• Week 1-2: Reduce to 100 mg daily
• Week 3-4: Reduce to 75 mg daily
• Week 5-6: Reduce to 50 mg daily
• Week 7-8: Discontinue

How long does Wellbutrin anxiety last?

Wellbutrin-induced anxiety is usually transient and may last a few days to a couple of weeks after starting the medication. If anxiety persists or worsens, consult your healthcare provider for guidance on managing side effects or adjusting your treatment plan.

Will missing a few doses of Wellbutrin cause withdrawal?

For most people, missing a single dose or even a day typically doesn’t cause withdrawal. The withdrawal symptoms are more likely if the medication is abruptly stopped after long-term use for several days, rather than from just one or two missed doses.

Is it necessary to taper off Wellbutrin?

Yes, the safest way to prevent withdrawal and stop drug use is through gradual tapering. This minimizes withdrawal symptoms and lowers the risk of depression or anxiety returning.

Page Sources

• Statista. (2024, January 4). Number of bupropion prescriptions in the U.S. 2004-2021.
• Vardanyan, R., & Hruby, V. (2016). Antidepressants. Synthesis of Best-Seller Drugs, 111-143.
• Clark, A., Tate, B., Urban, B., Schroeder, R., Gennuso, S., Ahmadzadeh, S., McGregor, D., Girma, B., Shekoohi, S., & Kaye, A. D. (2023). Bupropion Mediated Effects on Depression, Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder, and Smoking Cessation. Health Psychology Research, 11.
• Seasonal affective disorder. (n.d.). National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH).
• Mooney, M. E., & Sofuoglu, M. (2006b). Bupropion for the treatment of nicotine withdrawal and craving. Expert Review of Neurotherapeutics, 6(7), 965–981.
• Verbeeck, W., Bekkering, G. E., & Kramers, C. (2017). Bupropion for attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) in adults. The Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews, 2017(10).
• Berigan, T. R. (2002). The Many Uses of Bupropion and Bupropion Sustained Release (SR) in Adults. Primary Care Companion to The Journal of Clinical Psychiatry, 4(1), 30-32.
• Stall, N., Godwin, J., & Juurlink, D. (2014). Bupropion abuse and overdose. CMAJ : Canadian Medical Association Journal, 186(13), 1015.
• Gabriel, M., & Sharma, V. (2017). Antidepressant discontinuation syndrome. CMAJ : Canadian Medical Association Journal, 189(21), E747.

Retrieved on February 27, 2024.