Author: Alex Thompson

3 Ways to Stop Taking Wellbutrin

Bupropion antidepressant is less likely to cause sexual side effects and weight gain. Wellbutrin is one of the most commonly prescribed medications to treat depression, anxiety, and other mood disorders. In 2021, over 29 million prescriptions for Wellbutrin were issued in the United States.

1. 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.
2. Marketed as Zyban, Bupropion is a significant pharmacotherapy for smoking cessation in the Western world over the past decade.
3. Often, more support is needed than can realistically be provided in an outpatient setting, and inpatient care is preferred.
4. As it concerns Wellbutrin (bupropion) however, there is less of a consensus on whether or not tapering is necessary.

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. Wellbutrin, cocaine, and amphetamines are all DRI drugs (dopamine reuptake inhibitors). To compare effects, cocaine is a DRI, meaning it enhances the stimulating effects by Inhibiting the reuptake of dopamine. The results we achieve for our clients at Alternative to Meds Center would never be possible with a cookie-cutter-style program. Each client has a program aimed toward neurotransmitter rehabilitation, designed specifically for their needs and their health profile.

By Corinne O’Keefe OsbornCorinne Osborn is an award-winning health and wellness journalist with a background in substance abuse, sexual health, and psychology. 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.

Drug information

Alternative to Meds Center has been helping clients wean off Wellbutrin and many other drugs safely and gently for more than a decade and a half. Part of the center’s success comes from sound principles of holistic treatment in a safe and nurturing inpatient setting. Bupropion is approved as an antidepressant, offering an alternative for individuals with MDD. It works by inhibiting the reuptake of norepinephrine and dopamine in the brain. Bupropion is the only approved antidepressant with this chemical capacity. While the therapeutic benefits of Wellbutrin are well-documented, the discontinuation of this medication may, for some individuals, result in Wellbutrin withdrawal symptoms.

Stopping Wellbutrin may cause certain side effects, also known as withdrawal symptoms. AddictionResource aims to present the most accurate, trustworthy, and up-to-date medical content to our readers. Our team does their best for our readers to help them stay informed about vital healthcare decisions. Our addiction treatment specialists are here to assist you in verifying your insurance coverage.

❓ Is Wellbutrin Detox Necessary?

Marketed as Zyban, Bupropion is a significant pharmacotherapy for smoking cessation in the Western world over the past decade. Unlike other smoking cessation pharmacotherapies, it constitutes a non-nicotine treatment. By reducing withdrawal symptoms and cravings, it assists individuals in overcoming nicotine dependence.

Abruptly stopping is NOT recommended, as it can intensify and even prolong these reactions. Discontinuing this medication may lead to Wellbutrin withdrawal symptoms, including mood changes, fatigue, and irritability. Consult a healthcare professional for personalized guidance on tapering off the medication to ensure a smoother recovery. Yes, it is generally recommended to taper off 150 mg Wellbutrin gradually under the guidance of a healthcare professional. Abrupt discontinuation may lead to withdrawal symptoms and tapering helps minimize potential side effects.

Like some other antidepressants, Wellbutrin carries an FDA warning about the risk of suicidal ideation in children, teens, and young adults. If you were using Wellbutrin to quit smoking, your nicotine cravings might return when you stop taking the drug, but they’re likely to be milder than what you’d experience without having taken the drug. According to Joseph Glenmullen, M.D., author of The Antidepressant Solution, irritability is a common symptom.

Factors That Can Affect Wellbutrin Detox

✔️ Stopping any drug, including Wellbutrin, all at once isn’t recommended. Consider talking to a doctor before making any adjustments to the amount of Wellbutrin you’re taking. This type of intensive program isn’t typically needed for managing Wellbutrin withdrawal. That is, unless you’re detoxing from other substances known to cause severe withdrawal.

This syndrome arises due to the adjustments the body and brain undergo when the medication is removed, leading to a temporary state of imbalance. Withdrawal can occur when individuals discontinue the medication, either as part of a prescribed treatment plan or after the abuse of the drug. Wellbutrin, an atypical antidepressant, primarily inhibits the reuptake of norepinephrine and dopamine in the brain. Unlike many other antidepressants, Bupropion has minimal effect on serotonin. This unique mechanism is thought to contribute to its efficacy and tolerability.

Should a protracted withdrawal develop, be sure to enlist a professional to help you who is familiar with Wellbutrin alternatives and withdrawal management. Call us today to learn more about Wellbutrin detox and to find detox options at a treatment center that’s right for you. Wellbutrin is sometimes prescribed, or misused, along with other drugs. If you are stopping multiple drugs, not just Wellbutrin, additional risks and dangers may apply.

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As is common with stimulants, fatigue, and depression are common features of this withdrawal. Our writers and reviewers are experienced professionals in medicine, addiction treatment, and healthcare. AddictionResource fact-checks all the information before publishing and uses only credible and trusted sources when citing any medical data. 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.

Will a Person’s Original Symptoms Return When Stopping Wellbutrin?

However, this may not be true for people who abuse Wellbutrin or take it with other drugs. 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. Although Wellbutrin is not generally considered addictive, cases of Bupropion abuse have been reported. When individuals misuse or abuse Wellbutrin, they may develop a dependence on the drug, leading to withdrawal symptoms upon cessation. Wellbutrin withdrawal symptoms aren’t common, but those who experience them may become agitated and irritable.

Finding the right medication or combination of medications can take several tries. We are here to provide assistance in locating an Ark Behavioral Health treatment center that may meet your treatment needs. Detox may become dangerous if you try to stop taking Wellbutrin cold-turkey or without first seeking medical guidance from a health care professional. Find answers to frequently asked questions about Wellbutrin detox, withdrawal, and treatment options for Wellbutrin abuse. Medical detox is a medically supervised detox program that typically takes place in a detox facility or other inpatient treatment setting. Wellbutrin is an antidepressant, but it belongs to a category of drugs that is different from other common antidepressants like Prozac and Zoloft.