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.

Consult Your Doctor

Your doctor is there to guide you through this process, and you don’t have to manage how do i wean myself off of wellbutrin it alone. Establishing comprehensive, evidence-based solutions to support individuals affected by substance use disorders on their path to recovery. Getting help early can make the process of stopping Wellbutrin easier and safer.

Stopping Wellbutrin may cause certain side effects, also known as withdrawal symptoms. This is the body’s reaction to the lack of Wellbutrin in your system. 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. Taking Wellbutrin for a long time may cause withdrawal if you try to stop taking it suddenly.

If you feel that any of our content is inaccurate, out-of-date, or otherwise questionable, please contact at Addiction Resource aims to provide only the most current, accurate information in regards to addiction and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. 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. In just 2 minutes, you can speak with an admissions specialist, verify your insurance, and explore treatment options that work for you. If you’re all the way down to 100 mg SR per day, you’d think perhaps seizure risk is pretty much gone at that point.

Below, we will discuss some of the main challenges and how to stay healthy during tapering from Wellbutrin (or any other of Wellbutrin’s namesakes). Use a nicotine patch or gum if you were using Wellbutrin to quit smoking. Meditate and practice mindfulness, which can help manage anxiety and cause relaxation. In our latest question and answer, the pharmacist discusses whether or not it is necessary to taper off Wellbutrin (bupropion). You, nor your loved one, are under any obligation to commit to a Treatment X treatment program when calling the helpline.

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. The safest way to stop taking Wellbutrin is to slowly reduce your dose 7, a process called tapering.

Detox Options for Wellbutrin

You may not notice withdrawal symptoms until a few days after stopping Wellbutrin. This may be because the medication can stay in your system for up to about 4 or 5 days after taking your last dose. No, it’s not advised to stop taking Wellbutrin cold turkey (stopping abruptly from your full dosage rather than tapering down your dosage gradually). 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.

Choosing the Right Detox Facility in Atlanta

• If you want to stop Wellbutrin, always work with your doctor to develop a safe plan.
• ADHD, a common neurobiological condition, features behavioral and cognitive symptoms like inattention, impulsivity, and/or excessive activity.
• For every past depressive episode, the likelihood of having another one goes up.
• But the gist is that your risk of relapse or recurrence—symptoms returning or worsening when you stop medication—goes down the longer you’ve been stable.
• Stick to the plan and do not rush the process, even if you feel fine.

Always talk to your doctor before stopping the medication so they can guide you on how to wean off Wellbutrin safely. There is fairly strong evidence that tapering most antidepressant drugs will lessen the risk of withdrawal symptoms (sometimes known as a ‘discontinuation syndrome’) occurring. Stopping Wellbutrin should be done carefully to avoid any unpleasant withdrawal symptoms.

What is Wellbutrin Abuse and Overdose?

• 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.
• Like some other antidepressants, Wellbutrin carries an FDA warning about the risk of suicidal ideation in children, teens, and young adults.
• Primary factors that can affect the detox process include whether you are also using other drugs and the nature of your Wellbutrin use.
• You can also learn how to connect with compassionate and effective 1 care for withdrawal from Wellbutrin.
• Like all antidepressants, it offers many potential benefits but doesn’t work for everyone.

You may experience withdrawal symptoms like brain zaps, insomnia, suicidal ideation, vomiting, dizziness, and tremors. The best way to prevent Wellbutrin withdrawal symptoms is to talk to your doctor about creating a tapering schedule. 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.

Your doctor can provide the support and guidance you need to streamline the process and reduce discomfort. You live at home and attend detox treatment sessions at a clinic for up to 30 hours per week, depending on the specific program. Remember to talk to your doctor first, though, as some herbal supplements can interact poorly with certain medications or health conditions.

If any symptoms become too difficult to handle, don’t hesitate to contact your doctor for further advice. By using these preventive measures, you can reduce the chance of experiencing severe withdrawal symptoms and make the process of stopping Wellbutrin much smoother. Before making any changes to your medication, schedule a conversation with your doctor or psychiatrist. They’ll evaluate your mental health, current dosage, and determine whether tapering is the right step. If you or someone you care about need help dealing with drug addiction, reach out to Gratitude Lodge.

Once you’re off the medication and feeling stable, take time to celebrate your progress. This is why tapering off Wellbutrin should be done with the same seriousness and structure as getting sober. Tapering can bring up old feelings, especially if Wellbutrin was part of your sobriety journey or helped you manage tough emotional periods. It’s important to stay connected to your support system—this could be therapy, support groups, or close friends. As it concerns Wellbutrin (bupropion) however, there is less of a consensus on whether or not tapering is necessary.

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. This is important whether the drug was prescribed for depression, or under a different name for quitting smoking, weight-loss, ADHD, or for any other reason. Whether NDRI drugs were non-prescribed or prescribed, we strongly recommend seeking guidance to mitigate these risks.