Wellbutrin (Bupropion) is a drug that is used for the treatment of depression as well as to help people quit smoking. It has become a very popular medication to treat depression because it is considered to have a minimal side effect profile compared to many other drugs. Wellbutrin is not associated with weight gain, a loss of sex drive, and loss of energy like many other antidepressants. It works as a norepinephrine-dopamine reuptake inhibitor (NDRI) as opposed to most conventional antidepressants which target serotonin.
It has become a popular off-label treatment option for chronic fatigue, sexual dysfunction, and weight loss. It is also considered a popular antidepressant augmentation strategy when used in conjunction with an SSRI. The only major side effect associated with this drug is an increase in risk of having a seizure. The medication also operates as a nicotonic receptor agonist – which explains why it helps people quit smoking. In some cases, it is even used for the treatment of attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (read more: Wellbutrin for ADHD).
Since this drug has such a low side effect profile compared to many other medications, many people try it first before SSRI’s. Although this drug has been used by many people, not everyone has a positive reaction to the drug. Others that are on it for awhile may want to come off of it and experience life naturally without the influence of an antidepressant. If you plan on withdrawing, it is important to be aware of the potential symptoms that you may experience.
Factors that influence Wellbutrin withdrawal include
As with any drug, there are various factors that are thought to influence the withdrawal process. The amount of time that you took the drug, the dosage that you took, your individual physiology, and whether you tapered all can influence the time it takes for you to recover back to “normal.”
1. Time Span
How long were you taking Wellbutrin? If you were only on it for a few weeks, you may be able to quit cold turkey without any major withdrawal symptoms. On the other hand, if you were on this drug for over a year or many years, the withdrawal process will likely be more difficult. Generally the longer you are on this medication, the more gradually you should taper off of it to minimize with withdrawal effects.
2. Dosage (100 mg, 150 mg, 300 mg) + Subtype (IR, SR, XL)
The dose that you took of Wellbutrin can be significant when it comes to withdrawal. If you were on the highest possible dose, you are going to need to conduct a gradual taper to avoid most withdrawal effects. Besides the dose, you also need to recognize that there are a few different subtypes of this medication:
- Wellbutrin IR (Immediate Release)
- Wellbutrin SR (Sustained Release)
- Wellbutrin XL (Extended Release)
The “IR” version stands for “immediate release” – these tend to be shorter acting than the other two subtypes. The “SR” version is “sustained release” and typically is taken twice throughout the day, while the “XL” version is “extended release” and only taken once a day. It is generally going to be easier to come off of the SR version because you can simply reduce the pills.
3. Cold turkey vs. Tapering
It is always recommended to conduct a gradual taper off of Wellbutrin to minimize withdrawal symptoms. Most people conduct a gradual taper by reducing their dosage 25 mg to 50 mg every 2 weeks. If you are on the XL version, the pill only comes in doses of 150 mg and 300 mg. Since you cannot simply “cut” the extended release version, you may want to switch over to the IR (immediate-release) to conduct a proper taper. If you notice a significant amount of withdrawal symptoms, taper at a slower rate.
Unless you have been taking Wellbutrin for a very short period of time, it is never recommended to quit “cold turkey.” Many people have simply quit “cold turkey” without any major side effects – including myself, but many people have experienced exacerbated withdrawals because they did not taper. It’s usually best to err on the side of caution and gradually wean yourself off of Wellbutrin.
4. Individual Physiology
It is important to point out that everyone reacts differently to these medications. Your nervous system, your environment, and your social support will all play a role in helping you through withdrawal. Believe it or not, there are people out there who barely even notice when they stop taking Wellbutrin because they exhibit “zero withdrawal” symptoms.
Yet there are other people who haven’t even taken the medication for a long term period and they exhibit very difficult withdrawal symptoms. Understand that everyone is different and you can’t really compare your journey through withdrawal with that of another person.
Wellbutrin Withdrawal Symptoms
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. You may experience everything on this list, a few symptoms, or nothing at all. This is just a collective of symptoms that have been reported during withdrawal from Wellbutrin.
- Anger: Many people experience anger and sometimes “rage” when they quit taking this medication. I remember when I stopped taking it I felt pretty angry and more impulsive than I usually do. If you have become crabby within the first week of stopping this drug, it is likely a result of the withdrawal.
- Anxiety: Some people become pretty anxious when they stop taking Wellbutrin. In most cases while on this medication, anxiety tends to increase. However, some people also experience an increase when coming off of it. Although an anxious response upon withdrawal may seem counterintuitive, it’s very possible.
- Body aches: It is pretty common to experience general muscle aches and pains throughout the body when coming off of Wellbutrin. These may be uncomfortable for a few days, but will eventually subside. If they are difficult to deal with, make sure you are getting plenty of rest, water, and consider taking some over-the-counter pain relief.
- Crying spells: You may want to cry all day when you first stop taking this medication. This is because your emotions are running rampant and your depression may have come back full force. In fact the depression that you experience during withdrawal may be even more severe than before you started the drug. Realize that the crying is normal to experience during withdrawal.
- Depersonalization: While taking this drug you may feel “depersonalized” or unlike yourself. When you stop taking it, you may continue to experience this symptom. It will eventually go away. If you panic about feeling this way, it may continue to make it worse.
- Depression: Many people feel good on the Wellbutrin and when they quit taking it, their depression rears its ugly head again. Realize that withdrawal from any medication is going to result in depression – usually pretty severe. This is because your neurotransmitter levels have not stabilized. Some people mistakenly think their depression is “worse” after the medication when really it’s a result of a chemical imbalance caused by withdrawal.
- Dizziness: Nearly all antidepressant withdrawals are associated with feelings of dizziness. If you feel dizzy when coming off of this drug, you are not alone. Most people experience some sort of dizziness and in some cases vertigo as a result of their withdrawal. This is just a sign that your body was expecting the drug and it is no longer receiving it so it reacts by making you dizzy.
- Fatigue: Since this medication has a stimulating effect and tends to give people a lot of energy, it is common to experience fatigue, lethargy, and sleepiness when someone quits this drug. For most people, the fatigue will subside within a few weeks. This is because this drug was inhibiting dopamine reuptake and norepinephrine – now you no longer have that going on.
- Headaches: During withdrawal, many people report feeling headaches – some to the point of migraines. If you are struggling with a withdrawal headache, the best thing you can do for yourself is rest, drink plenty of water, and relax.
- Increased appetite: Being on this medication tends to make people have less of an appetite.  When they quit taking it, their appetite returns to normal and they eat more.  This is associated with a weight gain that people experience when they quit Bupropion.
- Insomnia: Although most people experience insomnia while on Wellbutrin, it is also possible to experience it while coming off of the drug. During any withdrawal, your body and brain are trying to restore normal function without the drug. Therefore you may have difficulty falling asleep at night.
- Irritability: Many people become irritable when they come off of an antidepressant. Wellbutrin tends to do a great job at making people feel less depressed and more energetic. When you take away the antidepressant effect and reduce a person’s energy, they may become irritable.
- Lack of coordination: During the withdrawal period, your coordination may become “off” and you may have difficulties performing tasks. Not everyone experiences this, but if you notice that your coordination seems off, you may want to stay away from heavy machinery and/or driving until it returns.
- Libido changes: Some people report that their libido decreases during withdrawal from Wellbutrin. This is due to the fact that while they were on the medication, it actually increased their sex drive – in some cases to the point of “hypersexuality.” When quitting this medication, you may notice a temporary drop in sexual interest.
- Nausea: Many people report feeling nauseated when they quit taking Wellbutrin. This goes hand-in-hand with vomiting that people experience. The nausea may become so extreme that it causes a person to throw up. This symptom may last for awhile before you feel less nauseated.
- Seizures: One tricky symptom that needs to be highlighted is that of seizures. If you are susceptible to seizures, you should have never taken this medication in the first place. Anyways some people end up taking this medication for awhile, withdraw too quickly and experience seizures. Although these aren’t common, they do happen which is why you should always withdraw gradually with caution.
- Vomiting: It has been reported that some people end up vomiting during their withdrawal process. This is simply a natural reaction to the body trying to respond to no longer having the drug for functioning.
- Weight gain: Wellbutrin is an antidepressant that causes weight loss in many people that take it. It does this by speeding up the body’s natural metabolic response while simultaneously decreasing appetite. It has a stimulating effect for most people which also promotes activity. When people quit, their metabolism returns to a baseline, their full appetite returns, and they may become lethargic – a recipe for weight gain.
Note: It is understood that Wellbutrin stays in your system for days after your last dose.  The bupropion itself is eliminated usually within 5 days, but its active metabolites can take up to 10 days for elimination.  For this reason, discontinuation symptoms may become most noticeable after being drug-free for 5-10 days.
How long does Wellbutrin withdrawal last?
For most people, the withdrawal symptoms will depend on how long they took Wellbutrin and how quickly they tapered off of it. It can be difficult for someone who has been on this medication for years to come off of it without experiencing significant withdrawal symptoms. For other individuals the withdrawal process is very minimal and may last just a few days before the majority of symptoms subside. It is common to report withdrawal symptoms lasting up to 8 full weeks following their last dose of Wellbutrin.
Some individuals have experienced symptoms that persist for up to 90 days (3 months) following their last dose of this drug – this is evidence that everyone recovers at a different pace. I personally have been on this medication and for me it was among the easiest antidepressants to withdraw from. Although for me there were withdrawal symptoms, they were nothing compared to my experience quitting Paxil cold turkey and withdrawal from other SSRI’s. Keep in mind that everyone is different and may experience different reactions.
One person that has been on the drug for years and decides to quit may exhibit discontinuation symptoms for months following their last dose of Wellbutrin. In order to speed up the withdrawal process and eradicate any symptoms you are experiencing, it is recommended to engage in healthy activities that promote recovery. Make sure you are getting plenty of exercise, eating a healthy diet, and getting outside for some sunlight. Do your best to socialize with friends and family, and stay as productive as you can. For most individuals, they will return to normal mental functioning within a couple of weeks.
I have been on Wellbutrin 150 mg twice a day for almost 16 yrs now. I tried quitting cold turkey a few years ago and felt like I had the flu and gained 5 lbs in a week. About two years ago I tried to taper off very slowly. I was doing ok exercising regularly and eating healthy with no weight gain. A series of stressful events came up and I couldn’t handle it so I went back up to 300 mg daily.
Just a few months ago I decided to try tapering off again. My doctor cut me to 200 mg within two weeks and I had anger, insomnia, crying spells, depression and low energy. So I went up to 250 for a month feeling much better. Now I’ve been on 225 mg for two weeks and I’m stable. I’m doing Hot Yoga 3-5 days and week in addition to cardio 2x a week. I am taking SAMe, vitamin B, thyroid stabilizers, 5HTP and L Tryptophan for the insomnia.
I’m thinking I’ll stay on 225 mg until the holidays are over. I’m scared of the rapid weight gain, crying spells and low energy. I can’t afford to loose my job! I’m praying I can do this tapering. I’d be happy if I could taper to 100mg and stay there.
I’ve been taking WB and Zoloft for the last 6 months. Prior to that I was taking Zoloft and Paxil for 20 years. 2 weeks ago I ran out of my WB so for 3 days cut the 100 mg in half 2 x day. I also did the same with my zoloft. I have been free from ALL drugs for two weeks. I’ve replaced all my medication with an increase in weight lifting and walking daily. I’ve never felt better. I have tons of energy, am not fatigued until bedtime, and eat properly. I’m hoping these good feelings will continue.
However, I have those waves of depression on a daily basis, usually around 3 pm. That’s when my walking and weight lifting takes over. Am I unusual with my own side effects of going cold turkey with all my medications, or is it different for everyone? I must mention, I do take Trazadone before bed on a nightly basis, and have been taking it for 20 years. I wake up energetic and alert, ready to start the day. My question is: As time goes on, will I get all the side effects of withdrawing from the meds cold turkey?
I was on Welbutrin for about 10 years, 300 mg, then down to 150 mg for about 2 yrs. Didn’t feel it was having much of an effect so quit 6 months ago. Big mistake. I felt fatigued, sort of frozen with regard to taking care of some random tasks, had no joy or ambition in life. I too tried many supplements which I still take, but nothing seemed to help & my medical provider put me back on Wellbutrin.
She said I will probably have to take it for the rest of my life. I didn’t even connect how I was feeling with buproprion withdrawal as my primary sxs were apathy and fatigue. I hate that a substance could affect neurotransmitters long-term and maybe even permanently so that I can never get off it! I have heard that it takes recovering heroin & other opiate addicts a year to go back to producing dopamine at the level the were at before they started using.
Maybe antidepressants are the same and it takes a year for neuroreceptors to return to their pre-medication level. Anyway, accept that when you decide to quit this med, you could be in for a very hard time for quite awhile. I struggled for six months bf throwing in the towel & going back on it.
Thanks god I found this blog! I decided to cold turkey this drug after reading your comments. I have used Serroquel for 5 years and started to tapering off it. I stopped at about 4mg but then experienced awful withdrawal syndromes. My doctor then prescribed this drug instead and I’ve used it for 2 weeks in the morning but skipped some days. I start taking Serroquel again at a very low dose (1-2mg), whether that’s the reason why I’m not having any problem with quiting bupropion or because of the short time using it, I don’t know. But I really don’t want to have the withdrawal effects like I had with Serroquel, so stopping this drug would be a good choice!
My new doctor, I don’t know why, wants to take me off Wellbutrin, which has worked well for me. I am having major problems. I have anxiety- she also cut my Xanax way down- developed a bad case of hives first time in my life. Intermittent tremors in my hands, a tic in my face, deep depression, loss of desire to move. Could these things be the loss of Wellbutrin? I’ve been on it for 10 years.
I have taken WB 300 XL for 10 years I believe. I have gained weight, depression still around so I decided to stop taking. I went through the crying stage and now it seems like I can not remember anything! I was trying to remember a co-worker’s name tonight and could not remember her name at all! It’s scary…
I have been on welburtin 150 sr for 28 days. Decided to get off. I stopped cold turkey and have been dizzy and vomiting sense. How long before it goes away? My upper chest feels like someone is sitting on it and my back hurt while on it
Hi. I stopped taking 150mg XL 3 days ago. I was on it for <4 months. I have a little HA that just started on day 3. I didn't taper, just quit. I slept in this morning and had my first morning and night of sleeping pretty hard! It was just a nice change! I didn't have weight loss or loss of appetite being on it, and had fatigue the whole time I was on it. Being off it, I have more energy on day 3, less of an appetite as well. I think I responded different to the med since I have ADD… Or used to as a teen. And still have trouble focusing at times. Do you think that's why I responded opposite as far as appetite, and fatigue go?
I’m currently trying to wean off of the 150 XL. I’ve been on my 4 months and usually take before bed because it makes me tired. Makes me feel depressed. I got on it to help with my low libido. But I’ve yet to see an increase. In fact I have less interest in sex. So I’m putting days between each pill. My last time I went 4 days and when I took it I got that horrible headache I had for a month when I started it. I think I’m just not gonna take it again.
I, too, am so grateful to have found this site. After taking 300mg of WB for about 9 months, I tapered down and completely off about a week and a half ago. Tapering is designed, I am sure, to prevent unpleasant side effects, but I am thinking now that I am experiencing unpleasant side effects even though I tapered. All I know is that I feel weirder than I think I have ever felt in my life, and NOT in a good way.
I have wondered if I am having a nervous breakdown. I keep crying, and my mind is constantly racing — always about negative things. As I sit in the morning with my coffee, I cannot imagine summoning the energy to get through the day. I actually found this site when I was trying to find out if leg cramping is a side effect of withdrawal. I don’t think my diet or hydration has changed in any way to account for the severe leg cramps I get at night.
Reading what others have posted is giving me some hope that maybe this intense feeling of anxiety and depression will ease, although what it will be replaced by remains to be seen! Though finding the energy is a huge obstacle, I will try to follow the advice of others to get involved in some positive activity/exercise to get through these days, and try to keep hope that there are better days ahead.
Just wanted to say thank you for this site! I feel so much less alone. After taking Bupropion 150 mg for 8 years, I used the last of my prescription about two weeks ago. I’m an American living in Spain, and my doctor is on vacation for a month! I thought I’d wait it out, but I’ve been feeling absolutely bizarre–my old depression symptoms have come back (fatigue; feeling alternately numb or inexplicably sad; not wanting to leave my apartment; etc.), along with headaches (just the first week), insomnia, mental fogginess, irritability, rash decisions, and anger. The last two really surprised me! I’m so relieved to know it’s a common part of withdrawal, and that I’m not the only one who has experienced such intense emotional side effects. Thank you to everyone who’s shared their stories!
I was on WB when I was age 23-26, my relapse was very bad at 35 with a traumatic life event. I have taken Wellbutrin for five years since and stopped about a month ago. Thought I’m in a good place in my life that I’m able to cope, didn’t want to be on it for the rest of my life considering it’s still medication. I tapered off gradually without much withdrawal symptoms EXCEPT now, a month later, I’m in shock by the amount of sudden weight gain.
Literally everyday I step on the scale, I went up a pound it seems. So far I’ve gained closed to 8lbs on my 4’9″ frame at 115lbs as of today, combine with returning to school for months (sitting for hours on end), I’ve gained more than 12 lbs already and counting. Before medication I was 118lbs basically all my life, I lost 20 lbs as I was in extreme depression while I started, and gained back 10lbs overtime. I was hovering at 104 for these 5 years. Now only one month, I see my body changed so fast, I’m worried how much more I’m gonna gain.
I no longer fit into my clothes, and have this general sense of shame about my weight… to the point I’m here trying to see what I take to the weight stop climbing. My diet has not changed, in fact due to a change of routine recently I’m eating less and moving more – but of course I gained weight. I didn’t suddenly have a crazy appetite since I finished with the meds. I do core strengthening exercise due to a back injury which I’m yet to restart.
I’m not feeling my best walking around in this weight, and turning 40 doesn’t help my metabolism I’m sure. As I’m reading all the side effects I don’t think it’s that “bad”, but it still is medication that I’m not sure if it’s wise to be on for a decade or for the rest of my life? I’m not seeing depression signs that validate getting back on it. I have worried about the chance of relapsing hence taking it for this long (according to my doctor).
Does weight gain alone enough of a reason to get back on it? Does anyone have suggestions on how to combat the weight gain issue? The “baseline” is no longer me… I don’t think diet and exercise is cutting this scary sudden jump… It’s scary to think I’m suddenly putting that weight back into my body by doing nothing or the ordinary.
Did you ever lose the weight you gained when you went off WB?
I quit WB 300 XL cold Turkey a week ago. I lost my rx and decided not to refill it after a year of taking it on and off. Physically I am suffering. I feel nauseated, dizzy, diarrhea and can barely walk a straight line. I didn’t expect to feel this way. Mentally I am suffering because of the physical pain of nausea and dizzy spells.
It’s to the point that I need to work from home. Sending emails are difficult…does this post even make sense? I can’t stop WB and expect to keep a successful career. I am so worried…I am scared and sad and feel so unproductive. I consider myself very disciplined and strong but had no idea quitting cold stalls my life this way. Thanks for reading. Any feedback is appreciated.
Great summary of withdrawal from Wellbutrin; very helpful. Thank you! RB
I went off of 200mg of Wellbutrin after 8 years. The worst side effect of this going off was the fatigue and some emotional ups and downs and crying spells. But this drug made me crave alcohol like some antidepressants can do. That isn’t the only reason for going off it. Antidepressants are a billion dollar a year industry and doctors put people on them for all kinds of reasons.
Some people really and truly need them. I had a time when I truly was anxious in a bad marriage but that time passed and I continued to take them because trying to quit was hard, like anything else. The first two weeks were literal hell, but I got through it. It’s been about a month and feelings, emotions, complete thoughts and memories have returned. I don’t feel as if I am on autopilot going through daily motions anymore.
It is normal to experience ups and downs, that is called living. It is not normal to be controlled by a drug that shuts down your emotions so you don’t feel. I, for one, am happy to be off of this drug. It gets a little better every day. This is just my opinion and like I said, it is very hard but nothing worth doing is ever easy. I hope this helps at least one person that really wants to quit these drugs. Good Luck!
I have been on bupropion 300mg for maybe 6 months(?) I was on 150mg for a month first then switched up…. Helped with depression but I got irritable so easy I noticed, but then wasn’t sure if it was just being a new mom and having a 1 yr and 2 yr old. I’m usually so patient so I didn’t like this at all. Anyways I read that people have had anger and irritability as a common side effect and when I forgot 2 days in a row to take it I just decided to stop. That was 5 days ago I believe and I have had a slight headache but I get those easily so I’m not sure if it’s part of it…
I now tonight feel like I am getting a cold since my body is starting to feel a little achy. Reading these side effects are starting to make me a little nervous. When do the withdrawals usually kick in? Can I be starting them now after this long? I see my doctor in 3 days so I’ll be able to talk to her but does anyone know of anything to make the withdrawals easier other than to take the med? I never did get energy from them which I was hoping for and still tired. The last few days I have been a little more tired also so it’s all making sense if that is part of it.
I was on WellbutrinXL 300 MG for 10 years. Quit cold turkey and out of the blue, my girlfriend broke up with me. The breakup had nothing to do at all with quitting the antidepressant but rather an unrelated issue. Went through major depression, anger, sleepless nights, anxiety, aching all over, and always on the verge of tears. Its been 5 months and still suffering but not as bad as at first. It was NOT PLEASANT, to say the least. I would never go cold turkey again.
I had been taking welbutrin xr 300mg and Zoloft 200 mg. I forget to take it often so I felt quitting it wouldn’t be so bad. How long will I be dizzy? Out of financial reasons I had to stop it. I’ve been on it for around 8 years. The dizziness is horrible.
I “accidentally” went off cold turkey from 300mg XR about 4 years ago- my husband ended up in the hospital unexpectedly and I didn’t remember to bring the meds (it was urgent but relatively minor surgery, so overall, not really a big stressor). I thought, eh, I’ve been wanting to talk to the Dr about discontinuing anyway, so let’s see how it goes.
On day 6 I spent a pretty big chunk of the day curled up sobbing on the floor and I KNEW there was no reason for it but could not stop. I knew even in the midst of it that it was due to withdrawal, but OMG the withdrawal was TERRIBLE. About a year and a half later I ended up taking it again after some major life changes; now I’m hoping to taper off after 4 years but very wary and definitely going to taper slowly. I can’t do that again!
I just quit 450mg cold turkey about two weeks ago, (I know, going 450 -> 0 is a terrible idea but oh well) and I’m currently experiencing a very bad wave of depression. I’ve been going to the gym at least once a day—every day—and have been maintaining a healthy diet, so I’m hoping it’ll end soon. I haven’t experienced any weight gain yet, but I’m worried I will… I’m determined to be off of antidepressants for the rest of my life, so hopefully the symptoms won’t worsen.
Only on it for a couple months and now that I’m off, I’ve had a constant headache for a week! Worst headache I’ve ever had! Lots and lots of Excedrin aspirin and ibuprofen – barely helping. HELP.
Hi, Today is day 4 of weaning off bupropion Hcl XL 150 mg and my headaches have finally stopped, I am not as angry and edgy but still feel out of sorts, the only side effect that is bothering me a lot is the bloating and shortness of breath. I am sure your headaches will be ending within the next week and I am wondering if you felt bloated too
Migraines and severe thigh and lower back aches, painful. Yes sir, you’re correct.
I really feel for everyone posting here. I feel like our doctors were so nonchalant about putting us on these meds and now we’re trapped! They really need to do more research on stopping medications. But the drug companies don’t care about that… They want you addicted and to continue taking their meds. My story: I think I started Wellbutrin XL June 2013 first at 150mg (for like a week or couple of days) then at 300mg for a while.
Eventually my crazy “out there” psych put me up to 450 which was nerve racking because I had benign seizures as a kid. Then this Jan he put me up to 600mg! It worked for about a week or two and then stopped. Oh forgot to say, I’m on it for ADHD procrastination/motivation. I decided I want to start weaning off most of my meds (I’m on 5 psychiatric ones, plus two others for other reasons) I’ve started with Abilify but I’m nervous for Wellbutrin as well.
I’m not sure if I should do one at a time, how slow I should go (I only have 4 months off school to do this). I’m going to see my GP tomorrow to ask what to do and get smaller doses so I can taper down. I’m also hoping she will give me Clonazepam for the anxiety I’m going to go through. (I also have GAD). If anyone wants to chat or support one another feel free to email me. ([email protected]).
I have been using Wellbutrin for just three months 75mg daily. I missed a dose yesterday morning and after few hours, I felt very dizzy and confused. I had coordination problems. I could not walk home from work! Finally, In home I tried to make some coffee and I felt vertigo and dropped boiled water on my legs and burned myself!! I really terrified after these symptoms. If withdrawal with such low dose and short duration is so hard, how can I ever quit this medication?
I take 100mg and I jave been on it for a little over a year. I did cold turkey once and it lasted maybe a month. I cried a lot, very impulsive my boyfriend would say, agitated, and angry. On top of all that my mind raced like crazy. Just now found out I was pregnant and the doc tells me to go ahead and take it and that they will wean me off closer to delivery. My question is do you know anything about this medication and pregnancies? I’m second guessing myself on taking it much longer.
My doctor told me it wasn’t safe during pregnancy. They switched me to Lexapro the second I found out that I was pregnant.
I have been on 100 mg extended release for 2 months. Didn’t like the blurry vision and stuttering it caused… so I stopped. Have started having panic attacks and dry heaving and shaking and shivering. Unable to control my body temperature. Almost went to the hospital today. Then realized that the difference was I quit the wellbutrin. Should I take one and contact my doctor about how to get off. Didn’t realize it was addictive. Or am I almost past withdrawal? Symptoms have been very serious and getting worse. I didn’t realize that is what is wrong with me. My employer is getting angry at me.
How long since your last regular dose? Taking 1 pill after stopping for more than 3 days won’t do much, it takes a few days (doses) to build back up and affect dopamine and norepinephrine levels. I was forced to stop cold turkey from 3 months of Wellbutrin 300mg XL, I ran out of my script and Dr, typical, was out of town on vacation.
I was fine for 3 days, then it hit me like a speeding freight train. UNBEARABLE muscle pain and cramps in my thighs and lower back, anxiety attacks like I couldn’t breathe, huge hunger pangs, migraines at night, every night, chills… Resembled overall milder opiate (vicodin) withdrawals. 6 days of that then I got another script, took 3 more days being back on it building back up dopamine and norepinephrine levels before the symptoms all just disappeared.
Taper… Taper… Taper… off of Wellbutrin, please, do yourself a huge favor. If you don’t I hope your WDs aren’t like what I went through.
So I took this med WB 100 mg (the IR or ER) or which ever one is in the middle not extended and not immediate, or something for a week stopped it 3 days ago. The doc told me I could go cold turkey (I did). I have all the symptoms, even loss off sex drive, followed by a plunge into such horniness that I am “bi” for the moment. I found this site after my doc said it is not withdrawal from WB and tried blaming it on a “bad batch of weed”… I hadn’t even smoked that day.
(My roommates smoked it, it’s fine). I took vyvanse in high school for about a year and a half. I was affected very severely by it, so I might be sensitive to stimulants. My question is why is it was affecting me so harshly, especially in the morning. Why did it come on in waves were I feel relatively fine and all of a sudden I got a flare ups. I am I getting seizures occasionally? I get extremely tired all of a sudden and black rings around my eyes, my roommates and fiance told me I look like I haven’t slept in days.
Okay, I am totally freaking out after reading the blogs. I have been on 150 Wellbutrin, 200 Zoloft and 1mg of Xanax daily for 12 years. Saw my shrink 4 days ago and talked to him about the possibility I am going through menopause due to moodswings, anger, anxiety. He told me to stop taking the Wellbutrin immediately. I asked about tapering and withdrawl symptoms and he said no need, not to worry. So far I don’t feel that different, but YIKES!
Be careful. Sometimes withdrawals hit up to 2 weeks after last dose. Mine were SEVERE Muscle aches and inflammation in thighs and lower back, anxiety attacks that came in short but serious bursts, Pounding nightly migraines and MAJOR return of appetite. Was on Wellbutrin 300 XL for 3 months, ran out of prescription and my Dr was on vacation.
Went through 6 days of torturous aching, worst around 6am-9am before Dr got back and wrote me refill. Still took 3 more days taking it again before pain was gone. Please taper off, unless your VERY lucky, it’s quite similar to the muscle aches from opiate withdrawals.
My new doctor said the same thing, no need to taper. But I disagree. I tried tapering off last year, started a new job and went right back on. I changed doctors in January. He doesn’t like depression meds in general and won’t prescribe them. He said with bupropion I didn’t need to taper. But from past experience I knew I did need to taper. I’ve gone from 300 to 150 (for the second week). Next week I plan to go to 75.
I’m was on wellbutrin for just short of four years, as an ADHD person I was taking the highest recommended dose 450 mg for the better part of three years. I have come it to a financial issues, so no money no wellbutrin. Irregardless there is a symptom that they neglected to cover, which I have found the most difficult to deal with during the first week or two.
A type of Lucidity during REM sleep which seems to cause both an intensity during the dream state which can be at lest troubling to highly distributing. This is couple with a high level long term memory retention usually found in stressful or dangerous recollections in your youth. I would hazard a guess that the low level dopamine in the amygdala is resulting and increase flight or fight response in the REM state and is also increase of long term memory consolidation in prefrontal cortex.
Similar to an article I have been reading called “Epigenetic of the glucocorticoid receptor in the in the human brain associates with childhood abuse (McGown PO, Sasaki a, D’Alessio AC et al. Epigenetic regulation of the glucocorticoid receptor in the human brain associates with childhood abuse. Nature of neuroscience. 2009;12(3):342-348 doi:10. 1038/nn 2270.)” Please be aware of the possibility of this withdrawal symptom.
Hey I know this is old, but you should look into the Wellbutrin Guarantee Program. Worst case scenario you pay $50 for your month’s supply instead of like $1,800. Good Luck!
I’ve been tapering off WB 300mg for two months. I went on 200 mg for a month, and then 100mg. Only at 100 mg did I experience body aches, lethargy, fatigue, clumsiness, anger, irritability and anxiety spikes. At the end of each day, my body felt as I had worked out for 4 hours non stop, and the angst was at its worse. I suspected the meds were doing it, but since there was no improvement, I decided to stop after 2 weeks on 100mg. I have felt much better since. I think it would have been better to taper off quicker or go cold turkey. I think cold turkey you are just done with it once and for all.
I have been on Wellbutrin 150mg XL for about 15 months along with 20mg of Cipralex that I take once a day and have for a few years. I was prescribed WB as I found in the winter that I would feel more depressed because of gloomy weather and lack of sun. I want to quit smoking and go on Chantix but can’t if I am on WB, so I started tapering over a month ago. Every other day I’ve skipped a pill for a month. Now I am every two days take a pill. The only side effect I have is lethargy, but I think that is partially due to my cat that wakes me up every night at 5 AM (LOL). I am going to continue tapering slowly each month until I am done. I have tried going off all meds but that was a disaster! Good luck to everyone!
I can testify that even taking for a short time and stopping is bad. I have only been in WB 300mg XL (for depression) for a month and my doctor did not give me a refill…I did not know this so I ran completely out before realizing this. I went without for 3 days and had horrible withdrawals. Headaches, nausea, racing thoughts all night, and confusion. My pharmacist loaned me 4 pills until my doctor calls more in. This makes me scared to keep taking it, but I am much worse without it.
I was taking Wellbutrin 300 mg XL for four years. At the beginning of January, I had a grand mal seizure (something that has never happened before). I was in the hospital for 3 days and after many tests, they felt the Wellbutrin was the issue and they took me off of it cold turkey. I saw my Dr. 5 days later and he didn’t seem very concerned about it…the first two weeks, I actually felt better than I had when I took it.
But since then, I feel terrible, I’m not myself, I cry all of the time, I feel such doom, such sadness. I have an appointment with another Dr. in two days, so I’m hopeful they can bring some relief or give me information to help me understand how terrible I feel. Any information you can share with me would be greatly appreciated. Thanks.
I have felt your pain having these symptoms in the past going off lamictal. I felt like I was losing my mind, dreadful. I take paxil for depression and anxiety and the Wb 300mg XL to quit smoking. Today is my first day for cutting back from 300 to 150. I will see how things go for a week or so. I’m hoping that by taking the paxil it will buffer any side effects that might be caused from backing off the Wb. It never gave me energy. I wish you the best of luck and take care :)
Hi, I’m curious how you are doing? My experience is similar to yours. On 300 mg XL for a couple of years. About three months ago I started having panic attacks. After two months of dealing with panic and anxiety my doctor suggested I stop taking the WB. I cut down to 150 mg for a week and then quit cold turkey. The first few days I felt really down, but then started feeling great, and by the second week thought I was going to be fine without anything.
Unfortunately, last week, after two weeks and 3 days being off of them I hit bottom and felt completely hopeless. I had gone to see a herbalist about the time I went off Wellbutrin. I’m on many herbal supplements including Omega 3s, B complex, B12, D, probiotic, amino acids, and magnesium. Also eastern supplements Ashwaganda and Free and Easy Wanderer for the past two weeks. I started on SAMe a week ago for the depression. The SAMe definitely helped. I’m taking 400 mg a day. I feel better, but still not great, or back to normal. I’m hoping to be able to go the natural route and not go back on prescription meds.
I have been using 100mg to 150 mg Wellbutrin daily for a decade. During the time is works I lose weight that needs to go, stop biting my fingernails, and don’t smoke or drink. I have to go cold turkey for two months every year as the Wellbutrin slowly wears off and then stops working completely. Increasing the dosage only results in nerves not a “fix”. I gain weight, smoke, and get fat, depersonalized, suffer classic flu like drug withdrawal and feel as if I lose 20 point of IQ.
The withdrawal can be confusing due to Wellbutrin having several metabolites all psychoactive to one degree or another and having wildly different half lives from 24 hours to 2 weeks. After the initial drug withdrawal issues you need time for your brain to even be able to produce the same level of neurotransmitters you were producing before taking the W. Good luck because you may feel nothing at first and then slowly slide into various side effects over days to several weeks and it may not seem related to the W. due to the length of time before the symptoms maximize.
I give it ten weeks and then start the 100mg a day to reach a stable level over about three weeks (those weird half lives again). For me the results are so good that I am willing to suffer for ten weeks a year to get 40 weeks feeling great.
I’m so thankful for this site! I thought it was a case of sinusitis or other minor crap that I’ve been going through that kept me up at night. And that the lack of sleep was making me irritable. I’d taken Wellbutrin XR for about 5 years, peaking at 450 mg. So I guess I should have expected this. It would have been nice if my new psychiatrist had warned me about these.
FWIW, my new doc says that the standard of care with these meds is to reach an effective dose and then discontinue after 18 months. If there’s a relapse, try another 18 months and then withdraw again. If there’s another relapse, then chronic use may be considered. Also, for those under 18 years old, it’s 12 months but the same cycle. Again, thanks so much for this info! (And why can’t medical pros just lay it out?)
I was on Bupropion 300 XL for a couple of years. I tried to taper myself off slowly as it was making me irritable and giving me uncontrollable anxiety. I started to experience generalized numbness and twitching after cutting down. It scared me so I started taking it full time again. Symptoms did not go away so I went into the clinic. Was told symptoms likely due to the bupropion so to start coming off of it again.
Me being the genius that I am I quit cold turkey and went completely mental, crying, depression, still twitching and numbness. At this point I was pretty sure I had some horrible disease. Anyway went in AGAIN and they told me to start taking them again, slowly, so I did. Starting experiencing really horrible unrelenting body aches and continued twitching. The aches were bad enough that I couldn’t sleep or concentrate on anything else. Went in AGAIN. Told anxiety was likely the problem.
They were not sure what the aches were coming from but to discontinue the wellbutrin. So I have been off of it for 4 days now. Body aches went away for a couple of days immediately but are back now with the twitching and numbness, severe depression and anxiety. I am a pretty big mess in other words. It’s horrible. I have convinced myself that I have a disease but all of the medical professionals I have talked to think my symptoms are likely due to the bupropion and anxiety. Any similar experiences? I just want to be back to my normal self. Never messing with this medication again.
Did your outcome end up well? And how long did it take for the withdrawal side effects to stop?
Hi Alice… I read your post and it hit “home” with me… I have been on 150MG Bupropion and 20MG Lexapro for MANY years due to a terrible divorce. As its been 4 years since the divorce, my life is great, work good, and I’ve recently found the love of my life I decided “it’s time to get off these drugs”.
With that said, I decided like an idiot to stop “cold turkey” and am experiencing TERRIBLE itching!!! Did you by chance have this symptom?? I am most positive this is a side effect as nothing else has changed on my life. I am going to try now and ‘wean’ myself off now, as i cant live with this itching!!!! Just wondering if you experienced this.
I discontinued 2 weeks ago after 10 years (150xl). I have been crying for 4 days now. I had the realization earlier that I was mad about everything and irritable and the itching started yesterday. I will resume tomorrow until I have a taper plan. Worst part, it leaves me with no energy.
Thank you for sharing that! Yesterday and today I’ve itched like crazy. It never occurred to me it could be from lowering the dose of bupropion!
I was diagnosed with major depressive disorder and anxiety disorder when I was 14 years old. I used to take Zoloft but I didn’t like the side effects so my doctor switched me to bupropion. I was taking 150mg of bupropion for about a year and then quit cold turkey (this was about four months ago) and my anxiety increased tremendously. I was having panic attacks on a daily basis and felt slightly nauseous.
Just recently (one month ago) I was put back on it for my depression/anxiety but this time I was put on 300mg. It’s been helping with my panic attacks and anxiety but I still feel depressed at times. The reason why I’m writing on here is because I forgot to take my medication for two days (I used to take it before bed but it caused major insomnia so I switched to the morning, which is probably why I forgot) and now I feel horrible.
I am very nauseous and dizzy and I have a pounding migraine. I’m not sure if these are considered withdrawal symptoms, being that my body reacted so quickly, but by reading this article, that seems to be the case. I took it first thing this morning and will continue to do so. Hopefully these symptoms will go away with the next couple days.
I took the generic brand of Wellnutrin for one day. I had dizziness and a migraine that day. 26 hours later, and after deciding not to take a second pill, I am too dizzy to drive or leave the house. I also feel nauseous and a bit out of myself. One day may seem too short, but the fact that you experienced withdrawal after two days makes me think this medicine actually is that impactful.
1st I just want to say I’m very disturbed about the things I’m learning as I go through this process. I’m on many different meds right now & hope to at least minimize if not completely get off of unnecessary use. I’ve been on meds for 30 yrs. Somehow through all the major brain fog from heavy meds that kept me disabled where I could not even be aware of what was happening with me, I saw a light.
5 weeks ago my Dr, per my request agreed to decrease my bupropion, and with no discussion of any withdrawal symptoms or gameplan took me from 400 mg to 300 mg a day. The 1st week was the worst, and it slowly got better. Now today, 5 weeks later I’m going through painful withdrawal & a bad headache that I pray doesn’t become a migraine. Crying spells come & go, never lasting more than an hour. I want off all my meds, but don’t know if too much damage has been done. Considering I can actually write coherently, let alone speak clearly is a good sign.
I have learned never, never, never just take Any kind of med because your Dr thinks it’s the best decision for you. That’s a decision at the very least should be talked about together concerning side effects & long term use. Find other options 1st that are safer & weigh out pros & cons for each. For me personally, if I can treat something with Holistic Medicine that is not only better for you, but also healthy for you, that’s what I’m going to do. I wish everyone the best.
I have been on the lowest dosage for 6 years or so and came off of it around 6 weeks ago. I have been getting a few headaches here and there. The only major side effect for me is my lack of blood flow and its effect on my libido/sex life. I am in “dumb jock mode” right now being VERY concerned about this. It is affecting my mood which is counter productive to going off of WB!
I don’t know how you all can do this, but congrats if you can… My story: I’ve been on Wellbutrin since 1998 and have wanted to get off of it for years twice I slowly lower doses (or forgot to take them) until off completely only to find myself to the point of not wanting to leave the house or go anywhere, only to ramp back up until I was just OK again, my doctor at the time said “you’re probably going to have to be on it the rest of your life.” I’d sure like to find an alternative but know of nothing better at the time until something else or some better understanding comes along.
I have been told that L-Tyrosine could be helpful. Just check with your Doctor before you make any changes. I did read a book called The MoodCure by Julia Ross, that gave some in-depth information on how this can be accomplished. Help this helps.
I read that book too, it’s wonderful. It really helped me get well. Maybe I should give it another read. Going on off WB is a struggle. I am going to give it a week and see how I feel. I feel like I am checked out, could just sit and stare into space for hours and sleep!!
I’ve been weaning myself off Wellbutrin and at first I felt severe depression, rage, anger, so I went right back on. On my second attempt to get off it, I used 5-htp, a natural mood enhancer that actually works. I’m down to a quarter of a wellbutrin pill and I feel great. The only problem is the weight gain. I HATE it. I’m trying to find out more info as to how much I can expect to gain. How long will the weight gain last? Anyway, back to the 5-HTP. Buy only Natrol brand (the others made me nauseaus). The take the 200 mg time release in the morning. Works like magic!
I have been taking Wellbutrin 150 SR for 15 years. September 4,2014 I refilled my prescription and noticed a significant change in the pill color (now faded purple and barely and odor) they don’t smell like sulfur as the other pill did. Within a week of taken my new prescription I developed severe panic attacks, severe insomnia, 8 lbs weight loss, (keep in mind I was only 108 lbs 5’2″ to begin with) cry at the drop of a hat, hypnotic jerking trying to rest or fall asleep, sweating profusely, diarrhea, rage, muscle pain, difficulty concentrating, extreme sensitivity to noise, heart racing and the list goes on.
Nothing has changed in my life but something is definitely wrong. I made the pharmacy aware of my findings and they have been doing some research for me. I have come to discover that a new company bought the rights to this drug. I am told they can not change the drug itself, however they can change the non medicinal ingredients. I am wondering what the heck they have done with this pill. I wound up in emergency twice in three weeks only to be given Clonazepam and Lorazepam to help with anxiety. Are these people for real.
I have great respect for doctors and their gifts but, people, we are being bombarded with these anti-depressants and anti anxiety pills to the point where 1/2 the world is taking them. My pharmacy gave me 30 of the generic brand of bupropion SR 150 to try but I have yet to take one. There needs to be mandatory brain testing done before people should be given any mood altering drug and from what I hear there is a test now available in Canada. My hope is to come off these pills. That’s my story. Thanks.
Ruby, I too had been on Wellbutrin XL for 12 plus years, on my retirement with lessen my expenses I went to Bupropion which is the generic for Wellbutrin XL and absolutely felt no change what so ever, I’ve been nearly 4 years retired and this is the only antidepressant I take, compared to previously being on 3 for the same number of years. I don’t think I would fear trying the Bupropion at least for a short period of time to see if it helps, for me if this is the only medicine I have to take for the rest of my life along with Klonopin for my panic and anxiety it is well worth it as I live a feel energetic life and feel great.
The other withdrawals from let’s say Paxil and others were horrendous disasters for me and I never want to experience that again. I did try for months to taper off Bupropion and my body just would not adjust without it so I am happy to report that being a survivor of CFS and many of the other related illnesses and disease of depression and anorexia that all go hand in hand, I will be on a couple of med’s for life and glad they are available to treat my symptoms so I can live a normal life~ Good Luck and I do hope you find what works best for you, just be sure you have a good support system along with your doctors to help you make the decisions you need for YOU.
I totally agree that there are way too many people on these drugs today. It’s a cop-out to prescribe an otherwise healthy human with chemicals for isolated events like divorce, stress, etc. I was on citalopram for 5 long (somewhat awful in the grand scheme of my life) years. My doc prescribed wellbutrin when I started feeling like crap this past Sept.
I cried a lot, ended up quitting a good job and now I’m living through the aftermath of that decision. I don’t regret quitting the citalopram so if quitting a good job was a necessary result then I’m fine with that. Six months later and I’ve decided to taper off wellbu. So far I’m feeling the fatigue and am experiencing the feeling of being “not myself.” I’m hoping this ends soon.
I was on 150mg and three weeks ago I started taking 100. When that 30 pill bottle runs out, I’m thinking I just won’t refill. I want and need to be drug-free. My doc says I should stay on an anti-depressant but although I went through a few episodes in my twenties, I would rather live a life without these poisons in my blood than get relief for those episodes. Too many of us take meds!!
I started taking Wellbutrin 150 XL for depression for 1 week and increased to 300 XL, I have taken it for 7.5 months. I have noticed that I have gotten impulsive, rude, heat aches, tremors, sweating lost 50 lbs. I have asked my doctor to wean me off of them. The process is 150 XL for 14 days after that one pill every other day for 7 days. I was told no withdrawals because of the weaning process. Today is day 2, I’m sure to early to notice anything, but will keep you posted.
Hi Kathi, I’m thinking of tapering off Wellbutrin XL 150 with the schedule you recommended. How did it go for you? Any suggestions? I was on 300 for over a year and I’m currently on 150 for the last week.
Worst withdrawal for me. I wasn’t even on it for long. The rage was unlike any anger I have felt before and it was constant. I am back on it as well as Ritalin and within a few days I am great. I feel like a normal, level headed individual. I was taking Zyban originally for smoking cessation and Ritalin for ADHD and we just discovered that I was a much happier person.
I became careless and kept forgetting to fill my prescription, didn’t really understand how big of a deal that was and was inconsistent with it and that’s when the extended withdrawal began. I know better now for the future. The combo has worked for both my ADHD and my depression so yay for me!
thanks for this article it really helped, I’ve been on the medication for 6 weeks and i’ve stopped cold turkey (I really just forgot to take them for a week while I was moving). Insomnia is the only side effect that I’m really having but I had that while on the medication. How long do you think the withdrawal process will go since I was on it for a very short period of time. I didn’t notice a change in my depression while on it just high uncomfortable energy which is why I have stopped taking it.
Hello Emily, You are describing my situation exactly. I tool the WB XL 150mg for 6 1/2 weeks, and stopped 4 days ago. I had insomnia before, but had slept well (with medication help) until last night (so at 3 & 1/2 days after last dose). I’m just wondering how the rest of your withdrawal process went. Please share. I didn’t think that 150mg for 6 weeks would require a taper?!
I’ve taken 150xl for about 2 months. Being able to stay awake allday was the best. The agitation has progressively gotten worse. I asked Dr. to take me off. I took 1/2 pill 2 days and then none. It has been a week. I cry all the time. I am mad much of the time. I am throwing things, breaking things, uncontrollable crying and some screaming. I am scaring myself. Can’t reach Doc because of weekend. Wonder about ER. Thinking they would not get involved with these meds… HELP.
Dear Marlene… reading your experiences really makes me think that you should taper your decrease rather than quit cold turkey. I have been on 150mg XL for just under a year and am quitting cold turkey myself. I initially tapered for a week or so but Christmas got in the way of monitoring this. I am having very vivid dreams but most importantly, have stopped with the ‘flushing’ problem.
I can also sleep better through the night now. I am going through menopause and the flushing was becoming intolerable. I can now wear more clothes as opposed to next to nothing! Body aches are a big problem and I have experienced anger and crying spells. I do have a medical background and should have known better and tapered, but the flushing was just too intolerable.
Again, I suggest tapering. Has anyone else experienced somewhat crippling body aches? Muscle relaxants help somewhat as well as minimal alcohol, as it itself is a muscle relaxant. Good luck.
I had horrible sweats and vivid dreams, constipation, crippling body aches, an incredible “out in space” feeling. I could hardly get out of bed in the morning. I had my dosage upped from 150 mg xl to 450xl and that is when the trouble started and with no improvement to my health. I have now stopped cold turkey – day 2 and not much different than before quitting.
I tried to quit cold turkey after being on Wellbutrin for years. I woke up one night to having strike like symptoms. My left side went numb and I could not speak properly. It took a good 20 minutes to come to. Then a year later, I accidentally stopped taking Wellbutrin, misunderstanding my doctor’s instructions and had the same type of situation. Although my left side did not go numb, I went into a panic thinking it was going to happen again. It was an awful feeling. Now I’m concerned I will never be able to get off of Wellbutrin because I’m terrified of the feeling I experienced before! Suggestions?!?
I hope your symptoms have tapered off. A doctor put me on 150 mg, then quickly increased to 300 mg thinking I was depressed. The truth is, I was nutritionally deficient, anemic, low on Vit D3, and B12. Fast forward several years, I am remarried, relocated and my current doctor wants me off the Wellbutrin. I finally have agreed. Since moving, I have also stated taking Folic Acid and Magnesium.
I have been concerned about the warning label that says “May cause drowsiness.” I am always tired! My doctor has sketched out a plan that will have me completely off in 4 weeks. If I feel unsettled, I will discuss with her at my next appointment. I would not suggest quitting any prescribed medication cold turkey without discussing with a doctor.
I was put on a low dose of the generic Wellbutrin (bupropion SR) and took it for about 6.5 weeks as well. While I took it, it made me feel terrible. Angry, irritable and crazy. The doctor said it should be fine that I just stop cold turkey because it being a low dose & I wasn’t on it for long… But I feel that was a HUGE mistake. Now my depression is horrible.
I feel disconnected from the world around me & get awful thoughts o.s. (abbreviated for trigger censoring). It is so scary. Now my doc is putting me on other meds, which scares me; I’m afraid I’ll get into a never ending cycle of things that won’t work. How long did the anxious / depression withdrawal symptoms last for any of you? Did you get put on meds to help quite the thoughts/ ease the edge?
Yes, I have not had my wellbutrin now for 5 days because I forgot to take it. I worked the night shift and just plain forgot. I realized it tonight and began to look up the withdrawal symptoms. Lo and behold DIZZINESS and HEADACHE. Felt like crap basically. I actually think I was getting over the yucky feeling this evening. However I took it tonight. Anxious to see how I feel in the morning. (Taking 150 mg XL once a day, since last September).
I had to get off my meds pretty much cold turkey due to a financial situation which was not my desire at all. However, the reasons for going on the meds in the first place-a son manifesting classic signs of autism, a negative, hurtful marriage situation have remedied themselves, and i have experienced a lot of emotional healing, so i felt ok with it as did my husband. I am at about week 4 since my last pill. I am struggling, but i am determined to stick it out. My main issues are chronic fatigue and dizziness.
I had that issue at week 2, but then thought it was over, but it has returned with a vengeance along with joint pain and achiness. I am hopeful it is almost over. I am very worried about weight gain because i am seriously overweight and recently gained more. It hurts my body and i am concerned about my health. I feel good about this decision, though, because i felt like my brain was foggy and my husband says my mind seems much more clear now. Something a friend told me that may help is that amino acid deficiency can cause many symptoms that cause people to take anti depressants and can alleviate the withdrawals. I did discover i am deficient in those, so i want to buy some.
I’d been on 300 Mg Wellbutrin SR for 1-1/2 years. Over a month ago I cut that to 150 Mg with no noticeable effects. 3 days ago I stopped the 150 Mg cold turkey, primarily because I felt it increase insomnia for me ever since I started on it 1-1/2 years ago. A bout of diarrhea the 1st couple days and the 2nd day, for whatever reason, couldn’t force myself out of bed until 11;30 a.m. Just felt lazy; not sick, not depressed…just lazy. Today, the 3rd day I said enough of that and got up at the usual 7:00 a.m. No withdrawal symptoms to complain of, but time will tell. I’ve told myself if I start feeling the least bit depressed I’m going back on.
Frank, I have also been taking 300XL for 1 & 1/2 years and I am seriously considering quitting the same method you described- cut it down to 150 and then cold turkey. I am curious, how are you now? Did you notice any more symptoms? Did you go back on it?
James, Not sure how long you wrote this but I’m currently cutting down from 300 xl to 150 and after that I want to quit cold turkey. How did it go for you? I’ve been on 150 for the last 5 days and have had headaches and crying spells.
Hi Jacky. I cut my 300’s into 150’s about 10 days ago. So far I’ve had 1 headache and 2 days with a minor case of diarrhea. The biggest problem I’ve had is emotional. I’ve been easily angered and today I cried a lot. I’m going to try to cut down to 75 mg next, but not sure how long before I try that. I have read that if you come off too quickly it can make you susceptible seizures. Please let me know how you do. Thanks.
I stopped taking the Bupropion 150 HCL X (generic for XL) almost a week ago. I started the RX , the beginning of Feb. 2014. Generally I feel just about the same as I did before Bupropion was prescribed. However I do feel more off-balance then usual and my tinnitus (which I’ve had way before the prescription and increased with the prescription) hasn’t calmed down at all.
To be frank, I was physically off-balance before I took the prescription and while taking it, that sensation was lessened; now it’s back to pre prescription. I’m off balance because of falling accident back in 2011. My PA prescribed it for depression and truthfully it didn’t help all that much. I was and am still anxious. It did however numb a bit and also helped with appetite depressant. Now I’m wondering if I should or shouldn’t get back on Bupropion. I would like to find a more natural route.
I was cut from 150mg twice a day to 100mg twice a day because I’m trying to wean myself off of this. When I was taking 150, I missed one dose and the next day I could not get out of bed. How long should I stay at 100mg twice a day and how should I progress? I’ve been taking Wellbutrin since April 2014. I’m hoping the side effects are minimal. I have lost 80lbs recently and do not want to gain. Are there any natural remedies that might help counteract the side effects? I currently practice daily yoga and meditation. Thank you!
I quit cold turkey about two weeks ago, and I’m also trying to quit smoking as my husband and I are trying for our first child. I’ve been feeling awful, especially with the dizziness and confusion. I’m just wondering if it’s recommended to quit both at once, or if I should let the wellbutrin symptoms subside before quitting smoking. It’s very important to me that I quit both soon. Thanks!
Let the smoking withdrawal subside, then quit Wellbutrin!
I agree with Ian. The smoking is worse for the baby.
I been on WB SR for 6 months and I started at 150mg 2x a day then went to 200mg a day. So now I’m down to 100mg for the pass two months and I’m weening myself off with my dr. And I’m taking one 100mg a day and this is my 2nd day and I’m not feel to good. I am feeling not myself like depolarization. We I first start taking WB about 2 months in I was feeling this way an they put me on kloinpin 0.5. So now that I’m coming off of it it’s starting to happen again even while on kloinpin. So I want to know is if anyone felt this before and how long will this last. Please so one help!!!
Like me you may not be want to come off of it. I don’t want to take meds but just a fact of life for some of us. I take lamictal also though, you could ask your Dr about that, its a mood stabilizer. Sounds like maybe that could help. I dont know. Just idea :). I never hesitated to guess and test with my doc.
I too after about 1 & 1 /2 to 2 months found that it wasn’t working for me. It was great in the beginning and then stopped even with increased dosing. Yet still with the side effects. I’m weaning down. With me SSRIs make me feel terrible as well. I may be resistant to antidepressants.
I was taking 300mg XL for years and just decided to stop cold turkey about a month and a half ago. I am just now starting to really feel the side effects so this is how I cam to find this page. I’m hoping that 1 more month of this is all it takes to stop feeling all the symptoms.
Helena – Can you tell me how you are feeling now? I have been on wellbutrin for over 10 years and wanted to get off. I have weaned myself off and it has been 4 weeks. I feel like crap. I am so lethargic and tired. Just feel lousy. I am going to give it 2 more weeks and than I’m thinking of going to doctor for some blood work. Want to make sure something else isn’t wrong with me.
I’m also taking XL 300mg, I would like to reduce the dose to 150. I’ve been taking the two different doses every other day, so I can adjust to the lower dose. I’ve felt so tired. Was wondering if this was normal.
I had reduced down to 150 XL four weeks ago. It has been a bit of a rollercoaster ride. Some days high as a kite, and other days I don’t want to get out of bed. Plus the headaches have been a pain. I was told this is normal, your body adjusting to the lower dose. I have one 150XL left and I was thinking of cold turkeying it after that one. I have been on this drug for 6 years. Maybe I will go get some IR’s and taper down again. I hope that helps.
I also took WB for years, 300 mg. Last year I decided to quit. I went from 300 to 150 for a while. Then I cut it to 75. It didn’t cause me to throw up or have headaches. But I felt emotionally scattered. On top of that I started a new job. I started taking 300 mg again last November. Now, once again I’m trying to taper off. I’m taking 150 mg. That was a week and a half ago. Today I did a lot of crying. Also feeling a lot of anger. Please tell me it’s going to get better, not worse.
How are you feeling Deirdre? Were you able to go off the WB?
I quit cold turkey about 3 weeks ago now off of WB 100mg for depression. I only had taken it only for about 6 months, but now coming off I have zero apetite, nausea that lasts ALL day, and real bad headaches. This is my 8th day feeling this way and im so over it. Because it was half a year with WB im hoping I wont be feeling so terrible for that much longer? its tortourous. :(
The reason why you are, or were feeling that way is because you went off cold turkey rather than tapering off your dosage. Even though 100mg is a fairly low dosage, you were on it for 6 months. That’s more than enough time to warrant a taper because the drug has already plenty of time to make the changes to your brain chemistry. Going cold turkey put your brain into shock. It’s been used to having a certain balance of neurotransmitters, then once you abruptly ceased the medication your brain notices the imbalance and lack of neurotransmitters and is trying regain balance and normal levels. I’m surprised that you said you’ve been off for three weeks, but have noticed those side effects for only eight days. The withdrawal symptoms should’ve been apparent just about a day or two after you stopped cold turkey. Either way, you should feel better within a few weeks once your brain’s neurotransmitters stabilize and the brain re learns how to function without the presence of bupropion. If you haven’t felt better by this time..I notice you posted in June, you may consider going back on bupropion, wait until you stabilize and then start a taper. You’d be surprised how even a two-three week taper can diminish many, if not all of the symptoms. Good luck
Hello Daniel, You seem knowledgeable…I took Wellbutrin XL 150mg for 6 & 1/2 weeks, and stopped 4 days ago. I’ve actually felt better since stopping it, other than some periods of agitation, and couldn’t sleep last night. Do you think my withdrawal will last much longer, given the short duration that I took the medication (and a fairly low dose)?
I cold turkeyed WB a week and half a go, and have gained 7 punts in that time. I exercise regularly, and am relatively careful about what I eat, so there should be no reason that I am gaining this weight. I have however noticed that wild cravings have returned, and I decided today that I’m going back on the med. I have a feeling I’ll be on it for teh rest of my life.
Hey Jim, the reason is likely due to discontinuation of the WB… Likely nothing you can control. Your bodyweight will stabilize over time if you stay off of the medication. Many people take it to lose weight as it speeds up the metabolism. Best of luck.
I found WB made me gain weight – 30 lbs in 2 months – I also had headaches, constipation, body aches, sweating, limb weakness, stomach pain – I cannot wait for it to get out of my system.