Depression, smoking addiction, fatigue, and other symptoms for which Wellbutrin© or the equivalent Zyban© is prescribed can actually be the result of a number of complex issues such as hormonal imbalances, vitamin and/or mineral deficiencies, dietary failings, lifestyle factors, food allergies, adrenal fatigue, neurotoxic accumulations like heavy metals, a dysfunctional gut microbiome, and other root causes.25,29
Wellbutrin withdrawal symptoms (AKA bupropion) can range from mild to moderate or be severe enough to require hospitalization. Wellbutrin is a stimulating drug and the effects look a lot like the reactions of coming off any other stimulant drug. Be cautious when stopping this medication. Gradual tapering can help to avoid otherwise hard-to-tolerate discomforts as well as life-threatening or health-compromising risks. More information on the risks and phenomena of Wellbutrin withdrawal can be found below.
Wellbutrin (bupropion) is a popular antidepressant medication that is also sometimes prescribed for anxiety ADHD and smoking cessation. Like all antidepressants, stopping Wellbutrin abruptly can cause uncomfortable withdrawal symptoms. However, the symptoms tend to be less severe compared to other antidepressants, especially SSRIs and SNRIs. This article will cover what happens if you quit Wellbutrin cold turkey and how tapering off the medication can help ease withdrawal.
Overview of Quitting Wellbutrin Cold Turkey
Wellbutrin works differently than many other antidepressants. Rather than affecting serotonin levels, Wellbutrin impacts dopamine and norepinephrine levels in the brain. As a result, many people experience milder withdrawal symptoms when stopping Wellbutrin compared to other antidepressants. However, quitting cold turkey does increase the likelihood of experiencing withdrawal effects.
Some common withdrawal symptoms from stopping Wellbutrin abruptly include
- Increased sweating and body temperature changes
- Gastrointestinal issues like nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea
- Difficulty sleeping and strange dreams
- Restlessness and tremors
- Anxiety, irritability, and mood swings
- Headaches and body aches
- Brain zaps or electric shock sensations in the brain
- Increased cravings if taken for smoking cessation
The severity of withdrawal can vary significantly between individuals. Symptoms may start within a couple days of the last dose and can last weeks in some cases before fully resolving. Having a history of depression or anxiety seems to increase the risk of experiencing more severe Wellbutrin withdrawal effects.
Why Tapering Is Recommended When Quitting
While quite a few people can stop Wellbutrin completely without any tapering, it is generally recommended to gradually reduce the dosage over time. This helps prevent withdrawal symptoms from occurring or at least decreases their severity.
Tapering provides time for the brain to adjust to having less Wellbutrin. Quitting cold turkey means the brain goes from 100% of the medication dosage to 0% virtually overnight. This abrupt change shocks the brain and makes withdrawal more likely.
The length of the ideal tapering schedule depends on the Wellbutrin dose and how long it was taken. Common tapering guidelines include:
- Decreasing dosage by 75 mg each week if taking immediate release Wellbutrin 3 times a day
- Reducing extended release Wellbutrin by 150 mg every 7-14 days
- Taking a couple weeks up to a month to fully taper off if on a higher dose for an extended time
Following your doctor’s specific instructions is recommended when tapering Wellbutrin. They can adjust the schedule based on factors unique to your situation. Sometimes people pause the taper if withdrawal symptoms become very uncomfortable before resuming the gradual reduction.
What to Expect When Quitting Cold Turkey
Knowing what to expect can make abruptly stopping Wellbutrin a bit easier to handle. Here are some things that may happen in the days and weeks after quitting cold turkey:
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Days 1-3: The first couple days usually feel fine since the medication is still present in your system. You might start noticing increased sweating and temperature fluctuations on day 3.
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Days 4-7: This is when more noticeable symptoms like headache, nausea, and trouble sleeping typically begin for cold turkey quitters. Mood swings and anxiety may become more prominent.
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Week 2: Brain zaps, body aches, tremors, or digestive distress are most likely to occur during the second week after the last dose. Cravings may return if using Wellbutrin for smoking cessation.
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Weeks 3-4: Most physical symptoms resolve within a month but psychological symptoms like depression or irritability can persist in some people. The good news is these extended symptoms are less common with Wellbutrin compared to other antidepressants.
Keep in mind withdrawal duration and intensity varies widely between individuals. Staying active, trying meditation, and asking your doctor about temporary symptom management can help get you through this period. Within 4-6 weeks, most people who quit Wellbutrin cold turkey start feeling normal again.
Is It Dangerous to Stop Suddenly?
While quitting Wellbutrin cold turkey is not advised, it is not generally dangerous when done occasionally. However, those taking it for major depression do need to take care when stopping.
There is a small risk of increased depressive thoughts and even suicidal thinking when discontinuing antidepressant medications abruptly. Having a support system and contacting your doctor if symptoms concern you is important.
Rarely, quitting cold turkey has caused severe symptoms like impaired coordination, paranoia, or hallucinations in some people. Tapering off slowly instead of suddenly stopping can help avoid any dangerous psychiatric effects.
The Takeaway
Quitting Wellbutrin abruptly means missing out on the benefits of tapering but does not typically pose major medical risks. However, it does frequently cause withdrawal symptoms that can take a month to fully resolve. Working with your doctor on a proper tapering schedule makes stopping the medication much easier on your body and mind.
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Can Wellbutrin Cause Weight Loss? Yes, Wellbutrin can cause weight loss in some who take it. The reasons are not clearly understood but the drug is known to suppress the appetite by causing digestive discomfort. Wellbutrin withdrawal can reverse the adverse effects on appetite, digestion, weight, and other gastro problems.
Since it acts on stimulatory aspects of neurochemistry, this amphetamine-like effect is likely a component in bupropion-associated weight loss.38
Learn About Antidepressant Withdrawal
As is well-established, Wellbutrin withdrawal symptoms are the same as for other versions or brand names for the same drug. In medical terms, Wellbutrin is a second-generation NDRI antidepressant medication for the treatment of depressive disorders and is FDA-approved under the name “Zyban” for smoking cessation. It is thought that Wellbutrin inhibits the reuptake of both norepinephrine, (the “N”), and dopamine, (the “D”), according to research by Stahl et al, published in the Journal of Clinical Psychiatry.16 First-generation antidepressants (TCAs such as amitriptyline and MOAIs such as Eutonyl) have largely fallen out of popularity due to their significant burden of adverse side effects including suicides, seizures, and dangerous interactions with other drugs, as well as many foods and beverages common to the Western diet.2
Tragically, second-generation antidepressants such as Wellbutrin and other bupropion-based drugs have not panned out to be as risk-free as drug manufacturers had initially hoped. For example, as stated on the package insert, Wellbutrin showed an increased risk of completed suicide and suicidal attempts, and suicidal thoughts in those under the age of 25 both during clinical trials and after discontinuation.5
The stimulant effects of Wellbutrin were overlooked in early research, but researchers have more closely studied these in recent years. Published papers have shown that bupropion’s molecular profile is similar to that of amphetamines and cocaine.
For instance, studies from recent decades have demonstrated a likely increase in dopamine availability after ingesting Wellbutrin, which is thought associated with the addictiveness of the drug.1,13,16,33
Bringing the neurochemistry of the body and brain back into natural, healthy balance is part of recovery from Wellbutrin withdrawal at Alternative to Meds Center.
This research clarifies why Wellbutrin has developed a significant street presence for attaining the “high,” described as similar to cocaine, that is produced by crushing and snorting or injecting the drug.12,33 Other side effects and withdrawal adverse effects are featured below along with some of the most commonly asked questions about the antidepressant Wellbutrin.
Symptoms of Wellbutrin Withdrawals
FAQ
What happens if you stop Wellbutrin suddenly?
What happens if I miss a few days of Wellbutrin?
How long does it take for Wellbutrin to be out of the system?
Do I need to taper off 150 mg Wellbutrin?