The timeline for how long it takes to detox from Wellbutrin can vary from person to person. Unlike withdrawal from opioids, alcohol, or other types of antidepressants (e.g. SSRIs), physical symptoms of withdrawal after stopping Wellbutrin are not commonly reported. At Recovery Guide, our mission is to connect as many individuals struggling with mental health and substance abuse disorders to reputable treatment facilities. Bupropion withdrawal is generally less severe than withdrawal from SSRIs or benzodiazepines but can still significantly impact quality of life due to potential side effects and adverse events. Discontinuing bupropion can lead to antidepressant withdrawal symptoms, especially if done abruptly. Understanding the timeline can help individuals prepare for what to expect.
How long does Wellbutrin anxiety last?
- Wellbutrin is a common antidepressant used to manage major depressive disorder and seasonal affective disorder.
- Always keep in close contact with your healthcare provider throughout the process.
- As withdrawal continues into the first and second weeks, some symptoms may intensify while others begin to emerge.
- Give us a call today to verify your insurance coverage or to learn more about paying for addiction treatment.
Your doctor can provide the support and guidance you need to streamline the process and reduce discomfort. Some antidepressants, especially SSRIs 2, can cause a condition called antidepressant discontinuation syndrome 3, also known as withdrawal, which can be very uncomfortable. AddictionResource aims to present the most accurate, trustworthy, and up-to-date medical content to our readers.
During these first few days, patients may experience the onset of what’s often called “discontinuation syndrome.” Symptoms can include irritability, anxiety, headaches, and dizziness. Sleep disturbances often emerge quickly, with insomnia or vivid dreams being common complaints. Some people report feeling generally unwell, with flu-like symptoms such as fatigue, muscle aches, and chills. The risks of Wellbutrin withdrawal include the potential relapse of depressive symptoms, severe mood changes, and heightened anxiety. In rare instances, it may lead to cardiotoxicity, which can damage the heart muscle and result in serious conditions like heart failure, arrhythmias, myocarditis, or pericarditis.
Wellbutrin Withdrawal Symptoms: Antidepressant Discontinuation Syndrome
However, some individuals experience what’s known as “protracted withdrawal,” where certain symptoms – particularly those affecting mood and energy levels – persist for months. While it’s not usually deemed harmful to the heart in healthy patients, it’s essential to keep an eye on any cardiovascular symptoms, particularly when beginning treatment. Some potential cardiovascular side effects of Wellbutrin include heart palpitations, chest discomfort, and fluctuations in blood pressure, which can include both hypotension and hypertension. No, it’s not advised to stop taking Wellbutrin cold turkey (stopping abruptly from your full dosage rather than tapering down your dosage gradually).
Bupropion, commonly marketed as Wellbutrin, is used to treat depression and help people stop smoking. 2 Like many medications, your body can become used to Wellbutrin over time. Stopping Wellbutrin cold turkey or reducing your dosage too quickly, you might experience withdrawal symptoms. This happens because your brain and body have adjusted to the medication’s effects, and when it’s no longer present, they need time to readjust. Because of these potential challenges, you can undergo Wellbutrin withdrawal under the supervision of a healthcare professional at a rehab facility like ours.
- This method allows the body to adjust to lower levels of the drug, which minimizes withdrawal symptoms like irritability, insomnia, and mood swings.
- The American Psychiatric Association recommends that all antidepressants be tapered down to lower the risk of withdrawal symptoms.
- Your body and brain, which have adjusted to the presence of Wellbutrin, can struggle to find balance when the medication is removed.
- Many individuals dealing with depression often find themselves on long-term prescriptions for antidepressants like Wellbutrin.
- It works by inhibiting the reuptake of norepinephrine and dopamine in the brain.
This is because the body gets used to the presence of a certain amount of the drug and dependence develops. These symptoms usually present within the first few days after stopping Wellbutrin and can last 2 weeks. However, not everyone will experience these effects, and the symptoms are manageable. If symptoms become uncomfortable, reach out to a healthcare provider for support.
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If you are experiencing Wellbutrin withdrawal symptoms after stopping this does wellbutrin help with withdrawal antidepressant, make sure you alert your therapist or doctor so they can support you during this uncomfortable time. You might be given medications to reduce symptoms like headaches, muscle aches, insomnia, or depression. If you are dealing with severe depressive symptoms, a doctor might put you on a new antidepressant medication. The initial symptoms of Wellbutrin withdrawal will begin 1 to 3 days after your last dose.
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A typical tapering plan for Wellbutrin lasts about 1 to 2 weeks, though it can be longer depending on how long you’ve been taking the medication and at what dose. Unlike some other antidepressants, Wellbutrin doesn’t usually cause severe withdrawal symptoms. This is because it works on dopamine and norepinephrine rather than serotonin, which is targeted by many other antidepressants. Always talk to your doctor before stopping the medication so they can guide you on how to wean off Wellbutrin safely. It is not recommended to stop bupropion suddenly, as this increases the risk of withdrawal symptoms. Gradual tapering under the guidance of a healthcare professional is the safest way to discontinue the medication.
Wellbutrin Withdrawal Symptoms: Symptoms + Timeline
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Antidepressant Discontinuation Syndrome: Symptoms, Risk Factors, Prevention
You can also learn how to connect with compassionate and effective 1 care for withdrawal from Wellbutrin. 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 Bupropion withdrawal symptoms upon cessation. This phase often requires continued support and potentially consideration of alternative treatments if the original mental health condition remains problematic. The risks of Wellbutrin withdrawal are severe and include suicidal thoughts, self-harm behaviors, panic attacks, and extreme restlessness, all of which require careful management.
The duration of withdrawal symptoms can vary depending on factors like the dosage, length of use, and individual differences. Generally, symptoms begin within a few days after discontinuation and may last for one to two weeks. In some cases, mild symptoms like mood changes or fatigue can persist for a longer period. If you experience severe psychological symptoms, persistent physical discomfort, or suicidal ideation, consult your healthcare provider immediately. When you begin your recovery with detox at Gratitude Lodge, you can access medications to reduce cravings and withdrawal symptoms.
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. After you stop taking Wellbutrin, if you have withdrawal symptoms at all, they could last anywhere from a few days to a few weeks. Occurring in a hospital, acute care setting, or freestanding detox center, this is the most intensive detox option, offering 24/7 medical care and support to keep you safe during withdrawal. Consistent sleep patterns are key to overcoming sleep-related withdrawal symptoms.
It is possible for symptoms like brain zaps, mood swings, and depression to persist for longer. Additionally, if you are not taking a new medication, your depression will continue to cause symptoms. Withdrawal symptoms often get better within a few days of restarting Wellbutrin. Tapering off your dosage gives your body time to respond to smaller and smaller amounts of the drug. Slowly coming off Wellbutrin over a longer period also reduces the likelihood of serious withdrawal symptoms.
As a result, a doctor might recommend that you switch to an alternative medication to ensure your symptoms remain controlled. 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. Wellbutrin is thought to treat depression by changing chemicals in the brain.
Getting off Wellbutrin can be challenging, primarily due to the withdrawal symptoms that can arise when the medication is stopped abruptly or even tapered too quickly. Your body and brain, which have adjusted to the presence of Wellbutrin, can struggle to find balance when the medication is removed. In some cases, a person’s mental health needs may have changed, and their doctor might suggest switching to a different medication. Or, they might want to try managing their mental health in other ways, like through therapy, lifestyle changes, or natural remedies.
Techniques such as limiting screen time and practicing relaxation can aid in better sleep. At Renaissance Recovery our goal is to provide evidence-based treatment to as many individuals as possible. Give us a call today to verify your insurance coverage or to learn more about paying for addiction treatment.