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Can I stop taking Wellbutrin suddenly or should I taper off?

Medically reviewed by Kristianne Hannemann, PharmD. Last updated on Aug 25, 2023.

Official answer

by Drugs.com

Stopping Wellbutrin (brand name for bupropion) suddenly may cause withdrawal symptoms. If you want to stop taking Wellbutrin, it’s important to talk to your doctor first. Your doctor can help you slowly lower your dose if needed and stop taking Wellbutrin safely.

Can Wellbutrin cause withdrawal symptoms?

Yes. Wellbutrin is thought to treat depression by changing chemicals in the brain. As a result, it can sometimes cause uncomfortable symptoms for a while when you stop taking it. These are known as withdrawal symptoms. The risk of withdrawal symptoms is higher if you stop taking Wellbutrin cold turkey.

Possible withdrawal symptoms from stopping Wellbutrin suddenly include:

  • Anxiety
  • Trouble sleeping
  • Irritability
  • Headache
  • Aches and pains.

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. How long withdrawal symptoms last is different for everyone.

Related Questions

How can I safely stop taking Wellbutrin?

Do not stop taking Wellbutrin without first speaking to your doctor. 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. This is called tapering down. The American Psychiatric Association recommends that all antidepressants be tapered down to lower the risk of withdrawal symptoms.

Your doctor can tailor your taper schedule to your individual needs, and it can depend on how long you’ve been taking Wellbutrin, your dose, and what symptoms you’re experiencing.

If you start to experience withdrawal symptoms, let your doctor know. They might need to restart your taper schedule. Withdrawal symptoms often get better within a few days of restarting Wellbutrin.

References

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