Wellbutrin (Bupropion) Withdrawal: Symptoms, Duration, & How to Cope

What Is Wellbutrin?

Wellbutrin, the brand name for the generic form of bupropion, is an FDA-approved medication for major depressive disorder (MDD). ^1,2 The medication can also be prescribed for off-label use in treating other conditions such as ADHD and antidepressant-induced sexual dysfunction.² Talk with your doctor about the risks of using the medication for off-label (not FDA approved) use as the drug can have serious side effects worsening your condition.

Wellbutrin belongs to the norepinephrine and dopamine reuptake inhibitors (NDRIs) class of medications which works by inhibiting norepinephrine and dopamine transportation back into the brain cells where they are broken down. Taking Bupropion will lead to increased levels of norepinephrine and dopamine in the brain, which is intended to relieve the symptoms of depression. Both NDRIs, selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs), and serotonin and norepinephrine inhibitors (SNRIs) work the same way to manage depressive symptoms by preventing the reupdate and breakdown of neurotransmitters, which prolongs their action. However, NDRIs increase norepinephrine and dopamine, SNRIs increase norepinephrine and serotonin, and SSRIs increase serotonin.

Wellbutrin is commonly prescribed as an on-label medication to treat the following conditions:^1,2

• Depression
• Smoking cessation
• Seasonal affective disorder (SAD)

Wellbutrin is commonly prescribed as an on-label medication to treat the following conditions:²

• Attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD)
• Anti-depressant-induced sexual dysfunction
• Depression associated with bipolar disorder

What is Wellbutrin Withdrawal?

Antidepressant medication should be taken as prescribed by your doctor. Abruptly stopping your medication can lead to Wellbutrin withdrawal, also known as antidepressant discontinuation syndrome. Generally, antidepressant discontinuation syndrome is a common problem in people who have suddenly quit or reduced their dosage. If you stop your Wellbutrin medication without proper guidance from your doctor, you will likely experience Wellbutrin withdrawal symptoms within two days. The symptoms include nausea, persistent headaches, and dizziness due to norepinephrine and dopamine imbalance.

Antidepressants can make you feel mildly uncomfortable as your body gets used to the medication. While bupropion is not associated with addiction, the drug can cause physical dependence. Dependence on Wellbutrin can lead to misuse, making it ineffective for depression. To minimize the risk of Wellbutrin withdrawal, consult your doctor before discontinuing the medication. Your doctor can taper your Wellbutrin dosage for several weeks allowing your body to adapt to the absence of the drug.

Withdrawal symptoms most commonly occur in situations such as:

• Missing a dose
• Switching medications
• Quitting cold turkey

Wellbutrin Withdrawal Symptoms

Wellbutrin withdrawal symptoms can vary depending on several factors, including the substance and an individual’s age or gender, and the symptoms can range from mild to severe. While some people may experience mild symptoms, others may experience severe symptoms requiring immediate medical help. The withdrawal symptoms usually occur within the first two days of your last dosage and can become more or less intense over time.

When you combine NDRIs with a serotonin-releasing medication like SSRIs or SNRs, the medications can significantly impact the withdrawal experience. When you take multiple medications, you have a high chance of experiencing withdrawal symptoms when you discontinue your medication. NDRIs, SSRIs, and SNRIs work on different neurotransmitters, and their mechanisms of action differ.

Wellbutrin (bupropion) withdrawal symptoms may include:¹

• Anxiety: Your anxiety symptoms may worsen, making your condition intolerable.
• Suicidal ideation: You are more likely to have suicidal thoughts or want to commit suicide.
• Thoughts of self-harm: Wellbutrin withdrawal may make you engage in unhealthy behaviors or inflict self-harm.
• Insomnia: Bupropion withdrawal may interfere with your normal sleeping cycle, causing insomnia.
• Sensory disturbance: You are more likely to experience sensory processing disturbances in the brain.
• Sweating: Discontinuing your medication elevates the risk of increased sweating.
• Heat intolerance: Wellbutrin withdrawal can cause the feeling of being overheating when the temperature rises.
• Flu-like symptoms: You may experience a runny nose, fever, and congestion.
• Confusion: Wellbutrin can interfere with your blood sodium level, creating mental confusion.

Antidepressant medications, including Wellbutrin, impact your body in different ways. For this reason, taking your medication as prescribed by your physician is recommended. If you are considering stopping your medication, talk to your doctor to ensure safe tapering. Abruptly stopping Wellbutrin medication can cause discontinuation syndrome resulting in severe side effects. When in the process of discontinuation and the symptoms such as constant headaches and increased sweating become so intense, seek immediate medical assistance.

Some severe symptoms of Wellbutrin withdrawal that need immediate medical attention include the following:

• Suicidal thoughts: If you have feelings of committing suicide, get immediate help from your doctor.
• Self-destructive behaviors: You are more likely to engage in unhealthy behaviors that can cause serious harm to your body.
• Persistent headache: Wellbutrin withdrawal can cause continuous and severe headaches.
• Increased sweating: The medication can trigger intolerable and increased sweating.
• Drowsiness: You may have a strong desire for sleep and a feeling of drowsiness.

Antidepressant Discontinuation Vs. Relapse of Depression Symptoms

Determining whether symptoms are from discontinuation syndrome or if a relapse of depressive symptoms has returned can be very difficult. Depression relapse begins with a return of depressive symptoms two weeks after stopping antidepressants. Common symptoms that may occur during Wellbutrin withdrawal include anxiety, sleeping problems, and flu-like symptoms. Symptoms of depression relapse may include low mood, appetite issues, lack of interest, and feelings of hopelessness. Your doctor can help determine whether symptoms are from withdrawal or a relapse of depression.

There are several ways your doctor can implement to address relapse depression or anxiety symptoms. One way is to prescribe a different dose or antidepressant for you. Your doctor can also consider psychotherapy options to help you learn coping mechanisms and manage your symptoms. Other options, such as exercise and mindfulness, can help address your symptoms.

Discontinuation of Bupropion After Long-Term Treatment

Long-term use of bupropion may cause withdrawal symptoms when the medication is discontinued. This primarily occurs due to your body trying to adjust in the absence of the medication. The withdrawal symptoms vary from person to person and can be mild or severe. You are likely to have flu-like symptoms, insomnia, and irritability, which can be intense compared to short-term use of Wellbutrin. Your doctor can help you taper your dosage gradually to minimize the risk of withdrawal symptoms.

If your condition becomes more intense and intolerable, your doctor might consider an SSRI medication with either a smaller or longer half-life. Fluoxetine (Prozac) has the longest half-life of the SSRI antidepressants and tends to produce the fewest withdrawal symptoms. In contrast, Paroxetine (Paxil) has the shortest half-life and tends to produce the most discontinuation effects.³

Discontinuation of Wellbutrin While Pregnant

Generally, the FDA recommends pregnant women avoid taking any medications or antidepressants during pregnancy, mostly during the first trimester. If you are taking Wellbutrin during pregnancy, talk with your doctor to understand the benefits and risks of continuing with the medication during pregnancy. Stopping your medication can cause Wellbutrin withdrawal symptoms, so plan for tapering off the medication under the guidance of your doctor.¹

Wellbutrin Withdrawal Timeline

Wellbutrin withdrawal symptoms can occur within the first two days of your last dosage. This is because the medication has a shorter half-life of about 21 hours compared to other antidepressants.² Half-life is the duration Wellbutrin takes for half of the drug to be eliminated from the body. For this reason, drugs with a shorter half-life can be removed quickly from the body, increasing the chances of withdrawal symptoms when the medication is discontinued. Bupropion withdrawal symptoms include agitation, confusion, and nausea. The symptoms can last for several days, and their severity varies from person to person.

Coping With Bupropion Withdrawal Symptoms

Bupropion withdrawal symptoms can worsen your condition, making it difficult for you to tolerate them. However, there are healthy coping mechanisms that can help you cope with bupropion withdrawal symptoms. Some coping mechanisms include adequate sleep, regular exercise, and a healthy diet.

Here are 7 strategies to help relieve symptoms of Wellbutrin withdrawal include:

Get Adequate Sleep

Getting adequate sleep can help reduce feelings of fatigue and anxiety, which are common bupropion withdrawal symptoms. The impact of sleep on mental health is essential your overall mood and cognitive function.⁴

Regular Exercise

Engaging in physical activity plays an important role in helping one cope with Wellbutrin withdrawal symptoms. The mental health benefits of exercising include reducing feelings of stress, anxiety, and fatigue. Exercise can also improve sleep quality and promote feelings of well-being.⁵

Spend Time With Loved Ones

Spending more time with your family and friends can help you manage your anxiety and depression symptoms. This creates a sense of belonging hence improving your anxiety and well-being.

Eat a Healthy Diet

Eating a well-balanced diet can help you manage your depression. Taking diets low in carbohydrates can precipitate depression carbohydrate-rich foods trigger the production of brain chemicals that promote the feeling of well-being.

Speak With a Therapist

Talk with a therapist about your condition. Your therapist can recommend other medications that will help lessen withdrawal symptoms. Also, your therapist can recommend eating healthy foods to help you manage your depression symptoms.

Join Online Support Groups

Online support groups play an essential role for people with similar conditions to share their experiences. This will help you learn about other people’s conditions and may help you understand how to cope with bupropion withdrawal symptoms.

When to Talk With a Doctor About Stopping Wellbutrin

Sometimes, taking Wellbutrin may not work for you. The medication may become less effective for depression or lead to undesired results. If the medication does not work for you, consult your psychiatrist for other alternatives. Also, you can ask your doctor how long the withdrawal symptoms will last or how to cope with the withdrawal symptoms.

Questions to ask your care team about discontinuing Wellbutrin include:

• Why do you think I should stop this medication?
• Is it going to be dangerous to stop taking Wellbutrin?
• Should I stop taking Wellbutrin all at once or over some time?
• What are the risks of stopping Wellbutrin?
• When should I expect to notice the symptoms of Wellbutrin withdrawal?
• What should I do if something feels off during my withdrawal process?
• Who should I call, and what should I do if I get sick?
• Would starting a new medication help limit the withdrawal symptoms?
• Could my depression get worse after I stopped taking Wellbutrin?
• The medication does not work for me. What should I do?

Final Thoughts

Wellbutrin is among the antidepressant medications that can be prescribed to manage symptoms of depression. With any medication, side effects vary based on the individual. It’s essential to discuss the discontinuation of Wellbutrin with your doctor and care team before changing the dose or stopping. Your doctor will address safety concerns and ensure you are safe on Wellbutrin medication.

For Further Reading

• How to Get Antidepressants: Everything You Need to Know
• How to Get Anxiety Medication: Everything You Need to Know
• Talkspace Review: Pros, Cons, Cost, & Who It’s Right For
• Brightside Health Review: Cost, Pros & Cons, & Who It’s Right For
• Wellbutrin Vs. Zoloft: Key Differences & Choosing the Best for You
• Wellbutrin for Anxiety: Effectiveness, Dosage, & More