How long does Wellbutrin withdrawal last?

Wellbutrin (bupropion) withdrawal can last and fluctuate in severity over the course of several weeks. More on the duration of withdrawal from Wellbutrin here.

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Thinking about quitting Wellbutrin?

Wellbutrin, also known as bupropion, is used to treat long term depression and some versions of the medication are used to withdraw from nicotine and to help people stop smoking. Because Wellbutrin is used to treat long term depression, doctors expects people to develop a dependency on bupropion over time. So, if’ you’ve been taking Wellbutrin daily for some time and suddenly decide to stop taking Wellbutrin, you will experience withdrawal symptoms.

Here, we explore the withdrawal process from Wellbutrin and what you are can expect over the course of a few weeks after cessation. Plus, more on whether or not getting addicted to antidepressants is possible.  Then, we invite your questions about Wellbutrin at the end.

How long until Wellbutrin withdrawal starts?

In general, withdrawal from Wellbutrin or a generic form of buproprion can start any time you miss a dose or after the effects of your last dose have worn off. In this way, you can feel the onset of withdrawal very quickly after the last dose of Wellbutrin has worn off. Anti-depressants like Wellbutrin can trigger withdrawal symptoms like:

  • agitation
  • anxiety
  • confusion
  • fatigue
  • headache
  • insomnia
  • rebound depression

Wellbutrin withdrawal: how long?

Different people will have different reactions to withdrawal from Wellbutrin. Most who are on regular doses of burpopion have been using it for long extended periods of time so most will go through withdrawal. The intensity and how long withdrawal lasts depends on the tapering schedule recommended by a physician. Those who go cold turkey experience more severity and dangerous withdrawal symptoms.

However, keep in mind that when withdrawing from anti-depressants like Wellbutrin, the biggest thing you will have to face is the original symptoms of depression you were using the medication for. Many times, this depression comes with mood swings, anxiety, and irritation that can be present and last long after you have stopped taking Wellbutrin. Such symptoms make getting off the medication extremely difficult.

Still, this process and the side effects that arise can be made easier with appropriate Antidepressant Withdrawal And Detox Treatment Programs that work to make quitting Wellbutrin feel as safe and comfortable as possible.

Wellbutrin withdrawal timeline

Since it is recommended that you taper off Wellbutrin to reduce the severity of withdrawal symptoms, here we will discuss withdrawal as if you were stopping cold turkey.

24 – 72 hours Wellbutrin withdrawal: You are at risk for seizures during these hours. You may also experience flu like symptoms making you severely sick. You may experience uncontrolled crying and mood swings accompanied with worsened depression. Erratic thoughts are also common during the first few days of Wellbutrin withdrawal.

Week 1 Wellbutrin withdrawal: During the first week of Wellbutrin withdrawal, you can be really tired and need more sleep. Continued increased depression can be expected, or feeling like you are out of the body. Mental fog and tense muscles can also manifest during this time.

Week 2 Wellbutrin withdrawal: Physical symptoms should begin to ease and your body should feel a little better by the second week after you stop taking Wellbutrin. But expect that adverse symptoms in regards to your mood to persist. It may be hard to sleep as nightmares may accompany a depressed emotional state.

Week 3-4 Wellbutrin withdrawal: It is possible that you gain weight in the first three to four weeks after you stop taking Wellbutrin. Rebound depression can affect you in even more intense ways. Symptoms of depression can make it hard to abstain from bupropion and some people start taking Wellbutrin again in order to address these feelings. Sometimes people will start a different SSRI or antidepressant medication to treat present depression.

How long do Wellbutrin withdrawal symptoms last?

Symptoms of Wellbutrin withdrawal can begin shortly after you have stopped taking Wellbutrin. And you can expect to experience physical symptoms for several weeks. Be advised that symptoms of bupropion withdrawal can fluctuate. After the first few weeks of stopping Wellbutrin, psychological symptoms or disorders can resurface and last for several months afterward. In general, it can take a long time to treat the psychological conditions that underly Wellbutrin use.

How long Wellbutrin withdrawal questions

If you have any more questions regarding withdrawal from Wellbutrin please ask. We do our best to respond to your question accurately and promptly. Also feel free to share your own experience of withdrawal from Wellbutrin. What did you go through? What helped?

Reference Sources: Pub Med Health: Bupropion
FDA: Wellbutrin
FDA: Medication Guide
National Library of Medicine: Bupropion-Associated Withdrawal Symptoms
About the author
Lee Weber is a published author, medical writer, and woman in long-term recovery from addiction. Her latest book, The Definitive Guide to Addiction Interventions is set to reach university bookstores in early 2019.
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