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Wellbutrin Withdrawal Symptoms, Side Effects, Recovery Tips

Alternative to Meds Editorial Team Medically Reviewed by ATMC Clinical Review Team Table of Contents: Videos:  Wellbutrin Withdrawal Wellbutrin Withdrawal Symptoms What Happens if I Quit Wellbutrin Cold Turkey? What About

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Wellbutrin withdrawal symptoms, side effects, recovery tips

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Alternative to Meds Editorial Team
Medically Reviewed by ATMC Clinical Review Team

Wellbutrin withdrawal is best done with medical guidance and not by abruptly stopping this drug on your own. Despite the known dangers, antidepressants are still typically prescribed without any investigation into other life factors, lab testing, or even a conversation informing the patient about Wellbutrin withdrawal and how to deal with potential withdrawal symptoms. The shortcomings of this approach seem self-evident.

However, below other options are discussed that can lead to successful recovery after properly managed bupropion withdrawal.


Ready to end the struggle in a healthy way?

how long does wellbutrin withdrawal last

Alternative to Meds has been the leader in safe antidepressant withdrawal for more than 18 years. Our founding members and many of the staff are survivors of medication debacles, and understand the difficulties. We have outcome studies and published evidence validating our success. We have seen the worst of the worst, and we want you to know that you are not alone.
This video details the story of a woman who had lost the ability to function entirely. She explains how she got her life back from the adverse effects of antidepressants and benzodiazepines. Many people who come to us for help with problematic Wellbutrin withdrawal say “no one can be as bad off as me.” We are not the typical spin-dry rehab. You will easily see that ATMC takes on the worst of the worst, and is truly creating miracles.

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Wellbutrin Withdrawal Symptoms

Wellbutrin withdrawal symptoms (AKA bupropion) can range from mild to moderate or for some, can 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. Gradually tapering off Wellbutrin can greatly help lessen the risks of hard-to-tolerate reactions, as well as life-threatening or health-compromising risks. More information on the risks and phenomena of Wellbutrin withdrawal can be found below.

Wellbutrin withdrawal symptoms may include:
  • Seizures can occur while taking, during tapering, or even after stopping Wellbutrin. Seizures can be life-threatening. If possible, arrange a constant companion or caregiver who is easily accessible to you during and after cessation.18,33
  • Suicidality can occur while taking, tapering, or even after Wellbutrin withdrawal is completed. Stay in close contact with someone who can monitor carefully during and after cessation.4,18,41
  • Neuropsychiatric phenomena during withdrawal of Wellbutrin are noted on the FDA drug label, but not otherwise specified beyond suicidality and seizures.4
  • Two case studies, one male and one female, each at the same dosages reported nearly identical withdrawal symptoms of anxiety, insomnia, irritability, headache, generalized aches and pains, and feeling like they wanted to crawl out of their skin.8,9
  • Worsening depression 13
  • Dizziness, loss of balance 17
  • Changes in mood, appetite, and sleep 8,14
  • Agitation, irritability, aggressive compulsive behaviors 8,9,18
  • Lethargy, cramps, hallucinations, sweating 18

What Happens if I Quit Wellbutrin Cold Turkey?

wellbutrin withdrawal side effectsCold turkey Wellbutrin withdrawal is NOT recommended, except in the case of a medical emergency, such as seizures presenting while on this antidepressant drug. There are many reasons NOT to quit Wellbutrin cold turkey, or attempting to stop to quickly.

Some withdrawal effects may present unexpectedly, even after some time has passed since stopping the drug. Protracted (long-lasting) Wellbutrin withdrawal symptoms can be debilitating and may require reinstating the drug to stabilize the person before successful titration can occur.

As mentioned earlier, and according to the FDA drug label, if seizures occur, the drug should be stopped immediately. If other disturbing psychiatric symptoms emerge, these should be reported to your physician so that medication changes can be initiated.

Always seek medical guidance for the stopping of and management of drugs like Wellbutrin.4

What About Drug-Drug Interactions & Polypharmacy?

Many types of medications and substances, including alcohol, can interact negatively with Wellbutrin and such combinations require exact guidance under medical supervision and require discussion with your primary doctor to avoid these risks, especially for planning safe and doable withdrawal.4,7

An increasing trend in modern medicine is polypharmacy, which means prescribing multiple medications. According to a data brief published by the CDC, about 7 out of every 10 adults aged 40-79 in the US and Canada had taken one or more medications in the 30 days before the 2019 survey, and one-fifth of those took 5 or more medications daily.37 taking multiple pharmaceutical drugs compounds risksThis introduces further complexity where Wellbutrin has been used simultaneously with other medications in the treatment of depression or other types of disorders. The CDC also noted that the most commonly prescribed drugs were of the antidepressant class.

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 There is an incomplete understanding of how antidepressants work, including Wellbutrin. But there has been adequate observation to know which drug-drug interactions to avoid. 

 According to published research, there are at least 571 drugs that are known to interact with bupropion. Of these, 218 can be major risks to health. To find out if a drug you or a loved one is taking along with bupropion, you can use a portal called “Drug Interactions Checker” and get a detailed report of possible drug, food, or alcohol interactions to avoid. 46

Navigating Wellbutrin Withdrawal: Effective Strategies for Relief

Bringing the neurochemistry of the body and brain back into natural, healthy balance is part of recovery from Wellbutrin withdrawal, and this strategy should not be overlooked.

In the case where Wellbutrin did not provide adequate symptom relief, it may not be another or “better” drug you need for success. According to the Canadian Journal of Health Technologies, moderate to severe depression may not respond to bupropion adequately. The Journal guidelines recommend switching to drug-free monotherapy with CBT (cognitive behavioral treatment) which studies confirm can lead to successful recovery for acute phase treatment-resistive depression.22,26,42

Other powerful healing strategies for assisting with recovery include an overhaul of the diet. Attention should also be given to restoring healthy gut flora since the gut is where natural hormones and neurotransmitters are created. A clean, nutrient dense diet will help provide the raw materials needed for restoring this vital part of the CNS. Supplementation can also be highly effective and lab testing can determine any areas of vitamin and mineral deficiency.

Holistic comfort therapies can ease symptoms of withdrawal markedly. Massage, yoga, exercise, hydration, fresh air and sunshine are lifestyle enhancements that can go a long way on the healing journey. And if the neurotransmitters have been rehabilitated in your body, the drugs have been withdrawn properly, and one continues with a healthy clean diet, exercise, and other lifestyle changes, it may be that the original symptoms that were suffered are no longer there. And won’t come back.

Special Warning About Wellbutrin Withdrawal Symptoms

Withdrawal symptoms may not appear until some days have passed since the last dose was taken. Symptoms should be closely monitored even well beyond completing the cessation period.18

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

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

Discontinuing Wellbutrin can be managed safely under the care of a licensed and knowledgeable physician, though being under the care and supervision of a prescribing doctor particularly familiar with discontinuing antidepressants is recommended.

The safest recommendation is for Wellbutrin withdrawal to take place in an inpatient setting where physical and psychological factors can be immediately observed and addressed for successful recovery in a supportive atmosphere.

What Is Wellbutrin Used For?

Wellbutrin is FDA-approved for the treatment of MDD, (major depressive disorder) in adults aged 25 and older. Under the brand name Zyban, it is prescribed to help in smoking cessation. Despite black box warnings, many physicians practice off-label prescribing 19 for the following:

  • ADHD in the pediatric population
  • Seasonal affective disorder
  • Antidepressant-induced sexual dysfunction
  • Weight loss, obesity
  • Depression in bipolar disorder

Important to note, in July 2012 the drugmaker was fined $3 billion for fraudulently promoting Wellbutrin and other prescription medications and for withholding safety data, resulting in the largest drug fraud case in US history up to that date.32

Wellbutrin Side Effects

Four out of every thousand people taking less than 450mg of Wellbutrin daily experience seizures. Seizures are potentially life-threatening and are a hallmark of toxicity.33 Over 450mg daily, the risk increases sevenfold. Also important to note is that 68% to 77% of Wellbutrin-induced seizures occur within the first 4 hours of taking the drug. The higher the dose, the more likely a seizure is to occur, and some seizures can be fatal.1

The side effects listed below are sited from various sources, as indicated. A comprehensive list of Wellbutrin side effects can be found on the drug label information,4 and in the book entitled “Bupropion” authored by Huecker et al, published by the National Center for Biotechnology Information.19

Wellbutrin side effects can include:
  • Suicidality:  Wellbutrin is associated with suicidal thoughts, and behaviors, including deaths by suicide across all age groups, not only in the very young.41 Wellbutrin is high-risk in overdoses, meaning an overdose is often fatal.
  • Seizures 1,33
  • Cardiovascular adverse events:  tachycardia
  • Respiratory issues:  rhinitis, pharyngitis
  • Central Nervous System adverse events:  insomnia, headache, migraine, agitation, dizziness, akathisia, restlessness, aggressive or compulsive behaviors
  • Dermatologic:  diaphoresis, flushing, hives, rashes
  • Endocrine:  weight loss
  • Gastrointestinal:  constipation, dry mouth, nausea, stomach pain, nausea, cramps
  • Musculoskeletal:  tremor, twitching, shakiness
  • Ophthalmologic:  blurred vision
  • Psychiatric symptoms:  activation of acute psychosis 20,21 and/or mania, depression or worsened depression, hallucinations, paranoia, confusion
  • Serum sickness – an immune system reaction affecting major body systems with inflammation 5

When used as a meth-like or cocaine-like stimulant, the drug is snorted or injected, releasing the drug into the bloodstream nearly instantly.31 These effects can lead to repeated use and addiction. More information on these phenomena can be found below.

Wellbutrin (bupropion) Alternative Names and Slang

Brand names in the US include Aplenzin©, Buproban©, ForfivoXL©, Wellbutrin SR©, Wellbutrin XL©, Zyban©, Zyban Advantage Pack©, and Budeprion XL©. There are dozens of other brand names for other countries. No matter the given name, bupropion or Wellbutrin withdrawals have the potential to cause similar adverse effects.

Recently, a novel compound containing bupropion was FDA-approved in 2022 called Auvelity©. This one combines bupropion and dextromethorphan. Dextromethorphan is the main ingredient in many cough suppressants. Auvelity causes the same side effects as other versions of bupropion, including seizures, mania, psychosis, suicidality, and others. The label instructs Auvelity extended-release tablets to be taken twice daily for major depressive disorder. Information from the label tells us its effects come on more quickly but also wear off more quickly over the day than straight bupropion. Of some concern, the instructions simply state that if psychosis or other psychiatric symptoms develop, stop taking the drug. Always seek medical guidance for such catastrophic events.35,36

Wellbutrin Abuse and Addiction Risks

wellbutrin addiction risks & FDA black box warningAccording to medical literature, all of Wellbutrin’s various versions have been shown to be particularly subject to abuse and addiction, and there are substantial risks for recreational users. The literature shows a growing trend both on city streets and in prison populations. The drug Wellbutrin is commonly referred to as “poor man’s cocaine” for its cocaine-like stimulant effects. Prescription drug diversion has caused huge concern for healthcare workers.31

Some persons have become inadvertently dependent on bupropion, especially by abusing the drug recreationally by snorting or injection for increased drug effects, which users describe as similar to cocaine or amphetamines.33

When used recreationally, the user may be aiming for a cocaine-like high. However, significant physical damage can occur. Injecting Wellbutrin has been shown to cause gruesome lesions and blood vessel damage, clots, and infected abscesses. For some persons, these risks to health, as well as dependence and addiction, do not significantly deter or curb such use from continuing. It is estimated that in one large Canadian city, approximately half of all IV drug users there have used Wellbutrin in this fashion.2,3,20

When used as a meth-like or cocaine-like stimulant, snorting or injecting the drug releases bupropion into the bloodstream nearly instantly, causing such effects as:

  • Euphoria, high, exhilaration
  • Insomnia
  • Hallucination
  • Paranoia, feelings of persecution
  • Seizures
  • Necrosis of the injection site (irreversible cell injury leading to cell death) 20,40
  • Cellulitis (infection causing tenderness, inflammation, redness of the skin)39

Neurotoxins and Mental Health

For many years, a large body of evidence has demonstrated that neurotoxic substances such as mercury, lead, cadmium, pesticides, and other chemical residues lodge in the body and commonly create neurotoxic emergencies, presenting with symptoms that are subject to being misdiagnosed as “mental illness.” 23-25

For treatment, neurotoxin removal allows stasis to return in a natural and healthy way. Cleansing therapies are some of the most effective solutions to this problem and can be useful if delivered at an appropriate point during Wellbutrin withdrawal.

Effective Alternative Treatments Instead of Wellbutrin

program graduate testimonialDepression, smoking addiction, fatigue, are some of the symptoms for which Wellbutrin© or the other brand name versions of bupropion (Zyban, Aplenzin, etc.) are prescribed. Did you know such symptoms 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 possible root causes?25,29

A comprehensive scope of treatment is much more than simply managing Wellbutrin withdrawal, which is the first step of recovery, and is important. However, research shows that over time, drugs deplete the production of neurotransmitters (the messengers) and or lessen the responsiveness of the body’s system of neurochemical receptors.& When this occurs, more of the drug must be taken to get the same effects. This is thought to be the leading cause of drug tolerance and dependence.22

The use of lab testing and correction of nutritional deficiencies discovered are parts of a good treatment plan. One must also provide the raw materials so the body can rebuild its neurochemistry back to a healthy and functioning state.34

CBT and other genres of counseling can greatly assist drug recovery and provide reliable relief in areas of unhandled trauma, life upheavals, losses, and other personal areas that respond well to counseling.26

The importance of this strategy can not be overstated.

Help is Available for Safe and Comfortable Wellbutrin Withdrawal

A wide range of holistic therapies can be utilised in recovery of depression or other unwanted symptoms before prescription drug therapy is begun. This is important because as mentioned earlier, according to the Canadian Journal of Health Technologies, moderate to severe depression may not adequately respond to bupropion or other medications. If this occurs, the Journal guidelines recommend switching to drug-free monotherapy with CBT (cognitive behavioral treatment) which studies confirm can lead to successful recovery for acute phase treatment-resistive depression.22,42

Other types of therapy include working with an Equine therapist, yoga instructor, or acupuncturist, or learning Qi Gong, for some very popular examples. Other therapies are quite popular as well, such as cold plunge therapy, music therapy, art therapy, and sound healing. These can help not only during recovery but for the rest of your life. For more details on these and other therapeutics offered, you can research our services overview and counseling pages. You may be interested in applying drug-free methods to quit smoking, alleviate stress, or make lifestyle changes. We cannot over-emphasize the importance of diet, supplements, neurotoxin removal, and exercise for natural mental health, which can empower a person to maintain natural mental health for real, without needing to rely on medication.27-30

Please inquire about any questions you may have about recovery from Wellbutrin, as well as Wellbutrin withdrawal strategies, and any other issues you or a loved one may be interested in learning more about.

for Wellbutrin Withdrawal Help

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Wellbutrin Withdrawal FAQs

The following are some of the most frequently asked questions regarding Wellbutrin. It should be noted that the data applies equally to all other versions of the drug.

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

Can Wellbutrin Get You High?

Wellbutrin is a stimulant with structural similarities to cocaine, amphetamines, and various compounds of amphetamines which class includes methamphetamines and MDMA, otherwise known as ecstasy.1

Therefore, some features of Wellbutrin withdrawal mimic those of stimulant drugs with similar structures and mechanisms of action.

Is Wellbutrin Prescribed for Smoking Cessation (Quitting Nicotine)?

No. Wellbutrin is the brand name for bupropion when a physician prescribes it to treat depression (or prescribes it off-label for other reasons). However, the active ingredient, bupropion, is identical to that used in Zyban, which is prescribed for quitting smoking. Therefore, Zyban, Wellbutrin, and bupropion, are identical drugs despite the different name tags and differences in how the FDA categorizes these drugs. Therefore, information on Wellbutrin and Wellbutrin withdrawal can be applied to all of these various drug names.

In a somewhat puzzling set of guidelines, regulars recommend Zyban for quitting smoking but not for treating depression.

Conversely, Wellbutrin was FDA-approved to treat depression, but regulators did not grant FDA-approved for quitting smoking.4

Can a person overdose on Wellbutrin?

Yes there are thousands of cases where a very large dose of Wellbutrin was taken and the person ended up in hospital. There are a number of cases where the overdose resulted in cardiac arrest and death, but this outcome is more rare.43,44

What happens if you stop taking Wellbutrin suddenly?

Whether or not the person took the drug as prescribed, or as a drug of choice for abuse, the risks, barriers, and difficulties of abrupt Wellbutrin withdrawal are well-documented. Coming off Wellbutrin without tapering can cause insomnia, irritable mood, anxiety, headache, aches and pains, and rebound symptoms. It is thought that the drug’s interference with neurotransmitter function is a factor in discontinuation syndrome.8

It is not recommended to attempt to stop bupropion or any antidepressant drug suddenly, or too quickly. The harsh kickback can cause a person to fail, and continue in the trap of drug dependence and drug addiction.

Gradual reduction helps a person reach their goal of stopping Wellbutrin safely.

What is the difference between Wellbutrin for depression and Zyban for smoking cessation?

There is no difference. Both are the same identical drug. Both Zyban and Wellbutrin are available in different formats such as sustained release. Both are formulations that deliver bupropion and both can cause the same withdrawal symptoms when the drug is discontinued.

What is the difference between an SSRI like Prozac and an NDRI like bupropion/Wellbutrin?

These 2 drugs are both classed as antidepressants. SSRIs interfere with serotonin availability in the central nervous system and brain. Serotonin has hundreds of functions in the human body, including dampening outside stimuli, regulating appetite, mood, sleep, and many more.

NDRIs interfere with norepinephrine and dopamine. Both norepinephrine and dopamine are stimulatory neurotransmitters and can have stimulating effects such as increased energy, enhanced focus, and less fatigue.

Both classes of drug are associated with drug-induced seizures.45

How Long Does Wellbutrin Withdrawal Last?

Each person is a unique combination of circumstances and health factors that will determine the best timeline for safe Wellbutrin withdrawal. As for all antidepressants, gradually stopping Wellbutrin over weeks or months is the safest approach and should be done under careful monitoring and guidance.6,18

Is Wellbutrin (bupropion) known as a street drug?

A growing body of research clarifies why Wellbutrin has developed a significant street presence for attaining the “high,” described as similar to cocaine, that is typically produced by crushing and snorting or injecting the drug.12,33

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Originally Published July 28, 2021 by Diane Ridaeus

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