It’s also used as a smoking cessation aid.
Like all antidepressants, it offers many potential benefits but doesnt work for everyone.
Unlike the others, however, it carries a much lower risk of withdrawal symptoms.
Verywell / Bailey Mariner
Overview of Wellbutrin Withdrawal
Antidepressantsare among the top three most commonly prescribed medications in the United States.
In the process, many experienceantidepressant discontinuation syndrome, also known as withdrawal.
Wellbutrin is different in that it doesn’t have a major effect on serotonin.
Rather, it affects the levels of the neurotransmitters dopamine and noradrenaline.
Consequently, the withdrawal symptoms are typically mild, or, more often, nonexistent.
Never change or discontinue medications without consulting your healthcare provider.
According to Joseph Glenmullen, M.D., author ofThe Antidepressant Solution, irritability is a common symptom.
On your own, you’re able to:
How does Wellbutrin (bupropion) work?
Unlike most antidepressants (which affect sertraline levels), bupoprion affects the levels of dopamine and noradrenaline.
If you are having suicidal thoughts, contact theNational Suicide Prevention Lifelineat988for support and assistance from a trained counselor.
If you or a loved one are in immediate danger, call 911.
For more mental health resources, see ourNational Helpline Database.
Working with your doctor, you might reduce your dose over the course of one or two weeks.
Finding the right medication or combination of medications can take several tries.
Keep in mind: There is no single pill that is going to fix you.
Depression is a complex disease that requires a multi-pronged treatment approach.
Medication can only do so much on its own.
Psychotherapy may be an important part of your recovery from depression.
Find out which option is the best for you.
Resources
Therapy is an essential part of depression treatment.
If you have health insurance, another way to find a therapist is to search your insurance plans website.
Typically, insurance companies have a list of local providers who accept your insurance.
A Word From Verywell
Depression is a stubborn disease.
This particular tunnel is curvyyou just cant see the way out yet.
And if you are not in psychotherapy, find a therapist in thedirectoryand schedule some appointments.
After some time, things will likely feel more hopeful.
Your mood will take longer to lift, typically six to eight weeks.
However, some people experience irritability, anxiety, and/or agitation.
If so, consult your doctor to find a different antidepressant.
Within the following eight weeks, your mood should begin to lift.
If not, consult your doctor.
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Horowitz MA, Taylor D.Tapering of SSRI treatment to mitigate withdrawal symptoms.Lancet Psychiatry.
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The Antidepressant Solution: A Step-by-Step Guide to Safely Overcoming Antidepressant Withdrawal, Dependence, and “Addiction.”
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