Antidepressant Discontinuation Syndrome

A close friend or family member may also be able to recognize signs of recurring depression that you might not perceive. Zoloft is an antidepressant used to treat major depression, obsessive-compulsive disorder, panic … Do not use Wellbutrin if you have used an MAO inhibitor in the past 14 days. MAO inhibitors include isocarboxazid, linezolid, methylene blue injection, phenelzine, rasagiline, selegiline, tranylcypromine, and others.

How is antidepressant discontinuation syndrome treated?

They’re generally not medically dangerous but may be uncomfortable. You should not change your dose or stop using Wellbutrin suddenly, unless you have a seizure while taking this medicine. Those who have been on higher doses or used Wellbutrin for an extended period are likely to experience a more prolonged and intense withdrawal period. While Wellbutrin is not commonly known to lead to withdrawal symptoms, serious side effects and symptoms can occur.

How to go off antidepressants

The symptoms aren’t usually harmful but they can be unpleasant and include flu-like symptoms, nausea, and anxiety. You can minimize your symptoms by tapering off your dose slowly. If you’re considering going off your medicine, talk to your doctor so they can help you come up with a tapering schedule that works for you. They can also help you manage your symptoms and ensure you don’t have a relapse as you transition off. The physician should then consider restarting the antidepressant medication with a slow dose taper or providing support if the patient desires not to restart the antidepressant.

Signs and Symptoms of Wellbutrin Withdrawal

Antidepressants that your body breaks down (metabolizes) quickly are more likely to cause ADS if you stop taking them than those that last longer in your system. See your healthcare provider if you’re experiencing these symptoms. ✔️ Wellbutrin is a slow-acting drug with a half-life of about 21 hours. On average, it takes about four and a half days for 99% of the drug to fully leave the body. Doctors often recommend tapering off Wellbutrin gradually, especially for those who have been taking a high dose of Wellbutrin for a long time. Medical detox is a medically supervised detox program that typically takes place in a detox facility or other inpatient treatment setting.

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• On the basis of our experience, until the discontinuation or withdrawal syndrome is more clearly defined, we recommend a slow taper of the antidepressant during discontinuation, regardless of the half-life or mechanism of action.
• Antidepressants such as monamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs) and tricyclic and tetracyclic antidepressants also have a high risk of causing antidepressant withdrawal symptoms.
• They can advise you on the right way to make the transition (such as tapering off your dose gradually) and help you cope with symptoms you might experience.
• Call us today to learn more about Wellbutrin detox and to find detox options at a treatment center that’s right for you.
• Antidepressants are among the top three most commonly prescribed medications in the United States.

Risks of Abruptly Stopping Wellbutrin

Psychotherapy, or talk therapy, is a withdrawal symptoms from wellbutrin long-term process in which you explore the reasons for your feelings and actions. Together with a qualified therapist, you will learn how to work toward the life you want by reforming the unhealthy patterns standing in your way. After your Wellbutrin taper, any long-term treatment will be directed toward treating the condition that led you to take Wellbutrin in the first place. If you are struggling with depression, your doctor may want to switch you to an SSRI that you haven’t tried before or suggest other options.

Wellbutrin works for about 20% of those who try it for smoking cessation. Physical activity, particularly for young adults, has been shown to improve mental health and reduce depressive symptoms. It also helps with mood regulation, which can ease mood swings. Wellbutrin is thought to treat depression by changing chemicals in the brain.

The risks of Wellbutrin withdrawal are severe and include suicidal thoughts, self-harm behaviors, panic attacks, and extreme restlessness, all of which require careful management. Suicidal thoughts and self-harm risks are particularly concerning because Wellbutrin affects dopamine and noradrenaline levels, neurotransmitters necessary for mood stability. This syndrome, often tied to serotonin-modulating drugs, underscores how even non-SSRI antidepressants like Wellbutrin produce notable withdrawal symptoms due to their significant influence on neurotransmitter dynamics. If bothersome or severe withdrawal symptoms develop, your healthcare provider should be notified. Antidepressants are among the top three most commonly prescribed medications in the United States.

• At this follow-up appointment, she or he will check to make sure discontinuation symptoms have eased and there are no signs of returning depression.
• Not all possible interactions are listed in this medication guide.
• Physical activity, particularly for young adults, has been shown to improve mental health and reduce depressive symptoms.
• In either case, this can lead to withdrawal symptoms  that are called “antidepressant discontinuation syndrome”.
• MAO inhibitors include isocarboxazid, linezolid, methylene blue injection, phenelzine, rasagiline, selegiline, tranylcypromine, and others.

A more recent article on pharmacologic treatment of depression is available. The helpline at AddictionResource.net is available 24/7 to discuss the treatment needs of yourself or a loved one. This helpline is answered by Treatment X LLC, an addiction treatment provider with treatment facilities in Ohio, Pennsylvania, and California. Call us today to learn more about Wellbutrin detox and to find detox options at a treatment center that’s right for you. Moreover, a history of misusing Wellbutrin for its amphetamine-like effects can also affect the process of getting off Wellbutrin. Remember, keep this and all other medicines out of the reach of children, never share your medicines with others, and use Wellbutrin only for the indication prescribed.

These medications adjust the balance of brain chemicals that may be causing  depressive symptoms. Wellbutrin (Bupropion) is a frequently prescribed antidepressant medication. If Wellbutrin didn’t help, work with your doctor to find a different medication or combination of medications that might be more effective. And if you are not in psychotherapy, find a therapist in the directory and schedule some appointments.