At Granite Recovery Centers, we help individuals safely discontinue Wellbutrin (bupropion). This page explains the signs of withdrawal, how long symptoms can last, and why a medically guided taper or detox is the safest path.
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Wellbutrin (bupropion) is an antidepressant used for major depressive disorder, seasonal affective disorder, and smoking cessation. It affects norepinephrine and dopamine, not serotonin. Some people choose to stop due to side effects, a change in treatment, or after quitting smoking.
Antidepressants are widely prescribed to regulate mood by affecting brain chemicals called neurotransmitters. Each drug works differently, and some people take them for the short term while others continue for years.
Most people don’t experience severe withdrawal from Wellbutrin. When symptoms do occur, they can include:
Physical:
Psychological:
Unlike most antidepressants that raise serotonin, Wellbutrin mainly affects dopamine and norepinephrine. Because of this, serotonin-related withdrawal symptoms are uncommon unless tapering another antidepressant at the same time.
Like all antidepressants, Wellbutrin carries an FDA warning about suicidal thoughts, especially in people under 24. This risk makes medical guidance critical. Seek help immediately if you or a loved one notices:
A gradual taper with professional support is the safest way to reduce these risks.
Everyone’s timeline is different. Dose, duration, and formulation (IR, SR, XL) are important considerations. A general pattern:
Days 1 to 3: Symptoms often begin within 24–72 hours of the last dose. Early signs may include irritability, headache, anxiety, and trouble sleeping.
Days 4 to 7: Withdrawal symptoms can peak during this time. People may notice flu-like discomfort, low mood, or “brain zaps.”
Weeks 2 to 4: Most withdrawal effects begin to ease. Sleep patterns and overall mood usually improve by the end of this stage.
One month and beyond: Many people feel close to baseline again. If symptoms linger or worsen, medical support may be needed.
Quitting Wellbutrin suddenly can trigger a rebound of depression or anxiety, sleep problems, and, in rare cases, seizures. Cold turkey also makes it harder to tell side effects from a return of your condition. A guided taper reduces these risks and keeps you supported.
The safest way to stop Wellbutrin is through a medical detox with professional supervision. A structured taper plan reduces risks and supports long-term stability. A clinician may guide you through:
Step-down dosing: Gradual reduction based on your current dose and formulation (IR, SR, or XL)
Ongoing monitoring: Regular checks for changes in mood, sleep patterns, and seizure risk
Medication support: Short-term medicines to ease insomnia, anxiety, or other withdrawal effects
Dual diagnosis care: Integrated treatment for depression, anxiety, or nicotine dependence
Next-step planning: Structured transition to therapy, new medications, or smoking-cessation resources
At Granite Recovery Centers, licensed clinicians provide 24/7 medical detox supervision, safe taper schedules, and coordinated aftercare. Our team also offers structured wellbutrin addiction treatment programs to guide your long-term recovery.
Many people feel better within 1–4 weeks. Early symptoms can start in 1–3 days. If symptoms persist or worsen, talk to your prescriber.
Irritability, anxiety, sleep problems, headache, dizziness, flu-like feelings, low mood, and “brain zaps.” Seek urgent help for suicidal thoughts or seizures.
It’s not recommended. Stopping abruptly can cause withdrawal or a return of depression/anxiety. Work with a clinician on a gradual taper.
Your provider will design a taper based on your dose and whether you take IR, SR, or XL. Never cut or crush extended-release tablets. Report mood or sleep changes during taper.
Extended-release (XL) tablets should be tapered under the guidance of a healthcare professional. Symptoms are similar but may start later due to the formulation’s long action.
Call your provider if your symptoms feel severe, if your mood drops quickly, or if you’re having trouble sleeping despite maintaining healthy sleep habits. If you have thoughts of self-harm, seek emergency care right away.
We’ll review your medications, map a safe plan, and support you through each step.
