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Suggest Ways To Manage Withdrawal Symptoms Of Wellbutrin
Question: Hi,
About a week ago I asked for your expertise about Wellbutrin withdrawal. I was on 150 mg of XL and got switched to 75 mg of Effexor XR two weeks ago. The first week I felt horrible. The second week I felt better but still bad. I decided to just stick it out and stay off Wellbutrin instead of starting a lower dose and titrating off; not thinking id still be feeling bad two weeks in. I'm just extremely tired and don't feel like doing anything. I also have horrible headaches. Is this normal that I'm still experiencing these symptoms after two weeks ? How long can I expect them to last ? I used to workout five days a week, since going off Wellbutrin I haven't had the energy or felt well enough to even exercise. Thank you any info you can provide is appreciated.
About a week ago I asked for your expertise about Wellbutrin withdrawal. I was on 150 mg of XL and got switched to 75 mg of Effexor XR two weeks ago. The first week I felt horrible. The second week I felt better but still bad. I decided to just stick it out and stay off Wellbutrin instead of starting a lower dose and titrating off; not thinking id still be feeling bad two weeks in. I'm just extremely tired and don't feel like doing anything. I also have horrible headaches. Is this normal that I'm still experiencing these symptoms after two weeks ? How long can I expect them to last ? I used to workout five days a week, since going off Wellbutrin I haven't had the energy or felt well enough to even exercise. Thank you any info you can provide is appreciated.
Brief Answer:
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Detailed Answer:
Hello again! Thanks again so much for using my direct private service. I can certainly be of help to you here.
In this situation, I recommend going back onto Wellbutrin at a lower dose of 75mg daily. It is highly likely that you are experiencing Wellbutrin withdrawal, and would benefit from a more gradual taper off this medication. Once restarting Wellbutrin, if these symptoms do not improve in 3-5 days, this would indicate that the problem actually lies with the Effexor rather than the Wellbutrin, which is less likely but possible. In this case, I would remain on the Wellbutrin 75mg while stopping the Effexor and starting a different antidepressant, such as Pristiq. This all can sound a bit complicated, but these nuances are necessary to keep you feeling at your best. Does this make sense?
Dr. Sheppe
Private Consultation
Detailed Answer:
Hello again! Thanks again so much for using my direct private service. I can certainly be of help to you here.
In this situation, I recommend going back onto Wellbutrin at a lower dose of 75mg daily. It is highly likely that you are experiencing Wellbutrin withdrawal, and would benefit from a more gradual taper off this medication. Once restarting Wellbutrin, if these symptoms do not improve in 3-5 days, this would indicate that the problem actually lies with the Effexor rather than the Wellbutrin, which is less likely but possible. In this case, I would remain on the Wellbutrin 75mg while stopping the Effexor and starting a different antidepressant, such as Pristiq. This all can sound a bit complicated, but these nuances are necessary to keep you feeling at your best. Does this make sense?
Dr. Sheppe
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Prasad
I was on Effexor previously for almost 10 years prior to getting pregnant and didn't have any of these side effects. Unfortunately, I don't see my psych for a couple weeks to ask for a lower dose of Wellbutrin, so I'm hoping by then things will have evened out in my system.
Brief Answer:
Private Followup
Detailed Answer:
This is good information, and makes it all the more likely that this is Wellbutrin withdrawal. It's unfortunate you can't see your doctor sooner, but keep in mind if this is Wellbutrin withdrawal that these effects are not dangerous and will certainly go away with time. It is highly likely that these effects will resolve with 7 days or so.
Dr. Sheppe
Private Followup
Detailed Answer:
This is good information, and makes it all the more likely that this is Wellbutrin withdrawal. It's unfortunate you can't see your doctor sooner, but keep in mind if this is Wellbutrin withdrawal that these effects are not dangerous and will certainly go away with time. It is highly likely that these effects will resolve with 7 days or so.
Dr. Sheppe
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Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Prasad
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