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Dr. Andrew Rynne
MD
Dr. Andrew Rynne

Family Physician

Exp 50 years

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Suggest Ways To Wean Off Wellbutrin And Citalopram

Dear Doctor Rynne, I am a 68 year old woman who has been taking 2 antidepressants (Wellbutrin and Citalopram) for 8 years and I would like to get off both of them. In the past when I went off different antidepressants, within 6 months the symtoms of anxiety and depression returned. I'm afraid to stop taking them but think it would be wise to stop. Any advise?
Thu, 25 Jun 2015
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Psychiatrist,  's  Response
Hello thanks for asking from HCM for your health related queries

I can understand your concern. Wellbutrin or Bupropion and Citamopram are antidepressants that cause changes at molecular levels in brain so abrupt stoppage of these drugs result in withdrawal symptoms. As you are taking two antidepressants since last 8 years so it would not be wise to start weaning off these drugs simultaneously. In my opinion doses of Wellbutrin should be reduced first in about 6-10 weeks and then after a gap of 4 weeks doses of Citalopram can be weaned off. Doses should be reduced by about 20% every two weeks. Dose reduction in this manner would not cause relapse of symptoms. For any symptoms aggravation medicines like low dose benzodiazepines can be used. Clonazepam, Lorazepam etc in low doses can help to control the symptoms of mild withdrawal. Please discuss with your psychiatrist for proper prescription for dose reduction.

Thanks, Hope this helps you.

Take care

Dr. Seikhoo Bishnoi
Psychiatrist.
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Suggest Ways To Wean Off Wellbutrin And Citalopram

Hello thanks for asking from HCM for your health related queries I can understand your concern. Wellbutrin or Bupropion and Citamopram are antidepressants that cause changes at molecular levels in brain so abrupt stoppage of these drugs result in withdrawal symptoms. As you are taking two antidepressants since last 8 years so it would not be wise to start weaning off these drugs simultaneously. In my opinion doses of Wellbutrin should be reduced first in about 6-10 weeks and then after a gap of 4 weeks doses of Citalopram can be weaned off. Doses should be reduced by about 20% every two weeks. Dose reduction in this manner would not cause relapse of symptoms. For any symptoms aggravation medicines like low dose benzodiazepines can be used. Clonazepam, Lorazepam etc in low doses can help to control the symptoms of mild withdrawal. Please discuss with your psychiatrist for proper prescription for dose reduction. Thanks, Hope this helps you. Take care Dr. Seikhoo Bishnoi Psychiatrist.