Key Takeaways
- Tapering off Wellbutrin typically takes 2-6 weeks, with dose reductions of 25-50% every 1-2 weeks.
- Your doctor should create an individualized tapering schedule based on your current dose, duration of use, and sensitivity to withdrawal symptoms.
- Common tapering symptoms include mild irritability, headaches, fatigue, and sleep changes — these are typically manageable.
- Patients who taper gradually experience 60-70% fewer withdrawal symptoms compared to those who stop abruptly.
- If symptoms become severe during the taper, your doctor can slow the reduction or temporarily increase the dose.
- The seizure risk associated with abrupt Wellbutrin cessation makes medical supervision during tapering essential.
Why You Need to Taper Off Wellbutrin
Wellbutrin (bupropion) affects your brain's dopamine and norepinephrine systems. After weeks or months of regular use, your brain adapts to the medication's presence. Removing it suddenly disrupts this adapted state, causing withdrawal symptoms. Tapering allows your brain to gradually readjust.
Sample Tapering Schedules
The right taper depends on your starting dose. Here are common approaches:
From 300 mg XL (once daily):
- Weeks 1-2: Reduce to 150 mg XL
- Weeks 3-4: Continue on 150 mg XL (stabilize)
- Weeks 5-6: Reduce to 150 mg every other day (or switch to 100 mg SR)
- Week 7+: Discontinue
From 450 mg XL (once daily):
- Weeks 1-2: Reduce to 300 mg XL
- Weeks 3-4: Reduce to 150 mg XL
- Weeks 5-6: Reduce to 100 mg SR daily
- Week 7+: Discontinue
From 200 mg SR (twice daily):
- Weeks 1-2: Reduce to 150 mg SR twice daily
- Weeks 3-4: Reduce to 100 mg SR twice daily
- Weeks 5-6: Reduce to 100 mg SR once daily
- Week 7+: Discontinue
Note: These are general guidelines. Your doctor may adjust based on your response.
What to Expect During the Taper
Weeks 1-2 (first reduction): Most people tolerate the first dose reduction well. You may notice mild headaches, slight irritability, or subtle energy changes.
Weeks 3-4 (stabilization or second reduction): If reducing again, symptoms may reappear briefly. This is normal. If they are manageable, continue the taper. If not, maintain the current dose for an additional week before reducing.
Final weeks (approaching discontinuation): The last step — going from a low dose to zero — is often the most challenging. Mild mood fluctuations and fatigue are common but usually resolve within 1-2 weeks.
Tips for a Smooth Taper
- Schedule follow-ups: Regular check-ins with your doctor during the taper are essential
- Track symptoms daily: Use a journal or app to log mood, energy, sleep, and physical symptoms
- Exercise regularly: Physical activity naturally supports dopamine and norepinephrine levels
- Prioritize sleep: Maintain consistent sleep and wake times
- Limit caffeine and alcohol: Both can worsen withdrawal symptoms
- Have a backup plan: Know when to contact your doctor if symptoms become unmanageable
- Consider therapy: A therapist can help you manage the emotional aspects of discontinuation
If you or a loved one is facing these challenges, learn more about outpatient programs with medication management support available at Trailhead Treatment Center in Salem, NH.
When to Pause or Slow the Taper
Contact your doctor if you experience:
- Severe depression or suicidal thoughts
- Panic attacks or extreme anxiety
- Inability to sleep for multiple nights
- Seizures or muscle twitching
- Symptoms that interfere with work or daily functioning
Trailhead Treatment Center provides virtual appointments for ongoing medication monitoring to support lasting recovery and wellness.
Conclusion
Tapering off Wellbutrin is a manageable process when done gradually and under medical supervision. The key is patience — there is no rush to discontinue, and your doctor can adjust the pace based on how you respond. If you need additional support during the tapering process, Trailhead Treatment Center offers medication management services as part of our outpatient programs.