Stopping Wellbutrin-cold turkey after 20+ years

[susieb]

I was recently advised by An ER p-doc(yesterday) that it was perfectly fine to simply stop taking Wellbutrin SR 150. I've been taking Wellbutrin, in one form or another, for over 20 yrs. I was wondering if anyone else has had the same experience/been given the same advice, and if so, what was the outcome?

 

For years, I took Wellbutrin XL 350. 1x daily. More recently, because my insurance changed and that type of Wellbutrin wasnt on the drug formulary, I switched to Wellbutrin SR 150. 1x daily.  I had also stopped taking Lamotrigine- cold turkey because of horrible side effects-- severe nausea and vomiting. As a result, I have only been taking the Wellbutrin for mental health. My new p-doc is aware of all this, except for the recent advice the ER p-doc gave me yesterday. i have an appointment with her on Wednesday, so, day after tomorrow. The complete advice of the ER p-doc was: stop Wellbutrin altogether, and don't start any other mood stabilizers until I see my regular p-doc Wednesday.  

 

Any advice, commentary, similar experiences you may have would be greatly appreciated. Personally, I am not happy about this so called professional advice, but don't really know what to do at this point. Thanks. Essentially, what I am wondering-- does this strike anyone else as spectacularly BAD advice, or is it just me? 

 

Diagnosis: Bi-polar II, GAD, panic disorder, ADD. Hypothyroid disease.

Meds: Levothyroxine 100 mg 1x daily Xanax 0.5 mg as needed (I usually only take 1/2 a tab) or Ativan 0.5 mg as needed. (also only 1/2 tab)

Past RX's: Wellbutrin, Lamictal, Depakote, Klonopin, Celexa, Prozac, Ambien, Seroquel, Risperidone.... Elavil, Paxil, .... too many others I can't remember. 

[hagar]

Can I ask what you were at the ER for? I would be wary of doing anything med related without discussing it with your actual pdoc first. If it's an urgent situation, like you think Wellbutrin is making you manic or something, can you call your pdoc tomorrow for some emergency advice? Wellbutrin, when stopped cold turkey, can produce some pretty unpleasant withdrawal symptoms. 

Edited May 27, 2014 by hagar
Moved to Antidepressants board.

[susieb]

Went to ER for stomach pain/nausea. And yeah-- I was freaking out & wasnt sleeping or eating. I KNEW the advice was ill advised. I am calling p=doc in the AM, thanks. 

[melissaw72]

I agree, I wouldn't stop wellbutrin cold-turkey.

[Parapluie]

This is what wiki says: "According to several case reports, stopping bupropion abruptly may result in a "discontinuation syndrome" expressed as dystonia, irritability, anxiety, mania, headache, aches and pains.^[51] "

 

If wiki said it, it must be true!! 

 

Just kidding. But wiki can give you an idea, or some key words to search. 

 

Personally, I would not cold-turkey Wellbutrin. I would honestly not cold-turkey ANY medications unless told to do so by my pdoc and/or pharmacist. Generally, abruptly stopping any medication will be a bad experience. That's why people usually taper off medications, unless it's an emergency or something. 

[susieb]

Thanks for your replies. I took my Wellbutrin today, because after 2 days without it, I felt really bad. In actuality, I've noticed dystonia type behavior while on the Wellbutrin (only). I do this weird thing with my tongue pushing the inside of my cheek. Ah well. I'll take that for now, versus the horrible feelings without it, and without anything to replace it. I am seeing my p-doc tomorrow- I have lots of questions.