Side Effects of Quitting Wellbutrin

Wellbutrin (generic name: bupropion) is an antidepressant and smoking cessation aid. It is available by prescription only and works by altering the chemistry of the brain by acting on the receptors for norepinephrine and dopamine. The Insight Journal, published by the National Center for Health and Wellness, estimates that 30 percent of people taking Wellbutrin will experience adverse withdrawal side effects.

Common Withdrawal Effects

• Wellbutrin withdrawal typically manifests itself as "flu-like" symptoms of headaches, nausea, and muscle aches. The withdrawal effects generally persist for one to two weeks.

Physical Withdrawal Symptoms

• Other physical side effects of Wellbutrin withdrawal may include: issues with balance and coordination, stomach cramps, constipation, diarrhea, tremors or "the shakes," tingling sensations, and impaired vision, hearing or speech.

Mental Withdrawal Symptoms

• Mental symptoms of Wellbutrin withdrawal may include: increased aggression and hostility, anxiety, paranoia, feelings of brain being "shocked" or "zapped," crying spells, impaired concentration, fatigue or insomnia, visual or auditory hallucinations, and vivid dreams.

Monitoring Withdrawal Side Effects

• Experiencing mental withdrawal symptoms and side effects, especially if they persist or worsen, indicate that the medication was helping to stabilize a chemical imbalance and should not be mistaken for addiction. According to the Mayo Clinic, antidepressants are not addictive because they do not cause "harmful, long-term chemical changes in the brain."

Warning

• Antidepressants and other drugs that alter the brain's chemistry should be stopped in consultation with a doctor or your health care provider. This will help to minimize any side effects.