How long does it take for depression medication to wear off after you immediatly stop taking it?

Question

Wellbutrin specifically, a dose of 300 mg just stopped. And what would any sideaffects be?

Answer 1

First of all, for an anti-depressant such as Wellbutrin to fully be effective you need to be taking it for at least 2-3 weeks.  It takes a few days to get out of your system.  And the side-effects are pretty minimal because medications like this are not effective immediately, they are effective for basically the next day.  So if you took the Wellbutrin Wednesday, it would be in effect for today, which is why it is very important to take it every day.  But it also is very important not to just completely stop taking it.  If you've been on it for a while, your doctor may want to ween you off of it by lowering the dosage over the course of a few days.  I would highly suggest talking to your doctor immediately before you stop taking any medication. (I've been scolded god knows how many times for doing this by doctors, therapists, family)

However, I do take Wellbutrin and I've gone through phases of not taking it and no serious side effects other than being depressed and anxious, which is why I take it in the first place.  But do talk to you doctor.  Don't be afraid to tell them if you are uncomfortable taking medication or if you feel differently then you expect/want to feel.  They are there to help you which is why they prescribed the medication in the first place.  Also, medication and therapy are the best combination.  Best of luck!

Answer 2

You shouldn't immediately stop taking Wellbutrin.  Unless you're having very serious adverse effects and your physician has told you to stop immediately, you should taper the dosage and slowly stop.

Abruptly stopping can cause headaches, nausea, vomiting, and tremors.  It can also cause dizziness, fatigue, agitation, irritability, and nightmars.  And muscle aches, confusion, blurred vision, sweating, and fevers.  It can even, in some circumstances, cause hallucinations and suicidal thoughts.

Only the physician who prescribed the Wellbutrin can tell you how to taper your dosage safely.  Unless you're having severe side effects,  you should never abruptly stop an antidepressant.