From the Guidelines
Abruptly stopping bupropion can cause withdrawal symptoms and should be avoided, instead, a gradual tapering off the medication over several weeks is recommended. The most recent and highest quality study, 1, suggests that the 15 mg/92 mg dose of a medication that includes bupropion should not be discontinued abruptly and should be tapered over at least 1 week. Common withdrawal symptoms include irritability, anxiety, dizziness, headaches, fatigue, insomnia, and in some cases, depressive symptoms. Some people may experience what's called "discontinuation syndrome," which can include flu-like symptoms, sensory disturbances, and mood changes. The severity of these effects varies between individuals and depends on factors like how long you've been taking the medication and your dosage. Withdrawal occurs because your brain has adapted to the presence of bupropion, which affects neurotransmitters like dopamine and norepinephrine. When the medication is suddenly removed, your brain needs time to readjust its chemical balance.
Some key points to consider when stopping bupropion include:
- Gradually tapering off the medication over several weeks to minimize withdrawal symptoms
- Working with a healthcare provider to determine the best tapering schedule for individual circumstances
- Monitoring for potential withdrawal symptoms, such as irritability, anxiety, and insomnia
- Being aware of the potential for discontinuation syndrome, which can include flu-like symptoms and mood changes
It's also important to note that bupropion can have serious side effects, such as seizures, and should be used with caution in patients with a history of seizures or other risk factors, as mentioned in 1 and 1. Additionally, 1 and 1 emphasize the importance of avoiding abrupt withdrawal and ensuring a safe tapering regimen to minimize the risk of serious withdrawal symptoms and other adverse effects.
From the Research
Side Effects of Stopping Bupropion Abruptly
- The provided studies do not directly address the side effects of stopping bupropion abruptly, but rather focus on the relationship between bupropion and seizure risk 2, 3, 4.
- Bupropion is known to have a risk of seizures, particularly at high doses or in patients with predisposing factors 2, 3.
- The risk of seizure appears to be higher with bupropion doses above the recommended maximum, and certain factors such as sleep deprivation, previous history of attention deficit disorder, and previous heavy alcohol use may increase this risk 3.
- While the studies do not specifically discuss the side effects of stopping bupropion abruptly, it is possible that suddenly discontinuing the medication could lead to withdrawal symptoms, similar to those experienced with benzodiazepines 5.
- However, benzodiazepines and bupropion are different classes of medications, and the withdrawal symptoms associated with each may differ 5, 6.
- Further research would be needed to determine the specific side effects of stopping bupropion abruptly, as the current evidence does not provide a clear answer to this question.