From the FDA Drug Label
To Discontinue Bupropion Hydrochloride Extended-Release Tablets (XL), Taper the Dose When discontinuing treatment in patients treated with bupropion hydrochloride extended-release tablets (XL) 300 mg once daily, decrease the dose to 150 mg once daily prior to discontinuation. For the prevention of seasonal MDD episodes associated with SAD, initiate bupropion hydrochloride extended-release tablets (XL) in the autumn, prior to the onset of depressive symptoms. Continue treatment through the winter season. Taper and discontinue bupropion hydrochloride extended-release tablets (XL) in early spring For patients treated with 300 mg per day, decrease the dose to 150 mg once daily before discontinuing bupropion hydrochloride extended-release tablets (XL).
The recommended protocol for tapering off Wellbutrin (bupropion) is to:
- Decrease the dose to 150 mg once daily before discontinuing the medication, for patients taking 300 mg per day 1.
- Taper and discontinue the medication in early spring for patients with Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD) 1.
- The exact tapering schedule may vary depending on the individual patient's needs and circumstances.
From the Research
Tapering off Wellbutrin (bupropion) should be done under medical supervision, using a hyperbolic tapering schedule over a period of months, with dose reductions of 10% or less of the most recent dose each month, to minimize withdrawal symptoms and risk of relapse 2.
Tapering Protocol
When tapering off Wellbutrin, it's essential to follow a gradual and personalized schedule to reduce the risk of discontinuation symptoms.
- The tapering schedule should be tailored to the individual's current dose, formulation, treatment duration, and response to the medication.
- A hyperbolic tapering schedule, which involves reducing the dose by a fixed percentage (e.g., 10%) each month, may be more effective in minimizing withdrawal symptoms than a linear tapering schedule 3.
- The use of tapering strips, which allow for a gradual and personalized reduction in dose, may also be beneficial in minimizing withdrawal symptoms 4.
Minimizing Withdrawal Symptoms
Withdrawal symptoms from Wellbutrin can include irritability, anxiety, headaches, and sleep disturbances.
- To minimize these symptoms, it's crucial to taper off the medication slowly and under medical supervision.
- If significant withdrawal symptoms occur during tapering, the schedule may need to be adjusted to a more gradual reduction 5.
- Patient education and reassurance throughout the discontinuation process are also essential in reducing distress and anxiety 6.
Importance of Medical Supervision
Tapering off Wellbutrin should always be done under medical supervision to ensure a safe and effective discontinuation of the medication.
- A healthcare provider can help personalize the tapering schedule and monitor the individual's response to the medication reduction.
- Medical supervision can also help identify any potential issues or complications that may arise during the tapering process, such as severe withdrawal symptoms or relapse of depressive symptoms 2.