From the Research
To safely discontinue Form 150 XL, it's recommended to gradually taper off the medication rather than stopping abruptly, as this approach helps minimize potential withdrawal symptoms and is supported by the most recent and highest quality studies, such as 1 and 2. When considering discontinuation, several factors come into play, including the patient's personal attitude, experience, emotions, and life circumstances, as well as the technical aspects of the procedure of stopping medication, as highlighted in 1. Some key points to consider when discontinuing Form 150 XL include:
- Gradually reducing the dose to minimize withdrawal symptoms, such as irritability, anxiety, headaches, and insomnia
- Consulting with a healthcare provider to determine a personalized tapering schedule based on individual circumstances, including how long the medication has been taken and medical history
- Being aware of potential barriers to discontinuation, such as fear of recurrence or relapse, and facilitators, such as confidence in a successful attempt and information on duration of usage, as discussed in 2
- Recognizing that bupropion affects brain neurotransmitters like dopamine and norepinephrine, and the brain needs time to adjust to decreasing levels of the medication, as implied by the need for gradual tapering in 1 and 2. It's essential to prioritize a gradual tapering approach to ensure a safe and successful discontinuation of Form 150 XL, and healthcare providers should be aware of patients' fears, expectations, and attributions toward medication use and discontinuation, as emphasized in 2.