Stopping Wellbutrin at 150mg Daily
Yes, it is generally safe to stop Wellbutrin (bupropion) at 150mg per day without a formal taper, though you should still consult your healthcare provider before discontinuing. Unlike many other antidepressants, bupropion does not typically cause a discontinuation syndrome, and the FDA labeling does not mandate a gradual taper at this dose 1.
Why Tapering Is Not Required
Bupropion lacks the withdrawal syndrome seen with SSRIs and SNRIs because it works primarily through dopamine and norepinephrine mechanisms rather than serotonin, making abrupt discontinuation physiologically safer 2, 3.
The FDA labeling instructs patients not to stop without talking to their healthcare provider first, but does not specify a tapering protocol, suggesting that abrupt discontinuation is not medically dangerous at standard doses 1.
At 150mg daily, you are at the lowest therapeutic dose for most indications, which further reduces any potential discontinuation effects 4, 5.
Important Clinical Considerations
When to Exercise Caution
If you are taking 150mg twice daily (300mg total), this is different from 150mg once daily - the higher total dose may warrant more careful consideration, though still generally does not require tapering 4, 5.
If you have been on bupropion for an extended period (months to years), your underlying depression may return after stopping, which is not a withdrawal effect but rather recurrence of the original condition 4.
Patients under 24 years old require closer monitoring when stopping antidepressants due to increased risk of suicidal thoughts, though this applies more to starting or changing doses than stopping 5, 1.
What to Monitor After Stopping
Watch for return of depressive symptoms within 1-2 weeks, including low energy, apathy, or mood changes, as these indicate recurrence rather than withdrawal 4, 5.
Common side effects like insomnia and agitation will resolve quickly after stopping, typically within days, as bupropion has a half-life of approximately 12 hours 6, 3.
If you were taking bupropion for smoking cessation, nicotine withdrawal symptoms may emerge or worsen after stopping the medication 4, 6.
Critical Pitfalls to Avoid
Do not confuse "consult your provider" with "requires tapering" - the recommendation to consult is about monitoring your underlying condition, not preventing withdrawal 1.
If you are on multiple psychiatric medications, stopping bupropion may unmask symptoms that were being treated by the combination, requiring adjustment of your other medications 4.
Patients who abruptly stopped alcohol, benzodiazepines, or antiepileptic drugs should not have started bupropion in the first place due to seizure risk, but stopping bupropion itself does not create this problem 5, 1.
Why Provider Consultation Remains Important
Your provider needs to assess whether your underlying condition (depression, smoking cessation) has resolved or if alternative treatment is needed 4, 5.
Blood pressure monitoring may be needed if you had hypertension, as bupropion can elevate blood pressure, and stopping it may require adjustment of blood pressure medications 5, 1.
Documentation of the decision to stop is important for your medical record, particularly if symptoms return and you need to restart treatment 4.