Wellbutrin (Bupropion) Withdrawal and Detox

Wellbutrin, also known by its generic name, bupropion, is a medication prescribed to patients who are experiencing depression. Bupropion can also be used to help patients quit smoking and to alleviate the depressive effects of seasonal affective disorder (SAD).

Like many types of medications, bupropion has the potential to produce common side effects. These more common side effects include nausea, vomiting, dry mouth, headache, constipation, increased sweating, joint aches, sore throat, blurred vision, strange taste in mouth, diarrhea, and dizziness. Tell your doctor if these side effects persist or get worse.

It is important to let your doctor know if you begin to show signs of more serious side effects such as chest pain; fainting; a fast, pounding or irregular heartbeat; hearing problems or ringing in the ears; severe headache; mood changes; hallucinations; memory loss; uncontrolled movements; unusual weight fluctuation; and muscle pain, tenderness or weakness.

Even though it is rare, Wellbutrin has the potential to cause seizures in some patients. If you experience a seizure while taking bupropion, stop taking the medication immediately and seek medical attention right away.

Be sure to keep a list of your medications, as well as nonprescription drugs and herbal products, so you can talk to your doctor about how Wellbutrin may interact with them. Taking bupropion with other medications may increase your risk of certain side effects.

Some medications that may interact with Wellbutrin are codeine, pimozide and tamoxifen. Certain MAO inhibitors should be avoided when taking Wellbutrin, as their interactions may cause a serious or even fatal interaction. These include isocarboxazid, linezolid, methylene blue, moclobemide, phenelzine, procarbazine, rasagiline, safinamide, selegiline, and tranylcypromine.

Bupropion also has the potential to interfere with some medical or laboratory tests and cause false results. These tests include brain scanning for Parkinson’s disease and urine screening for amphetamines. Be sure to let all your doctors and any appropriate laboratory personnel that you are taking Wellbutrin.

If you or your loved one is suffering from Wellbutrin addiction or another type of substance use disorder, contact The Recovery Village to learn more about the resources available to you during your Wellbutrin recovery process.