Is It Safe To Switch From Wellbutrin To Brintellix?

Posted on Wed, 17 Sep 2014

Medically reviewed by Ask A Doctor - 24x7 Medical Review Team

Wed, 17 Sep 2014 Answered on

Wed, 15 Oct 2014 Last reviewed on

Question : My doctor moved me off Wellbutrin (400mg a day) to Brintellix 5mg and told me to stop taking wellbutrin this evening and start the Brintellix. Will there be withdrawal symptoms from switching over with no tapering off wellbutrin?

Answered by Dr. Dr.Albana Sejdini Greca (2 hours later)

Brief Answer:
If anything unusual,report to your doctor ASAP

Detailed Answer:
Hi,

I understand your concerns.

Tampering off antidepressants like Wellbutrin is necessary when you will stop taking antidepressants (will not take any anymore).

With regards to tampering, it is an individual approach depending on the current health situation and response of the patients.

In your case, your doctor has evaluated your clinical symptoms carefully, and then, decided to switch from Wellbutrin to Brintellix immediately. You are going to stop Wellbutrin, but will use another anti-depressant although with another mode of action.

I advise to stop Wellbutrine and start Brintellix straight away as directed by your doctor. You won't have any problem. If you notice anything unusual, meanwhile, you can report it to your doctor.

Good luck with the new medication!
Dr.Albana

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar