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Taking Wellbutrin. How Do I Wean Off It? How Much Dosage To Reduce Periodically?
I am taking wellbutrin 300mg xl. have been on it for 3 yrs. talked to my md about weaning off. he agreed. Gave me a script for 150mg xl. said to reduce my dose over the next 6 wks. I am a nurse, but I am not familiar with weaning off this medication. I think he assumed I knew the answer. He's on vacation now....and I don't know what to do. I have reduced from 300mg OD to 150mg OD alternating with 300mg OD for a week, now taking 150mg OD. when should I reduce to every other day? when should I stop completely?
Thu, 25 Jul 2013
Hello,
I went through your statement and congratulate you for coming up to this level.
The usual suggestion to taper it : Reduced dosage for two days in a row as follows
1st day 300 mg
2nd and 3rd day 150mg
4th day 300mg
If you find this works without any complications, you're ready to move on to the next cycle of the Wellbutrin withdrawal and go for a half dose each day.
Do not completely stop taking Wellbutrin without your doctor's consent. You may find that if you make it all the way to a half dose with no problems, moving any further could trigger mild to severe reactions, including a return of your depression. There's nothing wrong with remaining at the half dose for several months, before you try to taper off any more.
Now you are at this stage. Going for half dose on alternate days - there is no fixed calculation. This part you have to decide. If you are comfortable you can reduce it to alternate days and then stop it after some period.
Best wishes
I went through your statement and congratulate you for coming up to this level.
The usual suggestion to taper it : Reduced dosage for two days in a row as follows
1st day 300 mg
2nd and 3rd day 150mg
4th day 300mg
If you find this works without any complications, you're ready to move on to the next cycle of the Wellbutrin withdrawal and go for a half dose each day.
Do not completely stop taking Wellbutrin without your doctor's consent. You may find that if you make it all the way to a half dose with no problems, moving any further could trigger mild to severe reactions, including a return of your depression. There's nothing wrong with remaining at the half dose for several months, before you try to taper off any more.
Now you are at this stage. Going for half dose on alternate days - there is no fixed calculation. This part you have to decide. If you are comfortable you can reduce it to alternate days and then stop it after some period.
Best wishes
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