DonnaAnnK: Question about stopping NDRI Bupropion 300mg. I am new at using internet communication sites.

[DonnaAnnK]

First, I must say that I have never used any communication sites before. I'm not on Facebook or ... so please forgive me if I'm not using this correctly.

I have been taking 300 MG of Bupropion HCL XL for 5+ years. I really can't even remember why it was prescribed,  but I pretty much haven't ever questioned it until recently.  I don't have any health issues or side effects... that I'm aware of. But, that being said, I decided to stop taking this prescription and thankfully googled stopping it and am now not sure how to proceed.  I've noticed references to SSRIs but am wondering how NDRIs compare? BEFORE I talk to my Dr. I want to be informed. After being the Advocate and voice for both of my parents until recently, I don't have very much faith in the medical system. Thank you for any guidance you can give me.

[ChessieCat]

Hi DonnaAnn and welcome to SA,

 

To get you started, we ask all members to create a drug signature which will show below every post you make.  Please use the following format:

 

A request: Would you summarize your history in a signature - ALL drugs, doses, dates, and discontinuations & reinstatements, in the last 12-24 months particularly?

• Please leave out symptoms and diagnoses.
• A list is easier to understand than one or multiple paragraphs. 

• Any drugs prior to 24 months ago can just be listed with start and stop years.
• Please use actual dates or approximate dates (mid-June, Late October) rather than relative time frames (last week, 3 months ago)
• Spell out months, e.g. "October" or "Oct."; 9/1/2016 can be interpreted as Jan. 9, 2016 or Sept. 1, 2016.
• Clink on this link to Account Settings – Create or Edit a signature.

 

This is your own Intro topic where you can ask questions and journal your progress.  We encourage members to visit other members' topics so you can support each other.

[Gridley]

Hello, DonnaAnnK and welcome from me too.  I'm glad you found your way here before beginning your taper.

 

Buproprion (also marketed as Wellbutrin) would be tapered at the same rate as an SSRI.  At Surviving Antidepressants, it is recommended that a person taper by no more than 10% of their current dose with at least a four week hold in-between decreases.  The 10% taper recommendation is a harm reduction approach to going off psychiatric drugs designed to minimize withdrawal symptoms.  Some people may have to taper at a more conservative rate as they are sensitive to even the smallest drops.  

 

Why taper by 10% of my dosage?

Before you begin tapering what you need to know

What is Withdrawal Syndrome?

Your doctor will very likely want to taper you at a much faster rate.  Please be aware that the vast majority of doctors, including psychiatrists, know little, if anything, about tapering antidepressants.  These links provide tips on talking to your doctor.

 

How do you talk to a doctor about tapering and withdrawal?
 
What should I expect from my doctor about withdrawal symptoms?

 

Best,

Gridley