Wellbutrin100SR: How can I withdraw from Wellbutrin SR 100 after taking it for two weeks once a day in morning?

[Wellbutrin100SR]

I have PTSD and depression. I take Luvox 300mg in AM, Risperidal 3.5 mg at night with Ambien 10 mg.

I started Wellbutrin SR 100mg once daily in the morning with my Luvox 300mg in the morning to help with a depression I was having. I have been taking the Wellbutrin for two weeks. The wellbutrin I believe is negatively affecting my sleep giving me insomnia and making me anxious in the morning making my PTSD worse.Thus I would like to know how to taper safely off the wellbutrin SR 100.

Thank you.

[Petunia]

Welcome Wellbutrin100SR

Thanks for posting.

 

You haven't been on Wellbutrin very long and its one of the easier antidepressants to taper from, so I don't think you need to do the 10% per month taper we usually recommend here.

 

Although I don't suggest you just stop it cold turkey either, or you might experience some symptoms. If I were you, I would reduce by 25% every 3 - 4 days, so you would go from 100mg down to 0mg in about 2 weeks, about the time you have been taking it.

 

This can be done by cutting your tablet into quarters.

 

 

"Data from the manufacturer states that dividing Wellbutrin SR® tablets resulted in an increased rate of release at 15 minutes: “However, the divided tablet retained its sustained-release characteristics with similar increases of released bupropion at each sampling point beyond 15 minutes when compared to the intact Wellbutrin SR® tablet...” Bupropion is hydroscopic and therefore should be stored in a dry place. Splitting of large quantities in advance of administration is not advised since loss of potency may result. If necessary, splitting should be done cleanly without crushing."

 
In the name-brand Wellbutrin SR, the sustained-release quality is in the binder, the glue that holds the tablet together. Generic versions (which would be called bupropion SR, not Wellbutrin SR) may be made differently. Contact the manufacturer to find out exactly how the tablet is formulated, or talk to a pharmacist specializing in psychopharmacology.
 
I personally found you CAN cut Wellbutrin SR (sustained release) tablets up -- the timed-release mechanism is mixed in with the drug. Put the pieces in a water-tight container and use them up within 24 hours because the time-release binder can absorb humidity and degrade.

For a short time, I cut up generic 100mg bupropion SR and took 50mg in the morning, Wellbutrin XL 150mg a couple of hours later, and another SR 50mg in the early evening for a total of 250mg/day. (I never tolerated Wellbutrin very well.)

To taper, convert your dosage to 100mg SR tablets, cut up the 100mg tablets, make reductions by 25mg or less, take 2 times a day.
 
(Note: If you cut an SR tablet in very small fragments or crush it, it won't to continue to be sustained-release -- the binder is extensively damaged. Take as though it was immediate-release.)

 

See: Tips for tapering off Wellbutrin, SR, XR, XL (buproprion)

 

Petunia.

[Wellbutrin100SR]

For reducing the wellbutrin 100 SR by 25% every 3-4 days till I am down to zero in 2 weeks which is how long I have been taking it. I didn't grasp the concept number-wise. I imagine I reduce first by a quarter of the pill-25mg, then 4 days later 50mg, then 4 days later 75 mg then 100mg for 4 days is that correct? Isn't that slowly increasing the dose not reducing it Petunia?

[Wellbutrin100SR]

So yes I started your suggested taper of the Wellbutrin SR 100mg by 25% today by reducing the 100mg SR into 4 quarters and taking 75 mg for 4 days, then taking 50mg for three days then 25mg for three days. So ignore my last post. Just on the 25 mg after 3 days should I just come off it completely or cut the 25mg in half and take 12.5 mg for three days?

[bubble]

Hello Wellbutrin,

 

I have merged a thread you started with the above question for Petunia with your original thread. We have one thread per member policy here. So you put all your questions here and everybody will see them.

 

The way I understood the suggestion Petunia made is like this: take 25 mg off the pill for 4 days (that will leave you with taking 75 mg), then take 50 mg off (which will leave you with 50 mg), after 4 days take 75 mg off (you will be taking 25 mg then) and after another 4 days you take nothing.

 

Hope this clarifies things for you

 

Bubble 

[bubble]

You started another thread just as I was typing...

 

So once again, please put all your questions in this thread.

 

You understood it correctly. If you don't feel any particular symptoms, i woudl stop taking 25 mg after 2 weeks. But let's wait till then and reassess if necessary.

 

Also,

 

 Please put your withdrawal history in your signature​

Bubble

[Wellbutrin100SR]

Thank you Bubbles for your help and Petunia too. I will add my recent withdrawal history with my signature. I am just trying to figure that out as I am new here.Sorry for any inconvenience.

[bubble]

No problem. You are getting there

[Wellbutrin100SR]

Hi everyone. Thank you Bubbles and Petunia for all your help. I am trying to understand and find the method for adding my signature and withdrawal history. I can't find any arrows beside my name on my posts that will lead me to settings so I can add signature and withdrawal history. I am hoping someone can help. I am glad to be here. The answers to my posts have been very helpful. Thanks :-)

[bubble]

Oh no! Here we go again: this must be the third time that I've had to merge your posts today.... So please: don't start new therads any more. Put ALL your questions here.

 

You have to click on your name which will take you to your profile. In the top right corner you will see a box with Edit my profile. Click on it and a new window will open with a drop down menu on the left. Click on Signature and fill it in. Click Save once you've finished.

[Wellbutrin100SR]

Is it possible to edit history which is confidential on community stats. I made some typos, etc.

[Altostrata]

No one but the staff can see your confidential history. Do not worry about typos.

[Wellbutrin100SR]

I have been withdrawing from the Wellbutrim SR 100 as per Petunia's wonderful instruction which were 75 mg for three days,50mg for three days and then 25mg for three days and then off completely. I am on my second day of 50mg. However I am having a lot of trouble sleeping which I had when taking the full dose anyway.But it

But it seems to be worsening. Should I accelerate the withdrawal and go to

25mg tomorrow which was supposed to be

my third day on 50mg and then resume

tapering off the 25mg normally?

[bubble]

When we experience increase in symptoms, it usually means we are going too fast and our CNS is not happy with the removal of the drug... This usually means we should slow down, stop and wait for the symptoms to go away before continuing the taper. Maybe your brain is too sensitised from all your previous withdrawals and although you have been on Well. for a short time it still finds it hard to cope with its absence...

 

Do you have any other symptoms except for insomnia?

[Wellbutrin100SR]

No just the insomnia.I was restless as

well last night before bed. I had insomnia practically the whole time on Wellbutrin so I am eager to get it out of my system. Thinking of going on 25mg tomorrow instead of 50mg. That would have been my last day or third day on 50 mg.

By the way Bubbles and everyone thank you for your help. I really appreciate it. I am sorry when I was just learning how to use the site that I started 3 new threads. I know now to only post here as I have been doing. Cheers.:-)

[Altostrata]

I would hold for a day or so -- and reduce every 4 days at the fastest.

 

Don't go from 100mg to 50mg, it's too big of a decrease.

 

When you are down to 25mg, plan to reduce by 25% of 25mg for each decrease.