1exception: Post Wellbutrin / bupropion weight gain

[1exception]

Hello,

 

I am from Missouri, and have been taking Wellbutrin for years (300mg) I have been tapered off more or less. I have noticed weight gain, which I am not enjoying. How long does it last and is there anything I can do to stop it aside from taking Wellbutrin again? 
 

Thank you.

[ChessieCat]

Hello 1exception,

 

Welcome to SA. 

 

Are you now completely off Wellbutrin?  Did you taper off?  How are you feeling?  Do you think you might be experiencing withdrawal symptoms?  Here is a helpful checklist:

 

Dr Joseph Glenmullen's WD Symptoms Checklist

 

If you are experiencing withdrawal symptoms, it means that you have stopped/reduced the drug too quickly.  If this has happened to you, please let us know and we can discuss whether you might reinstate/updose a small amount to help with the withdrawal symptoms.

 

Please create your drug signature following these instructions and include ALL drugs and supplements, details for anything less than 2 years and summary for older:

 

Instructions:  Withdrawal History Signature
Account Settings – Create or Edit a signature

 

Unfortunately I do not know of any way that you can stop the weight increase.  A dietitian might be able to assist you.  From what I have found on the internet, Wellbutrin tends to cause people to lose weight so it seems that as consequence of stopping the drug you are gaining weight.

 

From https://www.drugs.com/tips/wellbutrin-patient-tips

 

Quote

 

More likely than other antidepressants to cause weight loss; however, may also cause weight gain in some people.

 

 

 

I also found the following:

 

 

Quote

 

Weight Loss on Wellbutrin - Modern Fit

https://www.modernfit.com › tips › weight-loss-on-wellbutrin

People have reported losing up to 100 lbs while on the medication.

 

 

 

Below is the link to the search for Wellbutrin in SA's Weight topic  weight-gain-weight-loss-appetite-changes-hunger/

 

https://www.survivingantidepressants.org/search/?q=wellbutrin&quick=1&type=forums_topic&item=15877

 

I did a search and found another member with the same issue:

 

survivingwellbutrin-wellbutrin-withdrawal-weight-gain

 

You could do a search for other members taking the same drug.

 

If there is anything else that we can provide information about?  Please let us know.

[1exception]

Thanks for your reply. I’m completely off of Wellbutrin and have been completely been off of it since July. I’ve tapered from 300 to 150 and then no more. I have considered taking 150 mg to see if that’s going to make any difference. 

[ChessieCat]

Thank you for providing further information.

 

You tapered off very quickly.  If you have not experienced withdrawal symptoms then you have been very fortunate.  Stopping at 150mg is classed as cold turkey.  However, please be aware that if you went back on Wellbutrin and then decided to stop it again, things might be different.

 

Because SA is a site for tapering/going off psychiatric drugs we cannot provide any specific support with regards to you taking Wellbutrin again but we can provide you with some information.  I will caution you that returning to 150mg after being off since July, so at least 3.5 months, might be too high a dose.  When reinstating a drug we always caution members to start with a small dose and gradually increase.  It is better to do this than to risk taking too much, which could possibly cause issues.  Please read Post #1 of this topic.  The information explains about being careful about the amount you take.

 

This topic explains how to get non standard doses:

 

tips-for-tapering-off-wellbutrin-sr-xr-xl-zyban-buproprion