Comming off of Wellbutrin

[LaurenF]

After you stop taking Wellbutrin, how long does it take to be out of your system? I've gained weight on it and I'd like to know how long it will take me to start losing weight again.
Thank you.

[Roger Gould, M.D.]

The weight gain problem should not be a problems as soon as you are off of the medication, and not having any withdrawals.  It will take some effort to lose, it is not automatic. People eat for emotional reasons as well as real hunger...if you want to go to a site that helps you work on that, go to www.masteringfood.com

[LaurenF]

Thank you. I have been working at it for 3 months. I work out at a gym for 4 hours a week--and I run (15 miles a week) for 3 of those hours. I'm also doing Weight Watchers. I haven't lost an ounce. I can only attribute it to the Wellbutrin.

[3rdMajor]

Hi Lauren,
     It sounds like you are burning a lot of extra calories with the exercise that you are doing.  Wellbutrin doesnt contain many calories per serving.  If you are not losing weight, you must be making up the calories somewhere else.  I say that "tongue in cheek", because I have a hard time losing weight through exercise.  The reason is that exercise stimulates my appetite.
It doesnt seem fair, but I can spend 45 minutes on the treadmill, and regain the lost calories in a minute with a snickers bar.