Wellbutrin Withdrawal Symptoms

[jeffgx]

I am a 37 year old male and have been taking 300 mg/day Wellbutrin XL and 10 mg/day Lexapro since experiencing a severe depression episode in September 2005.    I have since been going to counseling weekly and maintaing maintenance of these two medications and feel that I have made tremendous improvements.  However, I have yet to go back to the stress-free, anxiety-free, depression-free person that I was before this occured.  

That being said, I am feeling quite good these days, back to a daily exercise routine, healthy eating, etc.  I decided to stop taking the 300 mg/day of Wellbutrin about 5 days ago.  Then 3 nights ago I woke up in the middle of the night soaked in sweat.  This happened again the following two days.  

Could this be from stopping the Wellbutrin XL?  If this is a side effect of withdrawal, does anyone know how long I can expect this to last?  Am I in danger of more side effects to come by quitting "cold turkey".   Any advice would be greatly appreciated.  I will call my Dr. on Monday, but was hoping to hear from anyone familiar with these symptoms.

Thank you,
Jeff

[Roger Gould, M.D.]

Yes that is the kind of symptoms and I would expect from the abrupt withdrawal of this medication.  There are usually flu-like symptoms and sweating is one of them so don't be surprised if you have the others also.  It is usually unwise to stop these medications abruptly but you can get away with it with this medication but will not get away with it if you try to stop Lexapro abruptly.

[jeffgx]

Thanks for the advice Tara...I plan to discuss this with my Dr. tomorrow.  Also, just to clarify, I have only stopped the Wellbutrin.  I plan to continue with the Lexapro for a bit longer.

[tara79]

jeff, i've been on lexapro for 2 years...please do not abruptly stop taking the medicine. never go cold turkey! if you plan to wean off the med, please see your doctor and he/she will be able to give you a good plan as to how to lower your does gradually and everntually be free of the meds. i tried weaning off lexapro too fast and had horrible side effects. please check with your doc before you make any changes to you medication. take care and good luck!