1st Wellbutrin Update - In a Crisis

Hi @AhhhhImOffTheMeds, and welcome. I'm so sorry you're in a crisis situation right now. I've been in a similar situation before, so I understand how difficult it is. Please know you're not alone. Are you completely off Wellbutrin or are you still tapering? I'm glad you took steps to help yourself by calling a hotline and leaning on friends. Also, getting outside into nature can really help. I'm glad you're prioritizing your needs. We'll be here to help you the best we can. You can check the forum sections for Symptoms & Self-Care along with Support. Please let us know how best we can help you! Hang in there. Catina ❤️

@AhhhhImoffthemeds, just a quick note of thanks and a warm hello. What you are going through and reporting on will help others quite soon. I say that hoping it helps you right now. A good friend is depending on Wellbutrin and uncomfortable talking about the concerns using it over the long term causes. He left that door open so I will let your testimony inform him, and hope that helps you both. I've been in crisis and understand. You will find your way through. What helped me was learning breath work. Breathing with focused intent gives me a tool calm my vagus nerve, and it actually helps. A bit of practice and it just clicked. Since then I've added in binaural beats (headphones required, low volume), humming, and now I'm starting to meditate. All these things calm my body down. My brain follows. Repetition matters. I just got here, but you'll be hearing more from me. I've learned a few other things that smooth my road, I hope they'll be of value to some others. Hang in there! /jo

Hi AhhhhImOffTheMeds, welcome to our community. I'm sorry to hear you're in a crisis. It sounds really intense, I’m really glad you reached out and used your safety plan. Calling 988, leaning on people, getting outside… that’s you taking care of yourself in the middle of the chaos, even if it doesn’t feel like it. The waves of irritability, anxiety, depersonalization can be hard during this process, especially when life stress piles on top. For now, staying close to what’s helping (people, sunlight, simple moments) is a great plan. Keep reaching out. You’re navigating something really tough, and you’re actively keeping yourself steady. ~ Jules

I would be interested to hear more about your experience too @AhhhhImOffTheMeds I had considered requesting a switch to Wellbutrin in future if we can't get on top of the issues I'm having now with daytime exhaustion and inability to focus. I haven't seen much information on peoples experiences as in Australia it has to be prescribed privately and off label for depression and related symptoms, as it's only approved for nicotine withdrawal, I did go on it many years ago when I was 20 to try and quit smoking for 12 weeks.

@Catina @Jules @Roy E @Healthyagain Hey folks, thank you for the welcoming support. Since then I had a lot of stuff happen in my life. Last summer, in 2025, I went cold turkey after beginning grad school. Then was experiencing the worst symptoms because I had to leave an environment that invigorated me and return back to a place that really made me miserable. I went cold turkey off of Wellbutrin for 6-7 months after trying different antidepressants (I don't remember them all right now) since 2018. In February, after months of not doing well, I gave in and got back on the Wellbutrin. The Wellbutrin has helped here and there but the weeks leading up to a stabilization period SUCKED. Lately, the common symptom has been suicidal ideation. I really really try to do what I can: meditate, walk, exercise, eat as healthy as possible with minimal junk food, lean on friends even if it feels like a chore. I have wanted to completely give up and have also noticed the anxiety not doing well. I have taken gabapentin 100mg like 5 times now since getting a prescription but I really don't want to lean on that as a solve all solution. Here's a tip, don't do edibles or any other drugs while in these things. I tried half of an edible gummy for the first time in my life after taking 1, 150mg of Bupropion and I felt like absolute teenage suicidal angst. Thank goodness I leaned on loved ones and told them how I was feeling but goodness it was not a good feeling.

Thanks for the update. You've definitely been through a lot! Wellbutrin (along with most psychiatric drugs) can actually cause suicidal ideation. Have a look at this: https://rxisk.org/drugs-that-can-cause-depression-agitation-suicidality/ Gabapentin also comes with its own set of risks and side effects. I'm glad you also realize that adding in other drugs can be risky while taking psychiatric drugs. It's nice to know you had people to support you; that can make all the difference. I hope you're doing better now, and we look forward to more of your updates! 💜