I started taking Welbutrin in 1997 and took it through to about 2012. I never had any problems with it -- dry mouth was the extent of my adverse reactions -- but I had a drinking problem and was worried about damaging my liver by taking the meds and drinking.
Naturally, this meant the meds had to go, not the booze. I just stopped taking them. No talking with a doctor or anything, just stopped.
I finally quit drinking a year and a half ago. Now I am realizing I have been depressed this whole time and that I was actually a really productive member of society then -- I want to go back.
Has anyone else been a longtime WB taker, gone of it, and gone back? How'd it go?
Hi, Baymavision.
It is important to talk to your doctor before starting Welbutrin again. Your doctor will need to assess your current mental health and any other medications you are taking before prescribing the medication. Your doctor may also suggest some additional lifestyle changes such as regular exercise, proper nutrition and stress management techniques to help support your mental health. Additionally, your doctor will likely start you on a lower dose than you took before, as your body has adjusted to not taking the medication in the last 10 years.
A friend of mine started re-taking Wellbutrin after being a few years off of it, but said that he didn't get any relief the second time, so he eventually stopped it for good.