Can anyone give some advice about getting off of Wellbutrin safely, and how quickly it can be done?

Can one come off the medication within a couple of weeks? I've been on anti-depressants too long. I don't know why my doctor hasn't tried to wean me down yet.. more business for him, I guess is a motivation for not helping me get off of medications. Any advice, please?Can anyone give some advice about getting off of Wellbutrin safely, and how quickly it can be done?
It can vary depending on the ';half-life'; of the drug (how quickly it takes for your body to rid itself of it) and how you respond to what is known as ';discontinuation syndrome'; (the mental and physical effects of withdrawing from the drug).





Ask your doctor to help you wean off them. More often than not, most people who quit antidepressants abruptly suffer all manner of effects, so it is important to follow a program of a gradual reduction in dosage.





Check out http://groups.msn.com/psychbusters for more info and support.Can anyone give some advice about getting off of Wellbutrin safely, and how quickly it can be done?
Doctors like to make money and with antidepressants, it's a sure appointment every so often. OF COURSE your doctor does not want to wean you down yet. Doctors are loving all of the commercial attention that is being devoted to pharmaceuticals these days, ESPECIALLY things for peoples' heads.





It can be extremely dangerous to discontinue use of antidepressants.





My advice would be to see another doctor who hasn't so comfortably gotten used to the income received from your regular visits. Let the new doctor know first visit that your motivation is to obtain direction to discontinue this drug.
DISCLAIMER: I AM BY NO MEANS A DR OR HAVE ANY EXPERIENCE WITH DRUGS, THIS IS JUST WHAT I FOUND.





';Allow at least 14 days between the discontinuation of an MAOI or thioridazine and bupropion initiation.';





You may also want to check out Yahoo Health's article on it. http://health.yahoo.com/drug/d00181a1
This depends on the severity of the case and if that is the only medication you have taken for the condition.





Usually Dr's can keep you on medication for as long as 6 months, and may change brands to see which suits you best. BUT you are not supposed to stop using them without his advice. A couple of weeks may be too soon to tell if the medicine is effective for you.
If your meds are helping you then take the doctors advice. the worst thing you can do is stop using them because you think you have gotten better but it's the meds making you feel better.
Talk to your doctor. Messing with your own meds is DANGEROUS!