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Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
bob@dr-bob.orgShown: posts 1 to 4 of 4. This is the beginning of the thread.
Posted by Astoria38 on July 5, 2005, at 21:00:29
Hello everyone. About 3 weeks ago, I stopped taking wellbutrin cold turkey. I saw very few effects during the first week (an irritating daily headache that stopped in week 2). However, this past weekend, I had swollen lymph nodes and a fever as high as 102.5 (highly unusual for me). As I began researching anti-depressant withdrawal, I found some evidence that flu-like symptoms may occur. Does anyone know of medical research regarding such symptoms and withdrawal? Or have personal experience with same? Thanks for any info. I'm just trying to make sense of my recent ailment; could be a simple coincidence.
Posted by SLS on July 6, 2005, at 6:45:58
In reply to Wellbutrin withdrawal, posted by Astoria38 on July 5, 2005, at 21:00:29
> Hello everyone. About 3 weeks ago, I stopped taking wellbutrin cold turkey. I saw very few effects during the first week (an irritating daily headache that stopped in week 2). However, this past weekend, I had swollen lymph nodes and a fever as high as 102.5 (highly unusual for me). As I began researching anti-depressant withdrawal, I found some evidence that flu-like symptoms may occur. Does anyone know of medical research regarding such symptoms and withdrawal? Or have personal experience with same? Thanks for any info. I'm just trying to make sense of my recent ailment; could be a simple coincidence.
It could possibly be the Wellbutrin, but such a reaction is infrequent.
Flu-like symptoms are normally associated with the discontinuation of SRI antidepressants like Prozac and Effexor. It usually includes dizziness, aches and pains and malaise, but does not include a fever.
Typically, Wellbutrin discontinuation does not yield significant withdrawal symptoms. It can produce anxiety, irritability, insomnia, and headache. It can also mimick the flu with aches and pains, although I don't see this described too often.
Pertaining to your situation: I did come across a description of a serious allergic reaction that can produce symptoms including a skin rash, hives, or difficulty breathing. From what I understand it can even produce fever, swollen lymph nodes, painful sores around the mouth or eyes, and swelling of the lips and tongue. This must be an infrequent reaction, but does seem to fit what you are experiencing. A WBC blood-test should help your doctor diagnose whether an infection is to blame or a reaction to Wellbutrin discontinuation.
Please continue posting as you work your way through this.
Good luck.
- Scott
Posted by SLS on July 6, 2005, at 6:58:22
In reply to Re: Wellbutrin withdrawal, posted by SLS on July 6, 2005, at 6:45:58
Hi.
Please excuse my lapse of memory.
The allergic reaction I described in my previous post as a withdrawal symptom of Wellbutrin discontinuation does not exist. This syndrome can occur while taking the drug, not from withdrawing from it.
> Hello everyone. About 3 weeks ago, I stopped taking wellbutrin cold turkey. I saw very few effects during the first week (an irritating daily headache that stopped in week 2). However, this past weekend, I had swollen lymph nodes and a fever as high as 102.5 (highly unusual for me). As I began researching anti-depressant withdrawal, I found some evidence that flu-like symptoms may occur. Does anyone know of medical research regarding such symptoms and withdrawal? Or have personal experience with same? Thanks for any info. I'm just trying to make sense of my recent ailment; could be a simple coincidence.Flu-like symptoms are normally associated with the discontinuation of SRI antidepressants like Prozac and Effexor. It usually includes dizziness, aches and pains and malaise, but does not include a fever.
Typically, Wellbutrin discontinuation does not yield intense withdrawal symptoms. It can produce anxiety, irritability, insomnia, and headache. It can also mimick the flu with aches and pains, although I don't see this described too often.
Blood-tests should help your doctor diagnose whether an infection is to blame or a reaction to Wellbutrin.
Please continue posting as you work your way through this.
Good luck.
- Scott
Posted by p.j. nolen on August 4, 2005, at 18:19:55
In reply to Wellbutrin withdrawal, posted by Astoria38 on July 5, 2005, at 21:00:29
I live in a remote community, where there are a few Wellbutrin prescribers. A friend, Roberta, had been taking it for about 13 years. She quit cold-turkey, despite my protests. The change in her has been profound and distressing, to say the least. Fever is her main complaint, even the F.D.A. website states that it is one of the big problems with withdrawal. I am trying to read up on Deprex or other alternatives for her. Being in a society means people watch out for their neighbors, especially if they are frail. I will keep you up to date in her progress. Please let me know how you are doing. Support is a good thing, even if it is from a stranger.
This is the end of the thread.
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