Bupropion Dosage
The dosage of bupropion depends on which form of the drug you are taking (SR or XL). Your doctor will discuss with you which form and dose is suitable for you. You will start off on a lower dose which will be slowly increased if needed. Do not increase your dose without consulting with your doctor. Increasing your dose too fast can cause seizures in some people.
The following are the recommended dosages of bupropion HCl:
For MDD:
- Bupropion SR (sustained release) is to be taken twice daily; once in the morning and once in mid-afternoon. The dose usually ranges from 100 mg twice daily up to 200 mg twice daily.
- Bupropion XL (extended release) releases the drug over a longer period of time than bupropion SR and so only needs to be taken once a day in the morning. The dose ranges from 150 mg to 450 mg.
For SAD:
- Bupropion XL 150 mg can be taken once daily in the morning. The dose may be increased up to a maximum of 300 mg once daily.
You can take bupropion with or without food but it is recommended to take with food to prevent stomach upset. The tablets need to be swallowed whole without being chewed, crushed, or broken. This is important to do so that your medication is not released too quickly and does not cause serious side effects.
What happens if I miss a dose?
Always take your medication according to your doctor’s instructions and what it says on the information sheet that comes with your tablets.
If you miss a dose of bupropion SR, take it as soon as possible. Then take the remaining doses for the day at evenly spaced times at least four hours apart. Do not try to compensate for your missed dose by taking a double dose.
For the bupropion XL form, do not take an extra tablet to make up for your missed dose. Wait for the next day and take your dose at the regular time.
How long does it take for Wellbutrin or bupropion to work?
Your energy, sleep, or appetite may improve within the first two weeks of taking bupropion which means your medicine is working. However you need to be a little more patient to see improvements in your mood and interest in your daily activities; this can take 4-6 weeks.
Keep your follow-up appointments with your doctor to make sure you are continuing on the best dosage for you.
Can you stop bupropion cold turkey? Does bupropion cause withdrawal symptoms?
When you and your doctor have determined it is time to stop taking bupropion, the safest way is to taper your dose to reduce the risk of some unpleasant withdrawal symptoms. However, this only needs to take one or two weeks.
When you stop taking bupropion, 99% of the drug is eliminated from your body in under 5 days.
Common Side Effects
Common Wellbutrin or bupropion side effects include but are not limited to:
- Nausea
- Headache
- Dry mouth
- Dizziness
- Constipation
- Fast heart beat
- Sore throat
- Insomnia or trouble sleeping
These side effects will normally resolve over the first one to two weeks as you continue to take the medication.
Does Wellbutrin cause or treat anxiety?
About 2% of people stop taking Wellbutrin shortly after starting it because of anxiety-related side-effects. Such symptoms including anxiety, feeling restless, unable to sleep, and shaking may occur if the dosage is increased too quickly.
Conversely, there is some preliminary research and anecdotal evidence that bupropion may help with anxiety in some people. In fact, there are doctors who prescribe Wellbutrin off-label (not FDA approved) for anxiety disorders.
Does Wellbutrin cause weight loss?
Wellbutrin may have a side-effect of weight loss. This is the opposite to SSRI antidepressants which can cause weight gain. Studies have shown that if you take Wellbutrin and watch your diet, you can lose significant weight. However, the FDA has not approved Wellbutrin for weight loss.
Bupropion Alternatives
Bupropion is not suitable for everyone impacted by depression. You may have a pre-existing medical condition or be taking another medication that would preclude you from being suitable to take bupropion. Discuss with your doctor about whether you can try other medications, various therapies such as cognitive-behavioral therapy, psychotherapy, acceptance and commitment therapy (ACT), or other ‘talk therapies’. Many people with depression find such therapies very helpful.
Wellbutrin vs. Lexapro
Wellbutrin and Lexapro are similar in that they are both antidepressants used to treat major depressive disorder. The difference is that Wellbutrin also treats seasonal affective disorder (SAD) while Lexapro is also FDA approved to treat generalized anxiety disorder.
Wellbutrin and Lexapro belong to different drug classes. Wellbutrin is an aminoketone, while Lexapro is an SSRI. This means that Wellbutrin works in the brain to prevent the reuptake or absorption of dopamine and norepinephrine in addition to preventing the reuptake of serotonin.
The two drugs have some side effects in common and both drugs interact with MAOIs.
Wellbutrin vs. Zoloft
Both Wellbutrin and Zoloft have some common characteristics. They are both antidepressants used to treat major depressive disorder. However, Wellbutrin also treats seasonal affective disorder while Zoloft has many other FDA approved uses. These include treating obsessive-compulsive disorder, panic disorder, post-traumatic stress disorder, social anxiety disorder, and premenstrual dysphoric disorder.
Wellbutrin and Zoloft belong to different drug classes. Wellbutrin is an aminoketone, while Zoloft is an SSRI. As we mentioned above, this means that Wellbutrin works in the brain to prevent the reuptake or absorption of dopamine and norepinephrine in addition to preventing the reuptake of serotonin.
The two drugs have some side effects in common and both drugs interact with MAOIs.
When to See a Doctor
Major depression including seasonal affective disorder can be effectively treated. Go to see your doctor so that you can discuss which is the best medication and/or other therapy for you. Once you are being treated, you will feel a noticeable difference in your mood and interest in your daily activities. USA Health offers Therapy, a text-based therapy program that includes unlimited messaging with a licensed therapist, plus free resources designed by mental health experts to use on your own.
If you start to take bupropion, it is very important that you let your family and close friends know you are taking an antidepressant. This is because when you start to take bupropion or other antidepressants, including SSRIs, you are at a greater risk of suicide thoughts or actions. This is especially true in young people aged up to 25 years. It is vital that you immediately seek medical assistance if you start having changes in your mood or suicidal ideation.
If you’re having a mental health emergency, call 911 or go to the nearest emergency room. You can also get free 24/7 support from a suicide and crisis expert by calling or texting 988. If you’d prefer to chat online, you can chat with a suicide and crisis expert by visiting the Lifeline Chat.
Make sure to get the necessary emergency medical assistance if you have signs of a rare allergic reaction to bupropion. Symptoms to watch for include:
- Skin rash or hives
- Difficulty breathing
- Swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat
- Severe dizziness
In the rare case you have a serious side effect, stop taking bupropion and call your doctor without delay. Serious side effects include:
- Chest pain
- Flushing
- Rapid, irregular heart
- Rise in blood pressure
- Confusion
- Anorexia
- Tinnitus (noise or ringing in the ears)
- Seizures
- Hallucinating
- Irrational fears
- Muscle or joint pain
- Blisters
- Swelling of the face, throat. tongue, lips, eyes, hands, feet, ankles, or lower legs
- Hoarseness
- Difficulty breathing or swallowing
If you think you have overdosed on bupropion, call 911 or call Poison Control at 1-800-222-1222. Symptoms of overdose can include:
- Seizures
- Vomiting
- Hypokalemia
- Agitation
- Slurred speech
- Sleepiness
- Confusion
- Hallucinations
- Tremors
- Coma
- Non-regular heart beat