Wellbutrin (Bupropion) Dosage Guide

Wellbutrin Forms and Strengths

Wellbutrin doses are available in different forms, and the doses are dependent on the diagnosis. To prevent adverse reactions, the healthcare provider will start you off on lower doses of the medication and gradually increase them if no clinical improvements are noticed. The doctors will wait about two months before making dose adjustments as the medication takes around the same time to take full effect in the body. The doctor chooses the delivery method based on your medical history and any previous experience you have had with medication.

Wellbutrin is available in the following forms:

• Extended-release tablets
• Sustained-release tablets

Wellbutrin is available in the following strengths:

Wellbutrin SR:

• 100 milligrams (mg)
• 150 milligrams (mg)
• 200 milligrams (mg)

Wellbutrin XL:

• 150 milligrams (mg)
• 300 milligrams (mg)

Prescription doses are determined by the healthcare provider, depending on your symptoms and condition. Therefore, following the recommended dose and consulting your doctor before any dose adjustments or timing for medication ingestions is helpful. To remember your doses, a reminder system will help you take medication at the same time every day.

Wellbutrin Dosage for Adults

Wellbutrin can be used off-label to treat mental disorders such as major depressive disorders and seasonal affective disorder (SAD) in adults. Healthcare providers may also use Wellbutrin for ADHD, stopping smoking, and depressive episodes of bipolar disorder. The medication is given in different doses to treat different disorders.

Wellbutrin Dosage for Adults with Major Depressive Disorder (MDD)

Wellbutrin SR and Wellbutrin XL can be used to treat major depressive disorder. To gain the most benefit in depression treatment, take the medication as directed by the healthcare provider.

Wellbutrin SR typical dosage for adults with depression:

• Typical starting dosage: 150 mg once daily
• Dosage increases: After three days of medication, the dosage may be increased to the 300 mg target dose. The dose should be given in two phases, 150 mg each, which should have at least eight hours between these successive doses.
• Maximum dosage: 400 mg daily, given as 200 mg two times daily.

Wellbutrin XL typical dosage for adults with depression:

• Typical starting dose: 150 mg once daily
• Dosage increases: After four days of the medication, the dose may increase to 300 mg, the target dose.
• Maximum dosage: No maximum dosage but doses higher than 300 mg once daily were not studied in clinical trials.

Wellbutrin Dosage for Adults with Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD)

Wellbutrin XL is an FDA-approved treatment for seasonal affective disorder. The medication has effectively prevented seasonal major depressive episodes for patients suffering from seasonal affective disorder (SAD).

Wellbutrin XL typical dosage for adults with SAD:

• Typical starting dosage: 150 mg once daily
• Dosage increases: After 7 days of dosage, the dose may be increased to the target dose of 300 mg once daily.
• Maximum dosage: No maximum dosage but doses higher than 300 mg once daily were not studied in clinical trials.

Wellbutrin Dosage for Older Adults and Those with Liver or Kidney Issues

Wellbutrin dosage used in younger adults is the same as the dosage used in older adults. The medication is FDA-approved for major depressive disorders and seasonal affective disorder.  For patients with health factors such as renal functioning and hepatic functioning, the dosage may also be changed. The maximum dosage of bupropion for patients with hepatic impairment is 100 mg or 150 mg every other day. The dose may be reduced and given every other day for patients with renal functioning issues.

Wellbutrin Dosage for Children & Adolescents

Wellbutrin is typically given to adults 18 years and older. In certain situations, it may be used in children or off-label as a medication used to treat attention deficit hyperactivity disorder in kids. A healthcare professional will be able to help decide if Wellbutrin is appropriate for children and what dose should be given.³

Wellbutrin Dosage for Non-FDA-Approved (Off-Label) Uses

In addition to its FDA-approved uses, prescribers may use Wellbutrin as an off-label treatment for various conditions.

Possible Wellbutrin off-label uses include:

• Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD)
• Depressive episodes of bipolar disorder
• Smoking cessation

If you are interested in using Wellbutrin for off-label use, you should talk with your healthcare professional. They can help to determine if it is safe for you to use Wellbutrin and what dose of Wellbutrin you should take.

Wellbutrin Dosing Considerations

Before prescribing the medication, a prescriber will assess you to understand your medical history and your previous interaction with drugs. They will start you off on lower doses of the medication and gradually increase if no clinical improvements are noticed. If you have health conditions that may cause severe side effects and adverse reactions, the prescriber will adjust your dose as needed.

• Renal functioning issues: Elders have a higher chance of reduced kidney functions. Therefore, the dose should be given every other day and possibly at a lower dose.
• Hepatic functioning issues: High doses of Wellbutrin may cause severe side effects and adverse reactions to the medication. The dose of Wellbutrin may be lowered and given every other day.

What to Expect When Increasing Wellbutrin Dosage

Wellbutrin is considered a safe and effective medication. The patients manage well the side effects caused by the medication; however, they should be aware of some health complications the medication may cause. As the dose increases, you may start experiencing some common side effects of Wellbutrin, such as nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, constipation, and weight loss.^{4, 5}

What if I Miss a Dose of Wellbutrin?

If you miss a dose of Wellbutrin, you should take it as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and take the next dose as scheduled. You should not double up on doses of Wellbutrin.

Can You Overdose on Wellbutrin?

Yes, you can. In case you overdose on Wellbutrin, seek medical care immediately. Some symptoms to look out for are seizures, agitation, and increased heart rate.

What Should You Do If You Take Too Much Wellbutrin?

You should go to the nearest hospital or contact Poison Control for assistance. A relative or loved one should do this if the patient is incapacitated.

Can You Become Addicted to Wellbutrin?

Sometimes, you may become dependent on the drug when you take a medication for an extended period. Periodic evaluation and consultations with your doctor may reduce these cases as they constantly adjust your dose.

Taking or stopping to take Wellbutrin may start causing withdrawal side effects. Some of the symptoms may include nausea, headache, and vitals irregularity.⁶ Do not decide by yourself to stop any medication. Speak to your prescriber, who will help you taper off the medication to minimize the risk of antidepressant discontinuation syndrome.

Questions to Ask Your Health Team About Wellbutrin Dosage

Before taking any medication, understanding the dosage, side effects, and why the medication is prescribed is an important step for every patient. An open and honest talk with your healthcare provider helps them understand your medical history, which will help them set you up for a quick recovery. In case of any emergency, call 911 or your healthcare provider.

Questions to ask your care team about Wellbutrin dosages include:

• Is it safe to take Wellbutrin with my other medications?
• Will Wellbutrin or bupropion be covered by my insurance?
• Does my medical history indicate a need to adjust my dosage?
• How long will it take before my symptoms improve?
• Should I let my therapist know I am taking this medication?
• What should I do if I want to stop taking Wellbutrin?
• What is the difference between a bupropion hcl xl dosage and a bupropion sr doses?
• What is the normal dose of Wellbutrin?
• Does each bupropion dosage vary with illness?

How to Get a Wellbutrin Prescription

Wellbutrin medication is used for both FDA and non-FDA uses. For a doctor to give any medication, they must first assess you by asking about your symptoms and history, which will help give a correct diagnosis. This is after you have visited physically for an appointment or through online psychiatry services.

In My Experience

In my experience, Wellbutrin has been an effective medication for treating major depressive disorders. Wellbutrin dosage for depression is variable. The different types of Wellbutrin dosage are adjusted to fit your condition, and with monitoring by your healthcare provider, and talk therapy may be effective to ease symptoms To minimize the risks, such as seizures, the doctor will gradually increase the doses and stop when the medication provides maximum benefit to you. There is treatment available complimented with talk therapy, seek it out and never give up.

For Further Reading

• Wellbutrin (Bupropion) Withdrawal: Symptoms, Duration, & How to Cope
• Wellbutrin For Anxiety: Effectiveness, Dosage, & More
• Lexapro Vs. Wellbutrin: Choosing Which Is Right for You
• Medication for Depression: Types, Side Effects, and Management
• Wellbutrin (Bupropion) Side Effects: Rare, Common, & Severe
• 10 Signs Wellbutrin Is Working