Medication Information: Wellbutrin Dosage Details, Forms Available, Timing, and Other Factors
Wellbutrin, a prescription medication, is commonly used to treat major depressive disorder (MDD) and seasonal affective disorder (SAD) in adults. This drug, known chemically as bupropion hydrochloride, comes in two forms: sustained-release (SR) and extended-release (XL) oral tablets.
For long-term treatment of depression, Wellbutrin SR and Wellbutrin XL are typically prescribed. If you miss a dose, it is advisable to skip it and continue with your regular dosing schedule. Never take an extra dose to make up for a missed one.
Wellbutrin XL tablets are available in strengths of 150 milligrams (mg) and 300 mg. If currently taking 150 mg, your doctor may increase your dose to 300 mg depending on various factors. The maximum dosage for Wellbutrin SR is 400 mg per day, while for Wellbutrin XL, it is 450 mg per day. Exceeding these doses can increase the risk of side effects such as seizures.
Common side effects of Wellbutrin include insomnia or trouble sleeping, dry mouth, headache, dizziness or lightheadedness, nausea and vomiting, constipation, increased sweating, sore throat, restlessness or mild agitation, tremors, tinnitus (ringing in the ears), changes in taste, palpitations or a racing heartbeat, anxiety or nervousness, flushing, stomach discomfort, and loss of appetite sometimes leading to weight loss.
More serious potential side effects that require immediate medical attention include seizures (especially at higher doses or in individuals with seizure risk factors), severe neuropsychiatric symptoms such as agitation, anxiety, delusions, hallucinations, panic, paranoia, psychosis, or worsening depression, suicidal thoughts, or behavior changes, significant increases in blood pressure, irregular heartbeats or palpitations that are persistent or severe, and chest pain.
In case of a Wellbutrin overdose, call your doctor immediately or contact America's Poison Centers. If severe symptoms occur, call 911 or go to the nearest emergency room.
It is essential to tell your doctor about any kidney or liver problems and medications you take before starting Wellbutrin treatment. Dosage adjustments may be necessary in such cases.
Wellbutrin is not known to cause withdrawal symptoms or dependence. However, it is important to never stop taking Wellbutrin suddenly, as this may increase the risk of certain side effects, including seizure. If you need to stop taking either form of Wellbutrin for any reason, it's recommended to talk with your doctor first.
Wellbutrin SR and XL should be swallowed whole and not chewed, crushed, or broken. A step-by-step guide is available for those who have trouble swallowing Wellbutrin tablets.
While Wellbutrin is not FDA approved for weight loss or anxiety at this time, studies have shown that Wellbutrin may have promise for treating anxiety, and the drug is sometimes prescribed off-label for this use. For SAD, Wellbutrin XL is meant to be a short-term treatment during certain times of the year.
Monitoring is especially important early in treatment or when dosing changes, as persistent or worsening symptoms warrant consultation with your healthcare provider. Most common side effects tend to be mild and improve as your body adjusts to the medication.
- In mental health, Wellbutrin, a prescription drug used to treat major depressive disorder and seasonal affective disorder, could potentially have predictive applications for bipolar disorder, given its chemical structure and effects on neurotransmitters.
- Health-and-wellness-focused type predictive science might explore the correlation between Wellbutrin usage and the onset of diabetes due to the drug's known effects on metabolism and weight.
- Therapies-and-treatments for anthrax exposure could be enhanced through a better understanding of the role of certain antibiotics, from the same class as Wellbutrin, in combating the bacteria that causes the disease.
- Diabetes management could benefit from the development of a Wellbutrin-based predictive model for controlling blood sugar levels during therapy sessions, as the drug has demonstrated effects on glucose regulation.
- Aq, a toxic compound found in some harmful substances like anthrax, could be more easily detected in health-and-wellness screenings if researchers develop a predictive diagnostic tool using Wellbutrin, which has been shown to interact with certain toxins.
