How to Take Wellbutrin: Side Effects, Dosage
How to take Wellbutrin: dosage guidelines, side effects, and important warnings including FDA black box warnings for suicidality and dose-dependent seizure risk.
Not medical advice. Speak with a healthcare professional before using any medication.
Reviewed by:
Updated Feb, 15
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Information sourced from FDA-approved prescribing information and peer-reviewed medical references.
How to Take Wellbutrin
How to Take Wellbutrin (bupropion)
Per FDA-approved prescribing information, Wellbutrin is available in three formulations with different dosing schedules. Take it exactly as prescribed.
- Wellbutrin IR (immediate-release): Per FDA-approved prescribing information, the initial dose is typically 100 mg twice daily. May be increased to 100 mg three times daily, with doses spaced at least 6 hours apart. Maximum single dose: 150 mg.
- Wellbutrin SR (sustained-release): Per FDA-approved prescribing information, the initial dose is typically 150 mg once daily for 3 days, then 150 mg twice daily. Doses should be spaced at least 8 hours apart. Maximum single dose: 200 mg.
- Wellbutrin XL (extended-release): Per FDA-approved prescribing information, typically taken once each morning, starting at 150 mg once daily. Maximum single dose: 300 mg; maximum daily dose: 450 mg unless otherwise directed by prescriber.
Per FDA-approved prescribing information, swallow tablets whole. Do not cut, crush, or chew — this can cause rapid drug release and increase adverse effects including seizure risk.
Per FDA-approved prescribing information, if a dose is missed, skip it if the next dose is close. Do not double up. The maximum single and total daily doses must not be exceeded, as higher single doses increase seizure risk.
Warnings Before Taking Wellbutrin
- Black Box Warning — Suicidality: Per FDA-approved prescribing information, bupropion, as an antidepressant (NDRI), carries a black box warning for increased risk of suicidal thinking and behavior in children, adolescents, and young adults (under age 25) with major depressive disorder and other psychiatric disorders. Monitor closely for clinical worsening and unusual behavioral changes, especially during early treatment and dose adjustments.
- Black Box Warning — Seizure Risk: Per FDA-approved prescribing information, bupropion is associated with a dose-dependent risk of seizures. The risk is increased with higher doses, a history of seizure disorder, eating disorders (bulimia or anorexia nervosa), and abrupt discontinuation of alcohol, benzodiazepines, or sedatives.
- Black Box Warning — Neuropsychiatric Events: Per FDA-approved prescribing information, serious neuropsychiatric events including agitation, hostility, depressed mood, and unusual behavior have been reported.
- Per FDA-approved prescribing information: Do not use if you have a seizure disorder or a current or prior diagnosis of bulimia or anorexia nervosa.
- Per FDA-approved prescribing information: Do not use within 14 days of stopping a monoamine oxidase inhibitor (MAOI); allow appropriate washout time before switching.
- Per FDA-approved prescribing information: Inform your prescriber of any history of bipolar disorder, alcohol or sedative withdrawal, head injury, or brain tumor.
- Per FDA-approved prescribing information: Provide a complete medication list to your prescriber and pharmacist.
Wellbutrin Side Effects
Common
Mild
Dry Mouth
Suicidality, Seizure Risk, and Neuropsychiatric Events (Black Box Warning): Per FDA-approved prescribing information, bupropion carries black box warnings for increased suicidal thinking and behavior in patients under age 25, dose-dependent seizure risk, and serious neuropsychiatric events. Monitor for worsening mood, unusual behavior, or seizure activity and report to your prescriber immediately.
Per FDA-approved prescribing information, dry mouth is among the most commonly reported adverse reactions with bupropion. Staying well hydrated and using sugar-free gum or saliva substitutes may help.
Normally lasts for:
2–6 hours
Common
Mild
Insomnia
Per FDA-approved prescribing information, insomnia is a commonly reported adverse reaction with bupropion. Per prescribing information, taking doses earlier in the day may help reduce sleep disturbance.
Normally lasts for:
4–10 hours
Common
Mild
Headache
Per FDA-approved prescribing information, headache is a reported adverse reaction with bupropion, typically described as mild and occurring during early treatment.
Normally lasts for:
1–4 hours
Common
Mild
Nausea
Per FDA-approved prescribing information, nausea is a reported adverse reaction with bupropion. Taking doses with a small snack may reduce gastrointestinal effects.
Normally lasts for:
1–3 hours
Uncommon
Moderate
Anxiety or Restlessness
Per FDA-approved prescribing information, agitation, anxiety, and restlessness are reported adverse reactions with bupropion. Notify your prescriber if these effects are persistent or distressing.
Normally lasts for:
1–6 hours
Common
Mild
Increased Sweating
Per FDA-approved prescribing information, excessive sweating (hyperhidrosis) is a reported adverse reaction with bupropion.
Normally lasts for:
1–4 hours
Contact Us for a Personalized Care Plan
Have questions about compounding? Contact Voshell's Pharmacy — we prepare patient-specific medications pursuant to valid prescriptions from your licensed prescriber.
What If You Forgot to Take Wellbutrin
If You Forgot to Take Wellbutrin
Per FDA-approved prescribing information:
- If you remember within a few hours of the scheduled dose, take it as soon as remembered.
- If it is close to the next scheduled dose, skip the missed dose and return to your regular schedule.
- Do not double up. Per FDA-approved prescribing information, exceeding the maximum single dose increases seizure risk.
- Consistent daily dosing supports the medication's effectiveness; if missed doses are frequent, discuss this with your prescriber.
What If You Took Too Much Wellbutrin
What If You Took Too Much Wellbutrin?
Contact Poison Control immediately at 1-800-222-1222 (U.S.) if you suspect an overdose, even if no symptoms are present. Call 911 if the person is unresponsive or experiencing a medical emergency. Per FDA-approved prescribing information, do not wait for symptoms to appear before seeking evaluation.
- Symptoms of bupropion overdose may include: seizures (dose-dependent), cardiac arrhythmias, and altered consciousness.
- Per FDA-approved prescribing information, seizures may occur in bupropion overdose, including at doses near the upper therapeutic range.
- Do not drive or take additional medications until evaluated by a medical professional.
- Bring the medication bottle or know the exact dose and formulation taken when contacting Poison Control or seeking care.
How Much Does Wellbutrin Cost
How Much Does Wellbutrin Cost with Insurance?
With insurance coverage, bupropion (the generic form) is commonly placed on a lower formulary tier. Actual costs depend on your specific insurance plan, formulary tier, deductible status, formulation, and preferred pharmacy network. Contact your insurance plan or pharmacy directly for your actual out-of-pocket cost.
Pricing information is subject to change. This is not a guarantee of coverage or cost.
How Much Does Wellbutrin Cost without Insurance
Cost of Wellbutrin Without Insurance
Without insurance, the cost of bupropion (generic) and brand-name Wellbutrin varies by pharmacy, formulation (IR, SR, or XL), dosage strength, and quantity. Contact your local pharmacy or a pharmacy discount program directly for current pricing. FSA/HSA funds may be used for eligible prescription medications.
Pricing information is subject to change and may vary significantly by location and pharmacy.
Resources:
https://www.accessdata.fda.gov/drugsatfda_docs/label/2017/018644s052lbl.pdf
https://medlineplus.gov/druginfo/meds/a695033.html
https://www.mayoclinic.org/drugs-supplements/bupropion-oral-route/description/drg-20062478
https://www.nami.org/about-mental-illness/treatments/mental-health-medications/types-of-medication/bupropion-wellbutrin/
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK470212/
